Twenty-Three

Here I am, lying in bed the night before the big day, and so many scenarios are running through my head. So much so that I can't find the switch to turn my brain off. The nonstop chatter is driving me up the wall. I never heard back from Silas. I didn't expect to. Okay, that's a lie. I wanted him to reach out or to show up at my door with that smirk of his and tell me he was proud of me. But it's nothing but wishful thinking. When tomorrow rolls around, it will just be me walking through those doors, and that's all there is to it.

Why can't shit just be easy for me, just once? The only thing that went right today was the delivery. Thankfully, everything I ordered came in, and I worked my ass off stocking the shelves. I should be beyond tired and yet I can't fall asleep. I swing the blankets off and head for the kitchen. Maybe ice cream and true crime will help me fall asleep.

I've done this all before, including ice cream and true crime. My life feels stuck on a never-ending loop, going round and round with no progress in sight. That damn hamster wheel won't stop spinning long enough for me to step off.

I startle awake when the TV volume increases. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears; I try to calm down by placing my hand on my chest. It's almost like déjà vu. I slowly get up and walk to the front window. Grabbing the curtain, without thinking, I fling it open fast, hoping to scare whoever is out there. But there's no one there.

All that's there is the mask that I left in my yard. I couldn't touch it again; honestly, I thought he would return to grab it. I guess I couldn't keep a stalker around, either. I close the curtains, shut the TV off and head to the bedroom. It's going to be a long night.

I stare at myself in the bathroom mirror; my hair is a mess, and the bags under my eyes are a dead giveaway that the sleep never came. I can't give myself a pep talk because I'm too busy being a Debbie downer. The words that Elma said are going through my mind. What did she mean by saying that everyone was upset with me? Is today going to be a complete bust?

I run a brush through my hair, contemplating my next move. At this point, I really couldn't care less. If people show up, they show up. There isn't much I can do about it. Elma ruined things for me; even if I dug the grave, she opened her mouth without all the information.

"You've got this, you're a bad bitch, and no one can ruin this day." I nod at myself and finish getting myself ready.

The walk to the shop was refreshing and what I needed. But that fizzed out when I turned the corner and noticed a blacked-out Land Rover parked outside the shop. I stop dead in my tracks and turn around. I'm not dealing with that witch. I take the alley and find my phone.

"What's the matter, Tee?"

"Where are you?" I demand, ignoring his question.

"What's wrong?" Jace's voice raises a notch .

"I'm at the shop, and Nancy is waiting out front. What should I do?"

I hear a door slam and some yelling. "The boys and I are coming. Go through the back and stay in the office. Don't open any door until I call you."

"Okay." I rush down the alley, trying to dig my keys out of my bag. Why would she be waiting? Is she trying to bait me into doing something, or does she want something from me? Struggling to insert the key into the lock, my trembling hands refuse to cooperate. My heart pounds with uncertainty, dreading the possibility of Nancy suddenly appearing around the corner.

I feel such a sense of relief as I slide the key into the lock. Once inside, I immediately lock the door behind me. My whole body is shaking, and I'm on the verge of crying. I have to pull it together. I haven't broken down yet, and I can't start yet. I slip into my office and wait for Jace to call. Without thinking, I text him.

Me: Silas I know you don't wanna talk to me, but I'm scared.

I don't know what made me reach out, but I'm unsure what could happen with Nancy sitting outside. I hold my phone close to my chest and lean against the door. I jump when my phone dings .

Sunshine: What's going on? I'm calling pick up the fucking phone

The phone hardly rings before I accept the call.

"Silas."

"What's going on, Teagan?"

God, it's so good to hear his voice "Nancy is waiting for me at the shop."

"Dimples, it'll be alright. Are the doors locked?"

"Yeah, I'm in my office. I called Jace. He and the guys are coming, but I'm scared she might try to force herself in." I feel my voice cracking and tears welling up.

"That's good, love." His voice softened. "Don't leave that office; stay there until Jace shows up. I'm sorry that I can't be there."

I stay silent to avoid breaking down in tears. I nod, sniffling. "You left me."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Why?"

He's quiet. "We aren't having this conversation right now. We can talk when you are safe."

"Okay."

"Where is Jace?"

I check my phone even though I would get a notification. "I'm not sure. Jace said he would call." I feel a tear slipping down my nose, so I quickly wipe it away while sniffing a bit.

"It's okay, breathe. He'll be there shortly. Stay on the phone until then. Can you do that?"

"Yeah."

"Perfect, love. Tell me about the shop. How does it look."

I smile; the shop is beautiful. "It's amazing, Sunshine. You can't tell a stupid fire hydrant took it out." He chuckles. "The shelves are all stocked, and I decided not to do a coffee bar. I'm going to turn it into a small retail spot instead; I think that would be better."

"Sounds perfect. No more screaming demons is even better in my books."

"Oh, tell me about it. My books will be safe now."

I missed talking to him, and I'm trying not to think about when I have to hang the phone up and our time will come to an end. I want to ask so many questions, but I know it would be pointless. He'll never answer them.

A deafening bang echoed from the front of the store, sending waves of fear coursing through me.

"Teagan?" Silas yells. "Teagan, answer me. What the fuck was that?" calls again when I don't say anything.

"I…I don't know." I could barely force the words out .

"Lock the office door. I'm coming back to get you, Dimples."

I try to calm my breathing when I hear voices I don't know in the shop. "I'm so scared. What do I do?"

"Hide, call the cops. I'm hanging up. Call the cops. Teagan."

The line goes dead, and I stare at the wall. I'm slowly losing my will; this was supposed to be my happy day, but now it's becoming a nightmare. I'm on autopilot at this point as I hit Taylor's number. I barely remember what I said to him, but I remember something about the shop and Nancy. I'm sure he'll blame me. The voices continue along with banging and destruction.

I sink down between my desk and the wall and bury my head in my hands. And the tears finally fall. I wipe them away so I can see the screen on my phone.

Me: Where the hell are you?

I shouldn't have to ask Jace where he is. It never takes him this long unless he's out on a call. I close my eyes and try to escape, but it's not enough. I'll never get that sound out of my ears. I want to call Dad, but I don't need to get him mixed up with whatever is happening out there. I cover my ears when I hear the bookshelves being pushed over. Nancy must've called in people to do this because I've had loyal customers for years, and I know they wouldn't do this to me.

I'm unsure how long time has passed until a knock on the door had me jolting away from the desk. I don't say a word. All I can do is stare at the door, waiting for someone to kick it down.

"Tee, baby, it's me. Open up."

"Jace?"

"Yeah, it's me. Can you open the door?" His voice is muffled, almost like he is pressing his mouth against the door.

I grab the desk, lifting myself. I'm so exhausted and scared to see what lies behind the door. As I unlock the door and cautiously open it, my heart races in anticipation. Jace stands there in his firefighter gear, and I can't hold back my tears of relief and gratitude. With a swift motion, he swings the door wide open and pulls me into his strong embrace.

"Shh, I got you. I'm sorry it took me a while. We tried to get here sooner. I'm sorry." I grip him tight, smelling smoke on his uniform.

"I'm scared, Jace. What happened?"

"Don't worry about that. Are you okay?"

"I don't know what to think. Today was supposed to be the best day. All that hard work went into this day, and for what? Nothing. "

He hugs me tighter. "It wasn't for nothing. This shop is your passion, Tee. Don't let some assholes take that away from you. Can I take you home?"

"What about the shop?"

"The guys are dealing with it, and Taylor is here. He'll want to talk with you, but I'll have him stop by your place afterward. You need to get out of here."

"Thank you."

I'm not sure I want to be home alone. What if something happens there?