Reminisce With Me

Chapter 8: Aiden At His Finest

Last night, I had fallen asleep in the lounge that Collin and I had passed by earlier that day. I had made coffee and found some chips in the cupboards that filled me up – even though I didn't have much of an appetite.

Today, I was nested on the bathroom counter for an hour, staring at the ceiling above while listening to the voices outside. I didn't know where else to go. Carlos was supposed to back tonight and I really hoped that my conversation with him would go smoothly. But, how did I expect him to believe me when I could barely accept everything that had happened.

The sudden knock on the bathroom door startled me, breaking my thoughts. Before I could answer, the person knocked again, and then a second time, and then repeatedly.

"One second!" I yelled over the knocking, unable to hide my frustration.

The knocking suddenly stopped and then there was a loud thump against the door, making me jump. The person had definitely kicked it, no doubt. "Lose the attitude," I heard them say. "Will you hurry up?"

Attitude? The person's knocking had more attitude than my tone – each hit pulling the wires that kept my patience in place. I scooted off the counter and yanked the door open, surprised to find Aiden – in just a towel around his waist. My eyes dropped to where I shouldn't have been caught looking. When realization hit, I stepped back, looking up at his face instead. I didn't notice how toned his arms and chest were until now.

"Oh," Aiden also seemed taken aback to see me. "I thought you were Bridgett hogging the bathroom."

"Brunette, not blonde," I pointed at my hair. "Wrong person."

Before Aiden could respond back, a group kids rushed by us, kicking a soccer ball down the hallway. It felt like a riot and I cringed against the bathroom door as they flew past us. When I finally glanced back at Aiden, I noticed the towel on his waist was slipping off.

"Whoa, hold it right there," I found myself saying and Aiden caught me staring at the towel. He burst into laughter, leaning against the wall next to him.

He grinned and I knew he was strategizing ways to embarrass me. "I think I might just drop it, 'Ms. I Speak My Mind'," he said casually, the arrogance evident in his tone. He let the towel slip down a little further and I wondered how far he would go. No, Aubrey, focus, I reminded myself.

I threw my hands over my eyes, sighing loudly. "Aiden, do what you want. The bathroom is all yours."

I felt cold fingers around my wrists. A shiver ran down my neck and I opened my eyes as Aiden pulled my hands away, letting them fall to my sides. "Don't worry, you won't be seeing anything today."

We both stared at each other for a moment. I was the first to look away, feeling a little light headed. "Rain check?" My sarcasm made him smile.

"When?" he asked as I walked down the hall.

I pretended to think about it. "How about..." I trailed off. "Never?"

I could hear him laugh, which just made me smile even bigger. I didn't understand how someone as charming as Aiden worked for an organization like Black Onyx.

* * *

I strolled along the hallways, taking in the pictures that were dated as far back as 1960. At first, when Amelia explained what Black Onyx was, it did not spark my interest. But, now, being here and seeing glimpses of its history, I couldn't help but wonder who established the firm? How did the Government protect them without others noticing? What would happen if the members of the firm were caught? 

I felt sick, the questions crashing against my mind as the waves in Banzai Pipeline. I walked away from the pictures, desperate to lie down. As I was about to head down the set of stairs, I suddenly remembered that the note Amelia had written me was still under Bridgett's bed. My heart dropped and I looked around the hall, confused as to which floor I was on.