Sheltered(10)

When I get there, the room is already starting to get warm, and I switch on the fans to circulate the air. I’ve got my coffee, though I wish it was iced, and I begin to go through inventory.

As I work my way through the crates that have been here the longest and cross reference those with what I have on file, I find a couple that are either missing in the system or on a paper invoice I haven’t been given yet. I mark all of them down with their corresponding crate numbers and make a note to ask Lilith later. I don’t want to slow progress at this point and I don’t want to break them open either.

Most of the art out here is in large wooden crates. They’re in all shapes and sizes, but the heavy wood boxes are made especially for each piece and to protect the art. Some of the boxes are made right here in the warehouse by a few of the guys that work here. I met some of them yesterday and when they come in this morning, I say hello to them again, making small talk and trying to be friendly.

If I had to open a crate, I’d have to get a couple of them to help me, and if Lilith can identify them for me, then opening them up won’t be necessary.

There are about a dozen pieces that are overdue on shipment because they’ve been mislabeled or put in the wrong place. I sort out which ones we can do immediately and take care of as many as I can at one time, taking as many notes as possible so as not to mess anything up.

When my stomach rumbles it startles me and I glance down at my watch to see it’s after one already. I packed a bunch of snacks in my bag last night, but I left them in my office. The foreman comes over about the same time and tells me they’re taking lunch. Well, at least someone around here does.

I decide now is as good of a time as any and I’m going to take a break myself. If I happen to see Lilith on the way, I’ll ask her about the crates. Otherwise, I’ll wait. They’re not an absolute rush at the moment, and I don’t know if there are more. It’s better to give her all the ones I’ve found at one time than piece by piece.

I’m lost in my thoughts as I walk down the hall when I run into something.

“Oomph,” I say, stepping back and trying to think of an apology. “Fritz!” I shout as my mind catches up with what’s in front of me.

“Blair,” he says, almost as shocked to see me as I am to see him. “What are you doing?”

My smile drops as I see his eyes scan down my clothes. I got pretty dirty climbing over crates, but Lilith did tell me to dress this way, which I’m thankful for.

“Inventory,” I say, then shake off his confusion. “Did you come to see me?” I brighten, reaching out to grab his hand.

He visibly shrinks back, and it’s then I notice all the dirt and grime on my hand.

“I came to see if you were free for lunch. But I can see that’s not possible right now. I had reservations, but I’m afraid it’s a bit more upscale.”

I hate the way Fritz tries to cover his southern accent. He’s always been so careful to disguise it, but you can only put so much lipstick on a pig.

Squaring my shoulders, I try not to let it get to me. This is the first time I’ve seen him in weeks. “I could go get cleaned up and change. I have a nice dress I wore to work, but Lilith suggested I bring a change of clothes for when I’m in the back.”

“And I was right.”

I turn to see Lilith standing there. It’s clear she was listening to our exchange. She gives me a small smile and then turns to give Fritz a cool look. I’m surprised by her actions, and also embarrassed. I didn’t think what Fritz said was bad, I just wouldn’t want other people to hear it and get the wrong idea about him. He can be very sweet and loving, but he’s all about appearances.

“Well, it’s too late for the reservation now. I spent too long looking for you, and now I have to get back to work,” he says. For some reason I don’t believe him, but I shake the thought, thinking I’m once again being childish and reading too much into things.

“Will I see you tonight?” I ask. If we can’t do lunch maybe we could do dinner instead. I’m starting to think we need to talk about what is happening with us.

“I’ll text you,” he says as he starts to lean down and kiss my cheek, but instead leans back, changing his mind. “See you later, sweetheart.”

There’s no warmth to his goodbye or his departure. Lilith brazenly stood there in the same place for the whole exchange. I must look like a complete fool to her. I turn around to offer some sort of explanation, but she speaks first.

“You can do better,” she says.

“He’s not how he seems. He’s my best friend,” I defend.

She doesn’t say a word, but the look she gives me slices me to my core. She sees right through to where I’m desperately trying to convince myself that I’m right. Her smile is full of pity as she turns and walks away. I begin to wonder how many lies I have been telling myself. I push those thoughts away, grabbing something to eat before getting back to work.

When it’s finally time to leave, my legs ache today as I walk home. At least this time I don’t mind the walk so much because the night air is cool enough now that I’m no longer sweating. My feet are pretty cozy since I wore the right shoes. But my legs can’t make up for the fact that I haven’t worked out in a long time. Like maybe ever. And my muscles are not agreeing with the physical labor.