Love and War

Part 7: Never Before

                 

"Jeanie, wake up." A gentle nudge jostled my frame against the seat. I jumped up in hesitation, throwing my hands in front of my face. Another nightmare. Great. "You were having a bad dream. We're almost to Miami." I sit up, wiping the sleep from my face, ensuring I didn't drool.

            "Sorry, was I yelling?" I ask. His eyes shifted into an inquisitive glare, holding back his curiosity poorly.

            "Do you usually?" He slanted his face towards me, gently prodding.

            "I don't really know in my sleep." I say, shrugging my shoulders.

            "Well, you weren't yelling, just, whining." I hung my head in embarrassment. "Don't worry, it was cute." He turned to buckle his seatbelt. Watching him, I did the same. "Don't worry, Jeanie, landing is much easier than takeoff." In a few minutes, we were on the ground and off of the plane. A black car waited for us at the runway. Two men exited the vehicle and opened the door.

            "Welcome to Miami, Miss. We are excited to have you." The taller gentleman spoke with soft words and a warm smile. He was older, perhaps in his 50s, with mostly graying hair and a short, well-kept beard hugging his cheeks. His companion, however, was not so cheery. He stood quietly, stoic in the runway lights. A simple nod was the only recognition I received.

            "I forgot to book a hotel before we left. Any suggestions?" I asked, waiting for Axe to look up from his phone.

            "Oh, the position has an apartment as a perk. It's my guest house." He started. "And before you ask the rent, it's included in your salary." I turned to roll down the window, taking in the hot, humid Miami air. I inhaled deeply as I could feel the warmth of my new city radiate into the car. "You like it so far?" I nodded quietly.

            "We're here." He gestured to a large gray house with bright yellow siding and shudders. It was charming. "Your house is out back, allow me." He grabbed my luggage from our driver and walked down a long brick path to the backyard. Palm trees swayed on either side of an in ground pool, the well lit path danced lights over my feet. In the very back, I could see the outline of a gorgeous pool house.

            "That's where I'm staying?" I asked.

            "Yep, it's small but mighty, I had it renovated for my last assistant before she quit to live with a plastic surgeon." He handed me a set of keys, a car key attached, as well. "Another company perk, you have your own car. Don't abuse it, but, it's yours, use it how you need it. It's out front." I threw my bags down, completely ignoring my new apartment. I ran to the front of the house, staring in awe at the shiny, black SUV. I turned and hugged Axe, shocking him into a step backwards. His arms wrapped around me quickly and patted my back twice.

            "I've never had a car. Ever." I swallowed back tears as his smile disappeared.

            "Well, technically it's the company car, but, it's yours for now." He wrapped an arm through my elbow and pulled me back to the guesthouse. "Now, this is the big surprise. If you liked the car, you'll love this." The door swung open as he turned the lights on, holding his arms wide. Gray wood floors danced across shades of white and yellow. The kitchen was decorated with light gray cabinetry and butcher block countertops, pops of yellow in flower arrangements and art.

            "It's beautiful, thank you." I sighed deeply before snapping my eyes to the windows. There were too many windows. "Do they lock?" His smirk turned to a frown before he answered.

            "Yes, yes they do. I'm happy to add extra deadbolts or locks to anything you want, if it'll make you feel safer." He turned to walk away before I reached out to stop him.

            "Thank you. For everything." A smile crept over my cheeks before breaking our stare. I turned to the bedroom and rolled my luggage inside, beginning to unpack.