Because of Her (BOT Spin-Off)

Chapter 5

"What are you doing?" Mike asked, shrugging on his t-shirt before Marilyn had the chance to see his scarred skin. He was brushing his teeth, getting ready to head down to the hardware store. "Did I wake you?"

"Nope," she said. "I'm coming with you."

"Oh, cool," he said, still a bit confused. "I don't know what you'll be able to do, but-"

She shrugged, "I'd rather hang out with you anyway. I might walk around some of the other shops. I don't have anything better to do."

"Do you want to take my car somewhere?" he asked.

She shook her head, pulling her hair to the side to finish the one long braid she was making. He was absolutely mesmerizing.

"We need to get the recipe for this breakfast casserole," Marilyn said as they split the last piece.

"I can't cook," Mike admitted.

"Neither can I," she said, that same endearing smile lighting her pretty features.

Marilyn cleaned up their mess, and shrugged on her boots.

"Do you have a coat?" Mike asked.

"No, but I'm a wolf. It doesn't matter."

"You could still get sick," he said, offering her his.

He pulled out a list from the drawer by his fridge, adding "Marilyn's coat" to the top.

"What is that?" she questioned curiously, sliding on the extremely comfortable, large jacket that smelled like Mike. "This was a mistake. I'm never giving this back."

He grinned happily, putting the notepad away. "It's a list of everything I need to buy when I get my first paycheck."

Marilyn bit back a smile at the endearment that he wanted to provide for her. Luna Winnie was right. She wasn't being fair before. Mike had only been kind to her.

Danny let them into the shop since they had nearly half an hour left before opening.

"Hey, I'm Danny," he introduced with a joyous smile. He stretched out his hand with a shake that she ignored.

"Marilyn," she said with a nod.

"Did you want a job too?" he asked.

"I'm just with Mike. I promise not to be a bother."

"I hope it's no trouble, sir," Mike added.

"None at all, Mike. I have a space set up in the back for my wife, Sheila, and she would love some company, too."

Marilyn relaxed, feeling like she could help this cute couple in some way. She trailed behind as Danny showed Mike the ropes, somewhat learning the things herself.

"Sheila's in the back if you want to meet her," Danny said, already leading them to the back.

"Sheila," he called as they entered a very nice sitting room with books and puzzles of all kinds. "This is my new hire Mike and his friend Marilyn. Marilyn wants to hang around here if that's okay, honey."

"Sure," Sheila had a beaming smile that rivaled her jolly husband's. Her red hair was bright against her pale skin. "I get tired of this old fart anyway."

Marilyn chuckled, taking a seat with her as Mike and Danny went to open the doors for the day.

"Tell me what's up with you," Sheila said, glancing up from her book, she added, "and Mike."

Marilyn looked up from her own book, "What would you like to know?"

"Dan and I know he's your mate," she said. "Why didn't you just say so?"

"It's complicated," Marilyn admitted. "We're figuring it out."

"Life's too short for all that waiting around. I would know. I've had cancer twice."

Marilyn closed her book. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Sheila said, continuing to read. "Bad things happen to good people. It's just the way things are."

Marilyn soaked in her words, before venturing out to find Mike.

He was behind the counter, checking out a customer. She joined him, bagging the items nicely.

"Nice shirt," she said, spotting the company logo on the pocket of the bright tee.

"I have one for you too," Danny yelled from whatever aisle he was in.

Marilyn laughed softly, glancing up at Mike.

"You look better today," she told him. It looked like he had slept better. "I think you could use a haircut."

He smiled, "I like the long hair."

"Let me cut it," she said, reaching for some scissors playfully.

"Absolutely not," he said. "I'll add it to my list, deal?"

"Deal," she confirmed, a contentment that she had never felt before rushing over her.

The day went by fast. She enjoyed the store, and the company of everyone in it. She was beyond exhausted when Danny locked up the doors.

"Before you go, Mike," Danny said, going to the cash register. "I went ahead and rushed half of your paycheck. I figured you could use it now, so I went ahead and cashed it."

He pulled out the sealed bank envelope, offering it to Mike who was so relieved. He didn't know how he was going to get through two weeks without any money.

"Thank you so much, sir. This is so helpful," Mike said gratefully. He shook Danny's hand, excited to come again tomorrow.

He stuffed the money in his pocket, walking out onto the street with Marilyn behind him.

"You want a fancy dinner?" he asked.

"Pizza?" she asked back and he couldn't resist a smile. Pizza sounded amazing.