Rescue Me

Chapter 5: Yes or No?

Raine

...

After pulling into work, the dream never left. It was the only thing my mind could and would focus on. It was as if everything today would bring back memories of living in that retched house I once called home. Just picking up dishes it would remind me of cleaning up after Richard.

Why is he so hard to escape? I’ve moved on, have a better life, new job, everything but he still invades my thoughts at times. It kind of reminds me of the song “Addicted” by Kelly Clarkson. As weird as it sounds I started humming the song right after I started thinking of it.

Making my way to the front of the restaurant, I bumped into Frank. I apologized and started to walk around him but he grabbed my arm stopping me from walking. “Raine, you seem off, is everything alright? Is Lalla ok?” Frank asked concerned. No, I thought. “Yeah, I’m fine, just have a lot on my mind that’s all,” I tried to gently pull my hands from his but it lead to no avail. “Are you sure?” He tried again. “Positive,” Lie. I hate lying to Frank but I don’t need anyone’s pity right now, besides it’s hard enough being a young single parent, I don’t need anyone looking at Lalla differently because of her bastard of a father.

He sighed, clearly not convinced but knew better than to push it. He let go of me and I walked away quickly, not wanting to see his face. For the rest of the day, I tried to keep my head clear and avoiding bumping into anybody, not needing anymore questions about my attitude.

While hosting, I thought of Logan, wondering if he was coming to visit. The thought made me smile. It was like God was reading my mind or something because the next minute said person strolled into the bar. He was by himself this time.

“Welcome to Taco Mac, how many?” I smirked at him. He gave me a lopsided smile. “One,” I told him to follow me as we made our way through the restaurant.

He ordered the regular but as I turned to leave he grabbed my arm. What is it with everybody and grabbing my arm lately? “What time do you get off work?” he asked. I looked at my watch. “In about a half hour why?” “I need to ask you something,” Confused I nodded anyway, and told him to wait for me here.

After I put in his order, I sat down on the bench. It was 5:30, and I needed to pick up Lalla by 6:45. I hoped whatever he had to say was short.

~30 minutes later~

I clocked out and told Frank I was leaving before heading back to the front to meet Logan. I looked at him as I headed toward him. He really was attractive but that wasn’t the problem. He looked nervous, but why? Was it my car, did something happen to it?

I sat down across from him. He sighed and gave me a weak smile. “How was your day?” I thought a minute. “Tiring, but when is it not?” He chuckled and I smiled at him. “Logan what is it that you do?” I asked genuinely curious. He smiled. “I own my own business,” I nodded. “But I did not stay after to tell you about me, Raine are you off from work on Friday?” He gave me a smile. Hesitantly, I smiled back. I’m not sure I like where this is going. “Yes, why?” I asked. “Well, would you like to have dinner with me?”

My eye widen even though I figured this was where he was going it still surprised me. I was ready to let him down easy when Is’s stupid voice went through my head. “You should go out on a date, I mean not everyone is like that bastard. Besides, it’s just one date, not like you’re going steady,” I almost smiled. Stupid Is and her always good advice. I looked back at Logan to see him smiling nervously. I almost laughed at how nervous he looked. “Yes, I will,” He sighed in relief. “Yes, I thought you were going to let me down for a minute there,” He got up and held out his hand. “Maybe, but I changed my mind,” I grabbed his hand and felt the sparks again. We both looked at our hands.