It’s cozy, decked out with a beanbag chair on a SUPER fuzzy carpet, with a small table. I have a cute reading lamp, and a cup of highlighters and pens, so I can annotate any of the books I end up buying or reading here.
It’s not like I own this corner, but the regulars know this is my spot and tend to leave it alone. Maybe I should put up a velvet rope so no one’ll bother my space.
The moment I plop onto the big bean bag chair, the warning bells go off in my head. I freeze, something not feeling right. I can’t quite name it, but the feeling is there.
Someone’s been in my spot I’m sure of it. I don’t know why somethinglike this rattles me. I inhale deeply to calm my nerves, but it has the opposite effect.
There’s a smell that’s different than when I normally sit here. It’s woodsy and sweet, kind of like oranges and… clove? Is that even a normal scent combination? Is it a candle? Air freshener? Cleaning supplies? None of those options seems right.
Then it hit me. What if it’s someone’s cologne or perfume?
My eyes dart around for any other signs someone has desecrated my sacred spot.I know I’m being dramatic– Shoot me.
My eyes flick from the lamp, to the rug, back to the lamp again. Everything seemed fine, that is, until my eyes landed on my cup of pens. I snatch the cup off the table and dump them on the floor and, as I suspected, my favorite pen is missing.
So someonehasbeen here. Great.
I take some calming breaths coming to the conclusion, someone sitting in my spot isn’t the end of the world. Like I said earlier, I don’t actually own the spot. Maybe this spot is a safe place for someone else as well. If this spot can help someone else feel a little less crazy, then who am I to stop them.
I would like to have my pen back though.
The odd thing about this entire situation isn’t someone sitting here; it’s the fact that the scent makes my brain feel fuzzy. I’m not sure why, but I know this scent. I can’t pin down the memory, but I’m not a stranger to the feeling it provokes. It feels safe.
Chapter 4
Atlas
If someone had told me a year ago I’d move away from my hometown, I would’ve laughed. The control freak in me doesn’t like change. Who knew that it’s my control– or lack of control– that would have me packing up and expanding the business.
If it weren’t for Gavin, none of this would’ve been possible.
He dealt with my salty ass the whole time we worked on this move and got settled. If I’m being honest, he did all the heavy lifting. He had to deal with the Realtor and all the paperwork that came along with this move.
And I? I was just trying to survive.
I still check the online obituaries, still no sign of Maizyn. I guess no answer is better than finding out she’s dead. The dreams don’t happenas often anymore either. They only happen maybe once a week now, usually one of the many amazing memories of us together. While she still sits at the back of my mind, I’m no longer actively trying to find her. I have to try and move on. If she was alive and wanted to be found, I would’ve found her already. I just hope wherever she is, she’s okay.
Not only was this fresh start good for me, it’s good for the company.
Two different locations allow us access to more jobs, which in turn, brings in more money. Ramos is loving his promotion so I don’t have to worry about the Allendale office while we’re setting up this one. It took awhile, but it’s finally starting to feel normal here. I wouldn’t call it home, but I don’t feel out of place either.
I haven’t explored much of this new town yet, but I did find this bookstore on my way to get lunch last week that caught my attention. I’m unsure why, but I went inside to check it out. It was cozy, and there was a reading area set up in the corner. It felt homey and made me think of Maze. Since then, every time I’m in the area, I stop inside.
Today is one of those days.
Entering the bookstore, I walk straight to the beanbag in the corner and plop down. This spot has become a safe space. A place to just relax for a few minutes. I take a moment to soak in my surroundings. Maze would’ve loved this place. I can’t help but feel closer to her while sitting here. I never end up staying long, but it helps nonetheless.
I walk out of the bookstore, and as I turn to head back to work, I collide with someone.
My instincts take over as I steady the person I bulldozed. The hair on the back of my neck stands, and my skin prickles where we touch. Only one person has ever caused this reaction, so when I glance down and meet the familiar green eyes staring back at me, I freeze.
Emily
My skin jolts with electric shocks.
I’m hyper aware of the place where his fingers grip my arm. I feel the heat travel from his hand, up to my warming pink cheeks.
Great, I probably look stupid.
