Page 95 of Finding Lexie
“He could be upset by meeting you,” Ashley suggested. “Not that you aren’t super nice and all, but you’re a connection to his brother. And you said they were very close.”
“They were,” Lexie said with a nod. “I’m sure you’re right.”
The three other employees headed off to get some work done, but Lexie stood where she was for a long moment. That meeting hadn’t gone at all like she’d thought. She didn’t think Magnus would jump up and down with excitement, but she’d expected more than a weird stare and grumpiness.
Finally, she shook her head. The man was tired, just as she’d said. She remembered how exhausted she’d been when she’d first arrived. She needed to cut him some slack. He’d be more rested tomorrow and they could have a talk.
Nodding to herself, Lexie turned—and almost ran into Theo, who was standing right behind her. She hadn’t heard him approach. “Oh, I’m sorry, Theo. I should’ve been watching where I was going. Are you okay? Can I get you anything?”
“You should be careful. Very careful,” Theo mumbled. “You’re nice. Nice people can be hurt.”
Lexie studied him. “You’re nice too,” she said gently.
Theo shook his head. “No. I’m strange. My head is messed up,” he said, pointing to his temple. “But I see people. Bad people. You should be careful.”
“Okay,” Lexie said, trying to soothe him. “Have you eaten today? If you go sit, I’ll bring you a sandwich.”
“No cheese,” Theo said, rocking a bit where he stood. “And no crusts.”
“I remember,” Lexie said with a smile. “I’ll make sure to only put on ham and take your crusts off.”
“Good…that’s good,” Theo said as he started to head back to where he’d left his stuff at one of the tables. Then he turned and pinned her in place with a look so lucid, so intense, Lexie froze in place. “He’s not a good man.”
“What? Who?” she asked, but Theo had already turned again and was moving toward his table.
Feeling frustrated with how her afternoon was going, Lexie sighed and went to the kitchen to make Theo’s sandwich.
* * *
A few hours later, Lexie’s day hadn’t improved. It seemed as if everyone was on edge. It could’ve been the weather, it had been unusually rainy and cloudy all day. It might’ve been the fact that Magnus was here, and had come out of the office and was sitting on one side of the room, watching and observing their everyday operations. It could’ve been because Theo was not having a good day, and he’d started two fights with other people who’d come in for meals and information on long-term assistance.
But Lexie knew she was out of sorts because of Magnus. He’d watched her all day, though he hadn’t approached. She could admit that she was disappointed. She’d had pretty high hopes for meeting him and so far, her expectations had proven to be way too high.
When her phone vibrated with a text, she eagerly took it out of her pocket. Seeing Midas had sent her a message, she smiled.
Midas: I’m so sorry, I’m not going to be able to pick you up this afternoon. Our commander promised that we’d get to go home early, but there was a huge explosion at a military base overseas and we need to discuss the situation.
Midas: I promise I’ll make it up to you.
Lexie sighed. With how her day was going, she’d been looking forward to having a long evening with Midas. She brought the phone up to her lips and dictated a response.
Lexie: It’s okay.
Three dots immediately showed up, indicating he was responding. Lexie waited to see what else he had to say.
Midas: People have been extra grumpy today. It must be a full moon. Be careful walking home and text me when you get there. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way.
Lexie: You’ve noticed too? I hope the sun comes out soon because I can’t handle people’s weirdness. I’ll be fine. Love you.
Midas: I love you too, Lex. Thank you for being so understanding.
Lexie: Would me pitching a fit make you get off earlier?
Midas: lol. No, but I wish.
Lexie: Right. So I’ll see you when you get off work. Drive safely.
Midas: Always.
