6

Adam

The drive to where Daphnie worked was a long one. It took me forty-one minutes to get there via the I-94 expressway. It was a small building that I almost missed. I pulled into the small parking lot next to a silver Chevy pickup truck.

I sat in my car, checking out the building. The side of the building was made of large windows, so I could see inside. From what I could see, the second floor was a lounge area while the first floor was more professional and modern. The building design gave the impression that it was a factory.

Sitting next to the window on the first floor was a man working on his laptop. He looked tall, had dark skin, and was bald. He had a small go tee, was built, and looked like a man who didn't play. He was a little intimidating and looked like someone you would regret messing with if you dared to.

Suddenly, Daphnie came walking down a set of stairs with a paper in her hands. From where I was, I could see that she was wearing a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and black boots, and her hair was in a high ponytail. She stopped a few feet from the man and looked as if she was afraid to approach him. She took a few steps forward and said something. The man looked up, and she began to speak, walking up to him and handing him the paper she was holding. He looked at the form and said a few things. He returned the paper to her and returned to working on his computer. Daphnie had a look of relief on her face as she turned around and ran up the stairs.

I looked at the time and saw that it was 12:10. I decided that the best thing to do would be to go inside. It was only a matter of time before the man noticed my car. Another thing, I was driving a different vehicle today. Daphnie wouldn't know it was me if the man called it out to all his workers.

I grabbed the rose I picked out for Daphnie and headed to the door. When I walked inside, the man immediately turned around to look at me as the alarm chime announced, "Front Door."

"Hi. What can I do for you?" His tone was friendly yet held authority.

In an authoritative but calm voice, I said, "I'm here to pick up Daphnie."

The man turned around and shouted, "Hey, Daph!"

His voice actually startled me a little.

"Coming!"

I heard Daphnie say; her voice had a sense of panic. I didn't like that. Within seconds, she came running down the stairs. She stopped a few feet from the man, and with her hands behind her back, she said, "yes, sir?"

"You leaving already?"

"No, sir." She looked confused

"Well, this guy here says he's here to pick you up."

Daphnie looked at me, then back at the man.

"Just for lunch. I normally take my lunch break at 12:15, but I'm working on some permits right now."

"Alright, finish those up then."

"Yes, sir."

Daphnie ran back up the stairs. The man looked back at me.

"You her boyfriend?" His voice sounded threatening.

"No, sir."

"Why the hell are you here then?"

"Leave him alone!" I heard a woman's voice call. It sounded a little annoying, like she had sinus problems. I saw a woman standing by the balcony, just a few feet away from the stairs. She was short, had dark skin like the man, and was a little muscular. She wore gym shoes, black leggings, a Cross Fit Warehouse sweatshirt, and her black hair was in a high ponytail. Not really appropriate attire for an office. She looked at me and said

"Ignore him. He doesn't know what he's saying."

I honestly didn't know what to say after that. I was too pissed that it was supposed to be Daphnie's lunch break, and this man still had her work.

"John. When did you make that deposit?"

So that was his name.

"Yesterday."

"What did the guy say?"

"He said it would take a few days to go through."

"What the hell? Can't you do anything to make everything go faster?"

"No, I can't! What do you want me to do?"

"I need help! You keep throwing work at me, and I shouldn't even be responsible for that."

"Well, I don't know how to do the work you want me to do!"

"That's because you don't ask!"

"Well, anytime I need your help, you're not here!"

These two were highly unprofessional. I noticed they had semi-matching rings on their fingers, so I assumed they were married. This woman had no respect for her husband; that was sad. This was a toxic environment for Daphnie, and I felt terrible for her.

Maybe I could get her a job in the office of one of my restaurants or hotels.

I stood there looking out at the parking lot, trying to block the arguing. Eventually, it stopped.

"Hey!" I heard Daphnie's voice. I turned around and smiled.

"Hey. Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

"Here."

I passed Daphnie the rose I held in my hand, and she took it with a smile.

"Thank you."

"I know I got you pink carnations yesterday, but that exact rose reminded me of you."

"I like roses as well, not just carnations." She blushed.

All I could do was smile at her comment. "Okay, let's go."

I walked over to the door and held it open for Daphnie. When she entered the parking lot, I could see the confusion as she looked for my Porsche.

"This one," I said as I put my hand on her back to gently push her toward my Cadillac.

"Oh my gosh!" Daphnie ran up to the car and hugged it. "I love Cadillacs!"

"You do?" I was excited.

"Yes! Is this from the seventies?"

"Yes, it is. 1974 to be exact," I said proudly.

