Signed, Yours Truly

Chapter Eight - I See You

It had been two weeks since Emily's surgery, thankfully, her leg was saved but she had a long cast and was ordered to stay in her wheelchair. I had been helping her in every way I could, making dinner when I was home at night, usually her pick. I let her help clean the apartment, she could reach under the table and stools with a broom with little issue, and she was my second opinion for everything. Well, almost everything. I didn't tell her Eric gave me his number. I had called him two times since then, I noticed he never called me unless he sent a text first asking if I was free. It was usually a comforting word and asking how I was, but he never asked if I could come to him, he always came to me. I had mixed feelings about it obviously, but I hadn't met someone like him before, what was I supposed to do??

I unlocked my door after a long day job hunting, I had been looking all over town for anyplace that needed me, but it was mid-June, everyone had finished hiring already. I sighed and set my messenger bag on the shelf, Emily's shoes and a pair of Lightning Mcqueen tennis shoes caught my eye. Emily was still baby-sitting, but with kids who could take care of themselves but still needed supervision, I'd say it was the perfect match. A small voice came from the living room, he sounded like he was reading something.

I walked in and found Emily dozing on the couch with Adrian reading his favorite book to her. I couldn't help but smile at the adorable sight and let out a small chuckle, alerting Adrian of my presence.

"Oh, hi Miss Claire."

"Hey, Adrian," I walked past. "Did she fall asleep again?"

"Do you think its the story?"

"Heh, doubtful. Treasure Island isn't particularly boring."

"Okay." He slid off the couch and parked himself in a beanbag, quietly flipping through the book.

I was about to pour myself a cup of coffee to wake myself up a little longer so I could finish a story I was reading, when my phone pinged. I looked over and saw Eric's contact name: Guardian.

"I'm sorry its so late, but I need to see you. Meet me @ the normal place ASAP"

I quickly sent my response and kneeled down next to Adrian.

"I've got to go out again, Adrian. If Emily wakes up, tell her I had a craving a made a run to the store, okay?"

"Okay. he nodded and I made sure to lock the door behind me.

The streets were somewhat empty, I mean, it was Wednesday night and everyone was either home or still at work. Another dull day in New York City.

A few cars drove by, one blaring their music as loud as the speakers could pump it out. That meant one of two things: 1. They were on the verge of drunk. Or 2. They're drowning their problems in music.

I was so deep in thought I didn't see someone waving at me through the window of the flower shop until they tapped on the glass.

"Claire??"

"Hi, Benjo!" I smiled, waving back. Benjo was an old high school friend my father introduced me to. Benjo and he used to tear up the town before he met my biological mother. She was sweet, just eccentric.

"You have time for a coffee?" She asked through the window.

"I'm sorry, but I have to meet someone in a few minutes." I shrugged, giving my best sympathetic face.

"Ah, well. You go and have some fun. Let me know if you need a lift home!"

"Thanks, Benjo!" I waved once more before starting down the street again, a smile on my face from the short experience. I would have said yes, its just— dang, she liked to talk.