Something Comes

GIRL INTERRUPTED

Gemma

Gemma and her lab, Alex, were in the middle of their daily run, and Luke stepped into her path. What the hell was he doing here? Why now? What do you want?

Is that any way to greet me? It’s been months since I’ve seen you. Not even a hug?

Not long enough. A couple of runners came through, giving them a curious glance. Why are you here?

You've had time to explore. I’m ready for you to come home. You can’t live without me forever.

I'm doing fine and have no interest. Go away. She tightened her grip on Alex’s leash.

Gemma, you’re pissing me off, Luke strode toward her. I know what’s best for you. Another runner had stopped behind Luke, listening to them with a raised eyebrow. He gave Gemma a worried look and turned around.

It was to my benefit you fucked everything you could? Gaslighting me into believing it was my fault. You’re a cheating scumbag, and I want nothing to do with you.

You had no right to leave!

I didn’t have the right? Gemma said in disbelief. That’s some entitled bullshit. I’m a grown adult, not a child. After the way you treated me, I should have left years ago.

I know you still love me. So quit fighting it and come home.

Your conceit never changes. Newsflash, Luke, get over yourself because I have.

Alex barked, and Luke lunged at her. Gemma and Alex ran toward the center of the park. There would be people there. Luke wasn’t a runner. She was faster. Gemma heard footsteps behind her. Had Luke picked up running since she left? Someone grabbed her. She screamed and struck at the person.

Hey, Hey, it’s okay. A voice she recognized. A pair of arms slipped around her, holding her tight.

Mr. Saxe? She ceased struggling and looked up at the man embracing her. Gemma took a deep breath to steady herself. He exuded a warm, spicy scent of sandalwood and cinnamon.

It will be fine. I promise.

Luke came charging towards them a few moments later, trying to catch his breath. Who the hell are you?

Mr. Saxe was her boss’s boss, and Luke was making a scene. Fuck my life… she said under her breath as people moved toward them, wanting to watch the drama.

She swore she saw the corners of Mr. Saxe’s mouth twitch in amusement as he pulled her flush to him. Gemma’s my girlfriend. And you are? He dropped a kiss on her temple. Just play along.

Alex growled, placing himself between Luke and Gemma. Stupid fucking mutt. He glared at Alex as though he intended to kick him before glancing at the growing crowd. You need to get rid of the senseless dog and your fake man. It’s time for you to return home."

Gemma wanted to scream in frustration, but she took a deep breath. I have no intention of reconciling.

Why? Because you’ve got a new boy toy? Luke gave Will a cocky glare. You’re lying. I’ve been keeping tabs on her and never saw you. Gemma’s a goody-two-shoes who goes out to the club and then refuses to dance with anyone except those assholes who helped her leave me. She runs in the morning, works in a dull office, and then returns home. She lives a boring existence with her dumb dog and insipid drawings. It’s time her to return to where she belongs.

Gemma bristled in response, but before she could say anything. Mr. Saxe captured her lips. She gasped in surprise, and he took advantage, plundering her mouth. His hands slid over her back, coming to rest on her hips. Her anger faded, Luke and the situation disappeared, and in that moment, she only wanted to keep kissing this man. Her palms glided up his chest and into his thick hair. After a couple of minutes, he pulled away, leaving her breathless. Come on, Gemma. Let’s go home.

Gemma could hear the whispers from the crowd. Most were giving Luke dirty looks. Some were talking about Mr. Saxe’s sudden declaration of Gemma being his girlfriend. Luke glared at them but couldn’t do much about it. Mr. Saxe handed her Alex’s leash before placing his hand on her back and leading her away.

Gemma dropped the keys twice as she tried to open her door. Mr. Saxe took them and gave her a comforting smile before opening the entrance. Once inside, Gemma fidgeted. Can I get you a coffee?

Sure, if you’re up to it.

A few minutes later, she poured their drinks. Cream, sugar, or black?

Two creams, one sugar.

Mind telling me what happened?

She handed him a mug. Might as well sit somewhere comfortable. She led him to the living room and sat on the sofa. As you likely figured out, Luke is my ex. Despite how he talks, I left him months ago.