"It's so beautiful!" Daphnie looked like she was going to cry.

"I'm glad you like it."

I unlocked the door, and Daphnie immediately sat inside, admiring the interior.

"Hey, I'm supposed to open the door for you," I said as I approached the car.

"This car is amazing! Where did you get the interior redone?"

I smiled proudly and said, "I redid it myself."

Daphnie looked at me in awe.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I bought it at an auction and fixed it up."

"You did a phenomenal job. You should be very proud."

"Thank you. I am."

I closed Daphnie's door and got into the driver's seat. Backing out of the parking lot, I said, "you work quite a distance from where you live."

"Yeah, but I don't mind it. It's what helped me pay for my tuition; this job, Financial Aid, and a Merit Scholarship."

You shouldn't have to go through all of that trouble.

"Where would you like to work?"

"Downtown. In the loop or somewhere near there. Just so I can easily get there by train."

"How do you get to this job?"

"I take two buses and walk through that cemetery."

"Wow," I said. That really pissed me off.

"Yeah, but I don't mind."

I kept my eyes on the road. I was hoping Daphnie wouldn't notice how tense I was.

"So, where are we going?"

"There's a Panera Bread close by."

"Oh, I know where it is."

"Have you ever eaten there before?"

"Not that one, but years ago, I used to go every weekend with my mom and grandma to one at Chicago Ridge."

"Every weekend? You must've loved it there."

"Yes. I loved the soups and sandwiches there."

It only took a few minutes for us to get to the restaurant. Daphnie had a look of excitement on her face. Before I unlocked the doors, I looked at her and said, "please let me open the door for you this time."

Daphnie smiled at me and chuckled a little.

"Okay."

I unlocked the doors and walked to Daphnie's side to open the door.

"Thank you." She smiled

"You're welcome."

Surprisingly, the line wasn't long. I looked around and saw that it was quiet. I watched Daphnie as she looked over the menu; she was absolutely breathtaking. I was enamored by her.

" I'm gonna go with the Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup and a Four Cheese Grilled Cheese. How about you?"

Daphnie looked at me. Luckily, I had already looked up the menu and knew what I wanted.

"I'm gonna go with the Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, and I'll have a Heritage Ham & Swiss sandwich."

When we reached the cashier, I ordered our food. I let Daphnie pick where to sit, and she chose a booth along the wall. We fixed our food in front of us and began eating. I smiled as I watched Daphnie savor each bite of her food.

I decided to break the silence.

"So, what do you do at your job?"

"Mainly, I assist with renewing and applying for permits. I also manage my boss's calendar, help my other boss with her gym, and help with any other things they need, like bills being entered into QuickBooks and checks being printed. I also create files, and I talk to some of the workers."

"Do you like it there?"

Daphnie had a look of guilt on her face.

"Honestly, no."

That's what I figured.

"How come?"

"It's just really stressful. My bosses throw work at me constantly, and they're always arguing. I can't stand how the lady treats her husband; he gives her everything she wants, and she has no respect for him whatsoever."

"Sounds rough."

"Yeah. I feel so bad for her husband. A wife is supposed to respect her husband, build him up, encourage him, and she just won't."

"So, what are you gonna do?"

"Well, as I said before, I'm looking for a job. Once I get a job, I'll give my two-week notice and move on."

"You sound excited about that."

"I am. I don't like being in a toxic environment."

I wanted to ask her if she was afraid of her boss, but I already knew the answer. I would get even more pissed and fight him if I heard her say it. Sure, I might end up with some injuries, but if it was because I was defending Daphnie, it was worth it.

"How about you? You said you own a security company."

"Yes. I'm the manager as well; I prefer to run things myself. Like I said, we provide basic security."

"Is it a difficult job? Running a company?"

"Sometimes, it's frustrating. I need to ensure everyone is trained properly and keeps up with regular training, but I have a good group of employees who stay on top of their tasks."

Mainly because they're afraid of me.

"That's good to hear. Do you ever get extremely busy?"

"Around this time, yes. Many holiday events are coming up, so people are asking for security to be at those events."

"Well, I hope you don't get too worn out."

"It won't. I like being busy."

"You do?" Daphnie looked worried.

"Yes. But I also like having free time. Especially right now."

Daphnie smiled.

"So, what are your plans when you get a new job?"

"Well, I'll start looking for an apartment, and after a few paychecks, I'll move out."

"You sound pretty eager to leave."

"Yeah... My father and I don't have the best relationship."

"How about your mother?"

"She died when I was twenty-one."

"Oh... I'm sorry."

