Turning the brass knob, I push the door open and step inside. The familiar scent of fresh linen and lavender fills my senses, putting me at ease right away.
“Well, hello dear,” Grandma’s sing-song voice meets my ear and another wave of calm washes over me. She is sitting close to the window, the rays of sunshine turning her gray hair shiny like silver. A book is perched in her lap, and a steaming hot cup of coffee sits on the side table next to her.
“Hi, Grams,” I greet her, closing the door behind me. I set my purse on the floor next to the door and move in to give my grandma a hug. Leaning down to where she’s sitting in her wheelchair, I wrap my arms around her shoulders and hold her close.
“You’re early today. Is everything okay?” she asks when I release her reluctantly.
“Yes, just wanted to see you. You know, spend some more time with you. I don’t have to work until later tonight.”
“I wish you wouldn’t work at a bar. It’s not safe for a beautiful woman like yourself.”
It’s not the first time she has voiced her concerns, but they were always invalid. Lucian treats his staff well and never forces anyone to do something they don’t want to. I always felt protected there… until now.
“I’m fine, I promise.” I hate lying to her, but I can’t stand her worrying sick, and I really need the money, which is another thing I’m lying to her about. She has no idea how expensive this place really is, and I’m going to keep it this way. She wouldn't be okay with me spending nine hundred dollars a week on this place. On the other hand, I would pay even more to ensure she’s taken care of the way she deserves.
“Are you sure, dear? You look a bit pale—”
“Why don’t we take a walk through the garden?” I cut her off, trying desperately to distract her.
“Are you sure?” she asks, inspecting my face like she is trying to solve a puzzle. “I guess some fresh air would be nice.”
“Great.” I clap my hands together in fake excitement before starting to push Grams out the door and down the hall.
Passing the staircase, I head to the elevators and push the call button. The door slides open with a ping, and I am left staring into the small space ahead of me. My stomach is in knots. I hate this part.
Without actually going into the elevator, I extend my arms to push my grandma inside to where she can reach the buttons.
“I’ll meet you downstairs.” Luckily, I don’t have to explain myself. This is the way we do it every time. I help her into the elevator, and then I’ll take the stairs. My fear of confined spaces is simply too strong, and she understands that, knowing exactly why I’m this way.
By the time I get downstairs, she has already arrived and is wheeling herself out. I meet her in the foyer and take over pushing so she can relax.
We walk through the garden for a long time. She tells me about dinner and the show the center put on for the seniors last night. Then she goes on about the book she’s been reading, and in return, I tell her about the one I recently picked up from the library.
We grab some lunch and drink coffee on the terrace after. Everything around me, all worry and fear, just disappears when I’m with her. That’s why I’m not surprised when I suddenly realize it’s getting dark outside.
“Shit, I’m gonna miss the bus if I don’t leave like… now. Ugh, sorry, Grams. I have to rush out.”
“Don’t worry, hun. Thanks for spending the day with me.”
I give her one last kiss on the cheek before I dash out the door and down the stairs. I make it around the corner just in time to see the bus take off without me in it.
Shit!
Frustrated, I grab the handle on my purse tighter as if strangling the fake leather will resolve all my problems. I could call a cab, but I’ve just caught up with all the bills for the first time in months. I can’t start spending cash to fix my own carelessness.
Thankfully, I chose my comfortable sneakers this morning. I march down the sidewalk while keeping a fast pace. The sun is almost down all the way now, the streetlights providing most of the light. The air turns frigid swiftly, and I wrap my arms around myself as I walk.
It isn’t long before I regret my choice. Every sound I hear startles me, every car passing by causes my pulse to spike, and every dark corner I see freaks me out a little more.
I tell myself it’s all in my head… until it’s not.