Lovers of Yesterday

Chapter 14 • Fear

I relished the silence between me and Dria. The music filled the empty gap enough so that it wasn't awkward. She knew I was uncomfortable just as I knew it was good for me to go outside my comfort zone.

• • •

The bell dinged, signaling our entrance to the coffeeshop. I kept my arms tightly crossed as if it would protect me in some way. I was hoping I could avoid my coworkers but that was deemed impossible the moment I stepped in. Vivian was behind the counter again today and she stopped dead when she recognized me. Her jaw dropped and for a second, I thought she was going to drop the plate with a slice of peach cobbler on it. Someone appeared from the back and I looked over to see Lynch.

He was looking looking down at the bucket we use for dirty dishes and hasn't yet seen me. A quick sweep of what he was wearing told me Dria took him home to change. A loose gray shirt and some jeans. Cold fear ran down my spine as I remembered the voice-mails and texts Liam left. Maybe he didn't mean what he said because he was drunk but I was still terrified.

I froze and spaced out long enough to miss him looking up and noticing me. What I did notice was that he started to smile before his lips pulled into a deep frown. Dria's arm curled around my waist, attempting to bring me back to reality. I heard muffled voices try to talk to me but I couldn't focus.

Liam's going to be angry. Really angry. He's going  to find out that I never took the clothes back. He going to find out that I'm wearing this outfit. He's going to find out that I talked to Lynch. He's going to find out that I lied to him. He's going to find out.

Hands cupped my cheeks and I jerked back in surprise. Lynch was standing in front of me with his hands raised. He slowly dropped his hands, studying my carefully. I reached up and ran a hand through my hair. Vivian was still behind the counter but her face was now stone. I couldn't tell what she was thinking.

"Come on," I looked back up at Lynch.

"Why?" I countered, nervous again.

He gave me a blank stare, "You need to be alone. You're having an anxiety attack."

I looked past him, down at the floor, "Oh...ok."

Dria's arm fell away from me and I stepped forward to follow him. He turned and started heading to the back while I trailed behind. He led me to the lockers and ordered me to sit down on the bench opposite of them. He opened one and started shuffling through some stuff before he pulled out a faded red flannel.

He shut the locker and moved over to where I was sitting, holding the flannel out. I cautiously took it, getting hit with the scent of his cologne. Was it cologne? It smelled good but it didn't smell artifical. I slipped my arms in and hiked it up over my shoulders, grateful for the immediate warmth and security.

He sat down next to me but gave me about a foot of space. I relaxed even more, now knowing he wasn't going to sit closer. He didn't say anything for a long while. I sat in silence, wrapping the flannel tighter around my bare back and stomach. It was thick and warm and I felt safe. I didn't realized I was afraid until the jacket cocooned me.

Lynch shifted to sit up straighter, "Why'd you freak out out there?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know or you don't want to tell me?" He caught me there.

"I...um..."

"You don't need to explain. Figured you weren't comfortable out there so maybe you'd be comfortable back here."

I nodded, then said, "Thank you."

"No need to thank me, sweetheart," he paused, "I do have a question though. Have you seen a necklace with a ring and a cross on it?"

"Yes. I found it when I was folding up the blankets," his eyes lit up, "The clasp was broken and the ring had fallen off. It was pushed between the couch cushions. I was going to take it to a jeweler to have it fixed for you."

I pulled out the bag with the desired contents and handed it to him. He studied it before sitting forward and tucking it in his back pocket, "Thank you. I can get it fixed at some point. I'm glad you found the ring too."

"You're welcome."

It fell silent again until he asked, "Are you feeling better?"

I nodded and hummed in response.

"Good. I have one more question. Does your boyfriend control you?"

Not expecting his question, my head whipped toward him to stare at him with wide eyes. In my moment of surprise, I unknowingly answered his question. When I did realize what he asked, heat rose in my neck and face.

I quickly tried to correct my mistake, "No! Liam wouldn't do anything like that. I promise he's not controlling."

"Wouldn't is different than doesn't," I winced, "I can't tell you anything 'cause I don't know you well enough and you probably already have Alexandria riding your ass about it."

I sat silently for a second, deciding what to say, "I don't know anymore. That's all I can tell you and I won't elaborate because I can't. I just don't know anymore."

Lynch watched me as I stood. I let the faded flannel slide off my shoulders before I handed it back to him. He took one glance and shook his head, pushing it back toward me. I frowned but didn't say anything.

"Keep it. I have a feeling you'll be needing it again. You can give it back to me the next time I see you if you want."

Uncertainty flared in my chest for a split second but I didn't let it take hold. Yet another thing I will have to lie to Liam about. Lynch was right even though I didn't want him to be. Liam is a little controlling but he just doesn't want to worry about me slipping.

I slipped the jacket back on but didn't button it up. It's warmth surrounded me again along with its scent. Lynch stood up, gesturing for me to head back out to the shop. I led him back  out but stopped short. He ran into my back and his hand grabbed my upper arm to stop himself from pushing me forward.

I moved off to the side and stood in the entrance to the kitchen. I heard water running and assumed Rhea was back cleaning dishes. Lynch followed and leaned against the wall next to me, crossing his arms.

"Sorry, I just- Liam's out there and I don't want me and Dria's girl day to be over now," I said sheepishly.

He studied me yet again and leaned down so he could talk in my ear, "You're a terrible liar. I know you're afraid but I won't say anything if you don't want me to. But I will be watching closely and if I see any signs of abuse, I'm pulling you out of that relationship whether you like it or not."

I only nodded, now using the wall for support. How can one person be so good at seeing right through someone? He stood back up and moved away from. The wall, heading toward the shop. I hesitated following him but the look he shot over his shoulder before he stepped out told me that I didn't need to follow him. I sank farther into the jacket and leaned back against the wall.

Then I got an idea and approached the doorway. I stood just on the other side to maybe hear what was being said. I heard Lynch's low voice talking along with Dria. I didn't hear Vivian but I did hear Liam.

"Where the fuck is she? She never told me she wasn't working today."

"I don't know, Liam. I haven't seen her since this morning when we woke up. She left to do her thing while I brought Lynch to work." That was Dria.

But she made a mistake. Liam caught on immediately.

"I thought it was just supposed to be you and Ryder. Why was he there?"

"Because I thought it would be nice for her to meet and get to know her new coworker. Dakota and Ember were there too. I wasn't going to leave Ry alone with him."

Liam grumbled before saying, "Fine. I'll just wait for her to get home then."

A few seconds passed and I heard the bell as the door opened. As it swung shut, I slid down to the floor.