Understandable. He seemed awful and talked as if he owned you. Was he always physical with you?

Gemma dropped her head into trembling fingers. No. That was new. He never was violent. The fact he admitted to stalking me is creepy. I’ll try for a restraining order again.

Again? The police refused to intervene?

There wasn’t enough evidence.

With what just happened, you have plenty now. He only stopped when he saw you with me. The crowd probably helped with that, too. You should be worried because it seemed to me he was on the verge of losing control. We can ask the neighbors for testimony.

How did you find out I needed help?

Another runner observed your argument and asked to borrow my phone. Besides, Richard felt you might have trouble.

How would he know that? I only met him three weeks ago when I ran into you.

Richard has great intuition. I’ve learned he’s usually right, so I listen when he tells me something. You crashing into me wasn’t the worst thing ever. He chuckled at the memory.

Gemma gave him a weak smile. Nothing like finding the person I collided with while chasing my dog was my boss’s boss. That was so embarrassing.

That’s why I didn’t bring it up when you showed up for your first day of work.

Gemma’s face burned as she thought about how he kissed her in front of everyone. I appreciate the rescue, but why did you kiss me?

It was the simplest way to prove my lie, and you played your part well. I assume Luke is watching the house. Do you have any family?

My parents died when I was seventeen.

Siblings?

Gemma shook her head.

Do you have friends that can stay with you?

She worried her lip. They won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon.

I’ll stick around till they return. If Luke sees me, it might make him think twice about bothering you again.

Mr. Saxe, you’ve already helped me. You can’t let my issues take away your free time.

It’s Will, and I insist. If I left you here alone and something else happened, I would feel terrible.

Fine, you win, Will, but I’ll refer to you as Mr. Saxe at the office. I’m need a shower after my run. Make yourself at home.

Gemma stood in the steamy blast, letting the water wash off the day’s dirt. What a strange series of events. Her boss’s boss saved her from Luke, kissed her, and was now spending the night.

Most of the scuttlebutt in at work had to do with Will Saxe. How good-looking he was (admittedly, this was true), and what they would do to be with him. Many even wore the tightest suits and low-cut blouses, hoping to catch his attention.

Mr. Saxe’s rules were the hot topic. He never dated his employees and always moved on after two weeks. She thought maybe he was a player. He could’ve taken advantage of her vulnerability. The William Saxe she met was warm and had a great sense of humor. He cared and just wanted to ensure her safety. But most importantly, he made her feel secure.

Not to mention, the man had passion. The way he kissed her. The very idea of it was enough to make her blush. He only did it to put off Luke. It would be best to forget it. Why would a guy like him worry about her? 

Will

Like what you see?

Will jumped. He was so engrossed in the portraits and scenes of the neighborhood Gemma drew he didn’t hear her walk into the room. She caught him looking through one of her sketchbooks. Will looked up at her and grinned. These are fantastic! He ran his finger down the picture of Richard she had drawn. Why are you working for us?

I love my job, and my art is for me.

It’s good to know because Mr. Fuller is fond of you. Will’s gaze meandered over her. She had showered and put her damp hair into a loose braid. It made her appear much younger than her bio’s twenty-five years. He was still digesting the fact that an awful middle-aged man was her ex.

I’m glad I could help. She reached for another sketchbook.

You going to draw?

If you don’t mind. It calms me when I get upset.

Sure, go ahead. The doorbell rang. He jumped up to answer it. I ordered pizza and had some of my clothing and toiletries brought over.

You didn't have to do that, but thanks, with everything happening, I forgot about food.

Will paid the delivery guy, and the smell of pizza wafted toward her, making her stomach growl. Smells amazing. I’m starving.

This shop does a pie right. It’s cheesy and greasy enough. I wasn’t sure what to order, so I got classic pepperoni.

Always a good choice.

May I put the TV on?

Sure, watch whatever you like.

He flipped the television to a local news channel. Gemma picked up her sketchpad and drew. After about a half hour, she tore the page out and handed it to him. Here.

You captured my likeness perfectly. She yawned, causing Will to yawn in response. "I think