Layers(26)

Walking into the kitchen, I find it empty, and I recall that it’s Tasha’s first day at work. She must have left already. I go back to get my phone from the room then turn the coffee machine on, letting it heat up. Popping an Advil to kill the remnants of a headache, I dial Tasha’s number.

“Hey you,” her cheerful voice greets me.

“Hey, working girl.”

“Remarkable choice of words, Missy,” she chuckles. The irony stings …

“Are you there already?”

“Just arrived. Going to see your new BFF Mrs. Greenich.”

“Make sure to send her all my love when you see her.” We both snicker.

“I’ll call you later, Hales, okay? After I’ve settled in.”

“Okay. Knock em’ dead.”

“Rest assured, I will.” I’m sure you will. Through her giggles she says goodbye.

Back at the kitchen I make myself a mug of dark coffee and head back to bed. Placing the coffee on my nightstand, I turn on the laptop and position it on my lap. As it comes to life I browse through the news and check my inbox. There’s an email from Daniel. I look at the unread mail with mixed emotions, mostly anger, but my curiosity overcomes me.

Curiosity, Hales? Ask the cat how well it worked for him …



Hayley,

You didn’t reply to my text last night and got me worried. Hope you arrived safely after all and that you’re well.

I never planned for last night to end like it did.

Let’s talk.

DS

I can’t deal with him right now; I don’t want to deal with him right now. I close my laptop and head to the shower.

~~~

The time at work barely passes; each time I check the clock the minute hand seems stuck at the same angle. The phone hardly rings and there aren’t too many requirements for my assistance. Even Mrs. Never Got Laid seems mellow, definitely not her usual cruel self. I’m bored, looking at the PC in front of me; I chuckle inwardly and Google “Psychopathic Characteristics.”



About 121,000,000 results in less than 0.24 seconds

Signs of irrational thinking: Check

Nervousness or neurotic manifestations: Check

Unreliability: Check

Lack of remorse or shame: Check

Antisocial behavior without apparent compunction: Check

Poor judgment and failure to learn from experience: Check

Pathological egocentricity and incapacity for empathy: Check

Frantic and inadequate behavior: Check

And we have a match!

I decide that now’s as good a time as ever to answer him.



Daniel,

I’m sure you didn’t plan for last night to end like it did. Neither did I, but that doesn’t change what happened.

I don’t believe there’s anything left to talk about; you made it quite clear what you have in mind and what you don’t, which is absolutely fine. I believe we’re looking for very different things.

Don’t stress about it, D. It was a pleasure knowing you.

Hayley

As soon as I sign it I send my response, making sure I won’t be able to retract or rewrite it. About a short office conversation and a coffee later I receive a reply.



Dear Hayley,

I’m glad to learn that you’re well and alive.

Stop acting like a kid and let’s talk.

Daniel

I tuck the phone irritably in my back pocket.

~~~

I’m so glad at Tasha’s return that evening, and I feel the sheer gratitude of having an in-house shoulder to cry on, a partner in crime, a soul mate.

“Honey, I’m home, hide the milkman.” Her voice drastically elevates my mood.

“In here,” I call, and she pops her head in my room, grinning at me.

“Join me at the royal dining room?”

“But of course.” I too easily leave my artwork and join her in the kitchen.

“Wine?” she asks.

“By all means, yes, and keep ‘em coming.” I’m rewarded by a full-blown smile and an arched eyebrow.

“How was your first day at kindergarten?” I watch her eagerly pour the wine into two tall glasses.

“Better than I expected,” she responds, taking a sip of her chardonnay as she hands me mine. She kicks her black stilettos aside.

“Cheers, dear. To new kick-ass careers.” I lift my glass to hers, leaning my hip against the counter.

“Everyone was welcoming and helpful. The group of people I will work with are nice, and they all seem to be friendly, which is a good thing. It’ll be a nice group to work with,” she says, as she settles herself parallel to me behind our kitchen counter.

“So what’s wrong, Hales?” Her expression changes, her mouth becoming a thin line. Her eyes narrow, scrutinizing me as she confronts me.

“What do you mean?” Gloom falls over me once I realize I’ll eventually have to talk about how I really feel.

“What do I mean?” She repeats my own words, scornfully, tapping her fingers against the surface of the counter. She seems to be assessing her thoughts before she mutters.

“You tell me,” She huffs. “Any idea why Daniel bothered to pay me a visit on my first day at work, all concerned and intimidating, just to find out whether my best friend was fine?” I take a way too generous a sip. A confusing mixture of joy and rage runs through me.