Awakening Book One of the Trust Series(5)

“Of course I do. No limitations.” She failed miserably in attempting to appear excited as she cast her eyes downward towards the floor. The room had begun to spin, the crisp lines of the room blurring, and she blinked hard, trying to get through what appeared to be vertigo. Caitlyn knew she could push through this. After all, she always did in the past.

She heard Garrett continuing the conversation in the background. “Well, why not let fate decide?”

Caitlyn looked up, surprised. “What do you mean?”

“Come back to my apartment and you’ll see. Besides, based on how fine you appear to be feeling, it’s probably best if we make breakfast there.”

She did have to admit that being on a comfortable couch sounded much more alluring than being in a restaurant or sitting on an old diner bench.

Within minutes, they had hopped into his car and traveled through the college campus. She took in the sites of the familiar buildings, knowing they would be a faint memory soon enough. The old side streets led away from the campus and soon gave way to the big house that was made of old brick with ivy travelling attractively up the side. Caitlyn was envious when comparing it to her tiny place.

“I still can’t believe you live here.”

“Well remember, I did get stuck with the third floor.”

She scoffed. “More like lucked out. It is the only apartment on that floor and it is huge.”

It was her third time entering the apartment, and she was still enamored with it. The apartment was warm and comfortable, filled with rich tones and beautiful hardwood floors. Not what she expected for an apartment that was so close to the college. She was used to second hand mismatched furniture and decorations that consisted of posters and empty drink containers.

“I still haven’t asked you, how did you find this place? I love the traditional architecture.”

He shrugged. “I wish I could take credit. But the company already owned the building and had it furnished. All I had to do was move in. Honestly, my taste is a little more modern.”

The company. Caitlyn had been surprised to learn that he was not actually military, but instead a recruiter for one of the largest computer manufacturing firms in the world, Trust Corporation. From what Caitlyn gathered, he was recruiting recent and soon to be graduates for open positions. Caitlyn figured he would not have difficulty with that task, as Trust Corporation was one of the most renowned technology firms in the country; most college students would give an arm to get their foot even in the door for that company. Trust Corporation was known for being very exclusive.

“So what are we doing here? Besides breakfast I mean.”

Garrett pointed to a large globe standing on a pedestal in the corner of the room. Caitlyn immediately understood. Before she could respond, another bout of nausea overtook her. She turned away quickly from her friend, bending over. As much as she tried to make it look discreet and hide it, she could not completely, and he placed his arm on her shoulder to steady her.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should wait a few days to leave. I know your lease is up, but you can always stay here. I can sleep on the couch.”

She stayed bent for a minute before standing back up to look at him with determination. “Thank you, but no. The doctors have run every test imaginable and have come up with nothing. I am not delaying my life any longer.”

Garrett scrunched his face, but nodded nonetheless. “Well, if that is your choice…”

“It is.”

He sighed before beckoning her with his hand. “Well, then come over here.”

Caitlyn hadn’t even realized he had walked over to the globe. As she walked over to where Garrett stood, he stepped out of the way of the globe and moved behind her. She couldn’t help but note the close proximity of his body to hers. He instructed her to close her eyes and point her finger on the globe.

“I am going to give it a spin and wherever it lands, you go… provided it’s not the middle of the ocean.”

It was a good idea and she did as directed. She heard him spin the globe. The steady rhythm of the turns calmed her mind, and she found herself leaning into Garrett’s chest, enjoying the hint of pine that lingered in his clothing from the cologne he wore. Caitlyn couldn’t help thinking how nice his touch felt when bright colored spots suddenly appeared behind her eyelids. She felt the globe come to a slow stop under her finger. She faintly registered Garrett telling her somewhere in the background, “Open your eyes, I think you will be happy with where it landed.”