Page 75 of Beautiful Deceit
"I don't really watch much tv. You can turn on anything you'd like."
He takes it from my hand and says, "I thought you were aTop Shotgirl. I missed all last season. Beau said you have it DVRed." Beau mentioned that? What else have they talked about?
"I do actually. I've seen most of them, but I don't mind a repeat. I won't tell you any spoilers," I say with a small laugh. "I'm just gonna change. Can I get you anything?"
He leans back, getting comfortable, "Nope, I'm good."
I grab a few things and head to the bathroom. Once I'm inside, I decide to take a nice long shower. The mirror is fogged when I get out. I take my hair out of a high knot and braid it. I'll wash it tomorrow morning before work.
As I have company, I grab one of the few comfortable bras I own and throw a shirt over it. As long as I don't jiggle around too much, I should be okay. I check the mirror to make sure, then pull on some lounge pants and open the door.
The cold air hits me, making me shiver.
Brian's head is tipped back, and it looks like he might be sleeping. His feet are up on the edge of the ottoman. I walk over quietly and sit on the opposite end. His eyes are closed so I stay quiet and watch the rerun of my show.
I wake up to Brian's voice sounding particularly irritated, "What do you think I'm doing buddy? I'm curled up on the couch next to your girl. She looks real cute tucked up next to me." I open my eyes and see him across the room grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.
The intercom buzzer starts trilling. Brian laughs into the phone.
"Yes, I'm fucking with you, you asshole.... you deserve it, that's why. You can't treat a woman like shit just because you're pissy. She probably would have let your ass get away with it, but I won't.” He gets up, stretching leisurely. The trill of the intercom repeats incessantly. “Stop with the fucking buzzer. I'm coming!" He smashes his finger on the phone, ending the call.
Brian surprises me when he bypasses the button to allow Beau entrance. Instead he unlocks the door and stomps down the stairs.
I get up and grab a water before walking over to the bed. I strip out of my pants and bury myself under the covers.
I'm back asleep before the door opens.
Chapter 21
Tuesday morning I wake up later than usual. I didn’t set my alarm last night. Once I am up, I text Jess to let her know I'd be in before noon to help with the lunch rush. She promptly replies.
No worries, boss lady ??
I rollmy eyes and start planning my outfit with a little more comfort in mind. We typically see higher sales on Tuesday, because that's when most books are released. I will most likely be on the floor or at the register all day, so I need to be more prepared to be on my feet than I was yesterday.
Beau is still sleeping. I’m not sure what time he got in, but I do wonder where he was all day. I make toast and coffee, before logging on to my computer. I look for any news about Tasha. I find nothing. I am relieved that her death hasn’t turned into the media circus Beau described.
I check the store’s Facebook page to distract myself from my worries. Jude's announcement that the coffee counter will be selling small food items and pastries at the beginning of November has lots of likes and a few comments.
My phone vibrates from an incoming call. The screen lists a number, but no name. So few people have my number, with all that is going on, I am hesitant to answer.
Keeping my voice just above a whisper I say, "Hello?"
"May I speak with Miss West," A man’s voice asks.
"May I ask who's calling?" I end with a little, “Please.”
"This is Detective Cortez."
"Oh yes, sorry. This is she."
"Miss West, I have a few more questions for you. Would you have time today?"
"More questions? Oh, well yes, I suppose. I could make time to see you today. Anything I can do to help."
"Good. The address you gave is to your home, correct?"
"Yes."
