The Aftertaste

Chapter Seven

The apartment is quiet when I walk in. Mom has the bed pulled out of the couch, some late night show playing quietly. I turn it off and cover her in a blanket. No need to inform her of my scary night this late. I peek in on the boys, sleeping sound. My wrist hurts and I rub it while switching in to my night shirt. I'm too tired for a shower. The card AJ gave me falls out of my jean pockets right by my feet. I'm supposed to call him. It's 2am, what if he's in bed by now. My fingers dial the number as I climb in bed, no second thought.
There's a lot of rattling, throat clearing and then, "Hello?"
I'm frozen. What do I even say?
"I-uh you to-"
"I'm glad you got home safe. Are you okay?"
I can hear keys hit the counter and and cabinets being slammed.
"I'm fine..are you okay?"
"Definitely, Adam isn't a bad guy. He just thinks he can have whatever he wants."
"Sounds like a bad guy to me."
He chuckles. A bed creaks and he sighs. I'm guessing he just laid down.
"What's your name?"
"Danielle, you're AJ?"
"Aaron Jackson, AJ works. So you're a wedding planner?"
"A photographer. Close enough at times."
"You like it?"
"Love it. You like beating up drunk guys?"
I want to take it back but a giggle slips out and he's chuckling too.
"No, I like protecting beautiful girls."
"So you do that often?"
"No actually, we have security. I just acted fast. Did I scare you?"
"N-no."
There's silence. I stare at the popcorn ceiling, wishing I could smooth out all the ridges.
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
"Yeah, my son thinks he's my boyfriend."
He laughs, "I can't believe you have a kid. I have a dog. I'll trade you."
I laugh, "Deal."
I've never really told anyone about my son. He isn't a secret, I just feel like I don't owe anyone any extra pieces of information about me.
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
Silence. Is he sleeping? I wait.
"She died. Overdosed two years ago, I couldn't save her."
This time I'm silent. I don't know what to say. Joe pops into my head, all those times Luke begged me to stop him from drinking. I saved him, I think.
"I'm s-"
"No. She knew the results. Drugs meant more to her than me. Can I take you out?"
Take me out?
"Is that why you gave me your number?"
"I didn't think you would call, so no. I'd like to take you out.."
"Okay."
"Alright."
I can hear him smirking through the phone and it's pleasant.
"So tell me more about you, Danielle."