Page 39 of Guarding Glenda

“Fuck. Go, go, go!” Runt yelled behind me.

But I had a good head start. I was already up the next flight of stairs before I heard footsteps below. It sounded like only one set.

When I got to the third floor I slammed the door open and kept running until I got to her room.

Before I even made it, she stepped into the hallway; her face went from confused to tears in an instant. She took a few fast steps and jumped into my arms.

“I got you. It’s okay.”

Her body was shaking against me. “I’m sorry. I just can’t be here.”

Rubbing her head with one hand and squeezing her tighter with the other, I said, “It’s okay. You got a bag?”

She nodded against my chest so I walked into her room as the door to the stairwell flung open, still holding her.

“Leigh!”

“Fuck off.” I carried her to the bed where I saw the bag and grabbed it.

Reaching into my back pocket, I pulled out the cash and shoved it at Skeeter. “Give this to Hammer and tell him he can cash in the rest tomorrow. I’m taking her home. Now get the fuck out of my way.”

I leaned down, scooping her up under her knees and she wrapped her arms around my neck.

I didn’t run back downstairs, but I hustled. Something had fucked her up and she told me to come get her, so I wanted to get her out as fast as I could.

After a little struggle to get my keys and not drop her, I brushed past Runt, who was breathing heavily, standing by the casino room as we passed.

“Touch her and I’ll fucking kill you right here,” I deadpanned. “Tell Hammer that Skeeter has my money and I’ll see him tomorrow."

He put his hands up and backed against the wall. Turning, I backed out of the doors.

She dug her face down.

“Just a second. Sorry about the rain.”

We made it to the truck. I got her in through the driver’s side and she scooted to the middle. I tossed her bag over her and climbed in, pulling the door and starting the truck. We peeled out just as fast as I got there. She stayed close, so I draped my arm over her and pulled her against me.

Once we were back on the main road, I slowed a little. The rain was coming down hard and she was with me now. No sense in killing us both. We’d be back at the house soon enough.

She was quiet, but as we rode, she trembled less and less. I didn’t know what the fuck happened, but I was still grateful that she’d called me.

We finally pulled back into my driveway and I reached over her to get her bag.

I climbed out and said, “Need a lift?”

“You’re getting all wet.”

“I won’t melt. C’mon.” I reached in and pulled her to me. I carried her up the steps and asked, “Can you get the door?”

She let go of my neck and my skin immediately missed her touch.

Bruce stood, wagging his tail as we walked in. Glenda wiggled, so I let her down and she walked over to Bruce before leaning down and hugging his neck. “Hey Brucie,” she said, her voice cracking.

I dropped the bag on the sofa and shoved my hands in my pockets. “Glenda, I don’t know what to do here.”

She’d been so standoffish for so long. She had told me she hated me more than once. And even during the last week I knew she was torn between appreciating my help and being uncomfortable. The last thing I wanted to do was set her off again.

She fell on her ass, pulling Bruce close, and she sobbed against him.