Ruin:Part One(5)

Her eyes dart to her laptop screen and I wonder briefly if an episode of her favorite detective drama is pulling her attention away. "I need an assistant."

I push myself closer to the edge of the chair I'm sitting in. I need that. I'll take that. I don't care what it pays or what the responsibilities are. "I'd make a great assistant," I say a little too exuberantly.

"You know what?" Her gaze settles back on me. "I think you're right."

My shoulders sway forward. "I'd appreciate the chance to show you what a great asset I can be."

Her face softens as a small smile pulls at the corner of her lips. "You've already done that, Kayla."

I don’t want to sound too eager but she's handing me a golden ticket out of Alexa and Noah's guest room. I've only been there five days but I already feel like a third wheel. "When can I start?"

She tips her head back a touch as she pulls her glasses back on. "Monday will be fine. I can pay you the same as what you were getting when you left but the workload will be more."

I know it will be. I'm suddenly aware that it's very likely that I'll not only be shouldering whatever she throws my way but a lot of her work too. Normally, I'd balk at the added responsibility but it's exactly what I need right now. "I'm ready to take on anything."

Her expression shifts slightly as she leans back. "I'm going to hold you to that."

I don’t question what she means. I don’t care right now. All I know is that this is the first step in getting my life and future back.



***



"Do you think you'll live alone or will you get a roommate?" Alexa's eyes scan the pint sized kitchen of the walk up we're currently touring in Murray Hill.


"If I live here, I can do it alone." I try not to say the words with as much distaste as I feel. This is nothing like the last place I called home in Manhattan. Back then Alexa was my roommate before she moved in with Noah. Once she left, I found another girl to share the expenses with right away. After I'd bolted back to Boston, my room was quickly handed over to the next person with a rent check in hand.

She picks up a dated rug that is thrown on the hardwood floors. "I like that it's furnished."

I do too. It's not my ideal neighborhood. The décor looks like it came right out of the eighties, but it's comfortable and safe. "I think I should take it."

"Do you need me to help you with the damage deposit or first month's rent?"

It's a question born out of our friendship, not her desire to get me out of her place. "I can handle it."

"You're sure?" she asks through a smile. "I want to help if I can."

I reach for her shoulders, pulling her into a warm embrace. "You've helped me a lot the past two weeks."

"You've lost weight." Her eyes rake over my thin frame. "You're skinnier now than you were when you got here."

I am. I haven't had an appetite. Food, sleep and a quiet mind have been in short supply. Even though Alexa has cooked delicious meals for me the past few weeks I haven't been able to stomach the taste. I'm not sick. Physically, there's nothing wrong with me. I finally feel as though I'm being lifted out of the fog of emotions that I experienced after my break up with Parker. I can see the future now, even if it means moving into this apartment that is three subway stops away from her place.

"We'll go out to celebrate your new place with Noah tonight." She claps her hands together. "I can fix you up with someone from work if you want to make it a double date."

I visibly wince at the words. "I'm not into teachers," I tease.

"This one is hot. His name is Doug. You'll like him."

I study her face. There's a hopeful glint in her eyes. She wants this for me. She wants to push me into my future with full force. "What does he look like?" It's shallow but it's important. The last thing I want is to be with a man who physically resembles Parker in any way.

The question doesn't rattle her at all. "He's about average height I guess. He's got blonde hair, and blue eyes." Her hand darts to her chin. "He has a beard and he's ripped."

"How would you know if he's ripped?" I tap my foot against the faded throw rug. "You're making that up."

She pats me on my elbow. "I'm not." She grins. "He wears tight t-shirts sometimes. All I can say is wow."

"Wow?" I parrot back.

"Wow," she repeats, her brows jumping up.

"I don't know, Lex." The knot that is overtaking my stomach is reason enough for me to derail this plan. "It's really soon."

"It's a dinner." She pushes my hair back over my shoulders. "One dinner. It's not like you're marrying the guy."

"I'll do it," I whisper. "I guess I'll do it."





Chapter 5




Doug gestures towards Noah with a nod of his chin. "What's with his face?"

Any desire that may have been edging its way to the surface is lost with that one question. "What do you mean?" I whisper back. "What are you talking about?"