“I have to believe it will be.” I slapped him on his back and went to sit at one of the tables on the shady side of the shop.
I guzzled some water in between wiping more sweat from my forehead and staring at my phone. There was no news waiting for me yet, but I needed to appear to be busy and involved in something to avoid my dad, Brandon, or even Salem saying anything. I ended up setting my elbow on the table and used my hand to brace my head. My hand acted as a barrier from the rest of the shop, keeping my face hidden.
I was distracted by my thoughts, but I still occasionally heard my dad talking to the electrician, or Brandon and Salem carrying on. I continually refreshed my email every few minutes in case the attorney had received word about when the initial trial would be. I wouldn’t be that lucky, though. I wanted this shit to be over with.
Everyone in the shop seemed to understand to leave me alone. I finally got up and retrieved the delivery schedule and returned to the table without looking at anyone. Again, I used my hand to block everyone out. I stared at the schedule. I saw the words, dates, and times, but I retained none of it. I turned my head to the side a bit so I could look out the window at the parking lot. I had a million things to do and couldn’t function right now. I kept going back to what Michael had said about self-defense.I never hurt her. I never touched her without consent. This was all a fucking game to her.
As my eyes moved around the parking lot, looking at various cars, my thoughts were scattered.
I was worried.
I was stressed.
I didn’t feel good.
My eyes focused on anything that moved in the parking lot. I was easily distracted, at least for a moment.
I watched the electrician walk to his work truck, then my mind went back to Elise.
I watched a paper cup roll around awkwardly in the wind, then found myself replaying parts of the conversation with Michael.
The electrician walked back toward the shop with a box.
A plastic bag blew by.
A black Mercedes pulled into the parking lot and parked beside my SUV. I recognized the car and the plate. The door opened and James stepped from the sleek car. I turned to look at the culprit. Brandon subtly shrugged and looked toward the door when James came inside.
“Well! What a surprise, James!” Dad exclaimed and stepped away from the electrician to go shake hands with James.
“Elliot, good to see you. And congratulations on your new location,” James said. He looked around, taking everything in. I stood, and his eyes connected with mine. “Are you putting this guy to work?” James asked my dad as he gestured toward me.
Dad laughed heartily and nodded, looking at me.
“I couldn’t do any of this without Andrew. He’s a hard worker.” His smile faded and then he looked back at James. “Maybe he works too hard.”
“Andrew has drive and determination in him that is hard to find anymore.” James’s tone was quiet now, but I could still hear him.
“I’m a little nervous about him taking on a new venture at the nightclub,” Dad mentioned.
James knew better than to say Club Oxygen was anything other than a nightclub. And Brandon knew better too. At least he’d better know better.
“I feel easier about it knowing that you’re there as well,” Dad said to James.
“I’ll be there and will help him out with anything he needs. He’s the perfect man for the job.” James glanced over to where Brandon was at. “Are you putting him to work?” James asked.
“Brandon?” Dad asked. “Brandon has been a great helper. He’s been helping me bring in deliveries, and he helped Salem arrange the tables and chairs. Salem is putting together some artificial floral arrangements for the tables.”
Dad and I usually took care of everything on our own, and it was really nice that Brandon and Salem could help us out.
“Good. I’m glad to hear they’re being helpful, Elliot. I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by and get a sneak peek at the newest Three Brothers Coffee, and visit with your son.”
Of course you’re here for me.
“Yes, please feel free to look around and talk to Andrew. I don’t think he’s feeling too well,” Dad volunteered.
“Oh?” James looked at me and raised his eyebrow.
“He strained his side working out this morning, he said. It seems to be bothering him quite a bit. I think things between him and Elise are still raw and bothersome.”
