TIFFIN 2

17

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When we reached the motel, Cole chose to park a good distance away.

"Sorry for making you walk," he apologized, "I have a bit of claustrophobia."

Knowing what position he was in, I found this hard to believe. He was constantly attending meetings and spoke in front of big groups.

"Really?" I asked in disbelief.

Cole unbuckled, turning to face me.

"Why do you sound so surprised?"

I shrugged. "I don't want to sound condescending, but I've seen you during the staff meetings. There are a few hundred of us. You're so calm and collected."

Cole chuckled. "It's more of a habit. You should have seen me in grade school; I couldn't turn in assignments to save my life. I was such a chicken. I practiced forming this mask."

I blew a breath out. "I really couldn't imagine not turning in my assignments. I wouldn't have been able to let my parents down."

Cole shook his head, smiling. "How are you even real?"

It went silent for a moment until I cleared my throat.

"I should go."

Cole seemed to have come back to reality.

"Oh- right. Let me walk you to the front."

When we had finally made it to the sidewalk, Cole dug his hands in his pockets, looking like he had something else to say. I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I just wanted to make sure that you're alright," He said, "You were passed out for a while and the situation with the cops was a lot to take in. I mean, I can't fathom what life is like is for you- I mean... I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry."

I couldn't help but giggle at this. He was so awkward.

"I'm really okay. I'm slowly accepting my reality and there's not really anything I can do about it. I appreciate you checking up on me."

"Of course," Cole breathed, "You have to know I'll be here, whether it be as your boss or just a... confidant."

I nodded, looking off to the side. Staring up at him now was somehow much harder to do. This was happening more often with him.

As my eyes searched the sidewalk, I suddenly noticed boxes with some familiar items. Those couldn't have been my boxes, could they?

Maybe I needed to call Tawnee and see if the company had made payments for the day.

Cole then smiled, accepting this was all he would be getting from me. Then, in a more friendly gesture, he massaged my arms like a loving father would have done.

"I'm just glad you're okay." He finished.

I was about to thank him when Cole was lifted off his feet.

Out of nowhere, Hero came storming up, lifting him by his patchy jacket, slamming him against the motel's hard walls, with much more force than he had shown with Brendan.

He really didn't like him.

"Don't fucking touch her!" Hero screamed, looking like he was prepared for a fight. "I'm going to wire your damn mouth shut!"

He slammed Cole against the wall a few more times, making me realize just how pissed he was.

"Hero!" I gasped, pulling at the leather on his jacket. "Why the hell are you doing this? Let him go!"