I was able to understand Daphnie. I knew what it was like to lose one parent and have a crappy relationship with the other. Of course, I wouldn't tell her that.

"Thank you."

"I'm assuming your mother's death changed your father?"

"No."

"No?"

"He left when I was a baby. He was in and out of my life. I hadn't seen him in a few years, but he decided to take me in when my mother died. Then I finished school, and now I just need to find another job and move out."

"Well, I hope everything works out for you."

Daphnie smiled at me and took a spoonful of her soup. I went to take a bite of my sandwich but stopped when I heard shooting. I immediately dropped my lunch and stood in front of Daphnie, ready to fight as I scanned the room for the shooter. Just a few tables away from me was a kid playing some video game. I let out a sigh of relief, but I couldn't bring myself to relax.

"Adam, are you okay?"

I snapped back into reality and looked at Daphnie. I sat back down in my seat.

"Yeah. It's just that kid startled me with that game."

"I know what you mean. I don't understand why parents let their kids play those games, especially in a restaurant where people try to enjoy their meal."

"Yeah."

I couldn't stop myself from beginning to shake. My heart was beating fast, and I couldn't breathe.

I can't let her see me like this.

"I have to use the restroom," I said as I stood up.

I practically ran to the door. Luckily, there wasn't anyone in the restroom. I walked up to the sink and looked in the mirror. I tried to steady my heart rate and breathing.

What is wrong with me?

I knew exactly what was wrong; I wouldn't admit it. I took a few more minutes to try to relax.

We were in Afghanistan; I was a PFC at the time. We were scouting the area for a new place to settle. Suddenly, gunshots could be heard. We all took cover as more shots were fired our way. I kept shooting back until I ran out of ammunition. I looked at my sergeant, who pointed out a path we could escape.

"Run!"

My squad members and I did as our sergeant ordered. Before we could get far, there was an explosion; I was thrown back by the impact and felt a heatwave hit me. I looked up and saw the men who ran in front of me dead on the ground. The one who ran in front of us was in pieces; he must have stepped on an IED.

I looked at the lifeless bodies of the men I began to see as my friends, my brothers.

"Carter!" I heard my sergeant say from behind me. "We need to get out of here, now."

I blinked a few times and shook my head as I snapped out of that memory. I took a few more deep breaths until my breathing was normal. I looked at my watch and saw Daphnie only had fifteen minutes left. I regained my composure and walked back to Daphnie; she had finished her soup and sandwich. She was leaning on the table, on her elbows. She looked like she was lost in thought. I didn't want to startle her, so I slowly sat down.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Are you ready to get going?"

"I don't mind waiting for you to finish your food. I still have some time left."

I looked at my plate; I hadn't touched my food. I actually lost my appetite. I didn't want Daphnie to think something was wrong, though.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

Daphnie

I watched Adam as he finished his food. He was so handsome, and I wanted to know more about him.

"Enough about me. What's your story?"

Adam looked up at me. He seemed a little nervous.

"Well, my mom left when I was eight. I haven't heard from her since."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's no problem. My dad raised me pretty well. The day I turned seventeen, I signed up for the Marines and went straight to Paris Island the day I turned eighteen. When I was done with the Marines, I went to Yale. After Yale, I entered the business field, and I've stayed there ever since."

Adam seemed like a simple person, but I could tell that he was hiding something. However, as long as it wasn't something major, I was okay with him keeping that one secret. I found him to be very intriguing. Before I knew it, he had finished his food.

"Okay. Let's get you back to work. I don't want to get you in trouble."

I smiled at him.

"Don't worry."

Adam held the door for me, walking out of the restaurant and getting into the car. The short drive back to work was quiet, but it was lovely. I spent the whole time staring at my rose, and it brought a smile to my face. I looked up at Adam as he pulled into the parking lot. I never minded my job, but I suddenly felt a sense of dread for some reason. I didn't want to go back. Adam opened my door for me and walked me to the front door. He opened the door for me with a look of sadness on his face. Was he upset that our time together was over?

"Alright, then. I'll see you on Saturday?" There was a glint of hope in his eyes.

I smiled and nodded my head. "Yes."

"Is it alright if I call you before then?"

"Of course."

"Okay. I'll call you tonight."

"Bye."

Adam closed the door and walked back to his car. I headed upstairs to my office and went back to work sorting old invoices and matching them with orders. I didn't hear any arguing, which meant John and Veronica were out on their lunch break. There was a slight smile on my face that I couldn't get rid of. I liked spending time with Adam. Being with him made me feel safe and happy.