Douglas

This can’t be happening.

All that time, all the effort, and in one impulsive moment, he set it all ablaze.

Of course, he was fired; what else would have happened? Was he going to keep poking and poking Brad for years and get away with it?

You are going to get away with it.

How? It was too late now; he’d pushed his luck too far, and now he’d lost her.

The money meant nothing. That contract with the yuppies was worth far more. But this was his access point. The window he had to her.

Douglas looked down at his hands, palms bandaged to keep the blood from flowing.

Maybe he should let it out. Spill even more, right here. One final display of his passion.

That isn’t necessary.

So, what was the point of going on? Making pizzas for reprobates down in Hermit’s Harbor? Lingering on alone.

Would you really give him what he wants?

Who?

That fat fuck is laughing at you. He’s in there teaching those kids to disrespect you. He’s going to gloat, then he’s going to spin the story for Sophie, and she’ll buy it.

But she couldn’t. She knew him, she’d know Brad was lying.

She’s beautiful and kind, but he’s wily. He knows how to manipulate her. How else could he still be here?

True, she’d fall for it like the rest of his lies.

But you can save her. You can guide her.

Yes, he could be her steady hand.

So call her, now, before he does.

Douglas flipped up his phone and dialed.

“Hello?”

“Oh, Miss Cruz…so sorry to bother you,” He said, voice catching in his nervous tightening throat.

“Sorry… who is this?”

Her question was like a meat hook to the chest, but he had to persevere.

“Douglas…Douglas Moran.”

“You, yes, sorry Doug,” She said, her cheerful voice thawing his wound, “How can I help you?”

“Well…it’s a difficult situation to talk about.”

“Are you going to miss quota?” She asked, voice light and calm. “I’m sure we can work through that…”

“No…it’s a personal matter.”

“I see, well, how about you tell me what’s going on and I’ll try my best to help, okay?”

She was so kind, too kind for the swine in her employ.

“I got into an argument with Brad; it got pretty heated.”

Her sigh flowed through the crackle of his ancient cell.

“I wouldn’t take it too personally… he’s on a lot of… well, he has struggles like everyone else. I doubt it was really about you.”

“No, I think it’s my fault…”

It isn’t, but now is the time to be humble; you’ll have time to show her your strength later.

“I may have,” He continued, biting his lip, “overdone it when I was ribbing him today.”

“Just let him cool down and apologise the next time you see him, I’m sure it’s –”

“He fired me, Miss Cruz,” He said, unable to mask the tremble in his voice.

“Oh, that’s a bit more delicate then.”

He was losing her…

You aren’t losing her. Appeal to her authority.

“Is…is there anything you can do?”

Sophie snorted, reminded of her power.

“I could just overrule him if I want to. It’s my business.”

There was no way he could love her more.

“But,” She said, her tone steady and sure, “I need to to hear him out. I’m sure we can work through this, but you might have to eat some crow.”

He had before; it was bitter, but he’d swallowed a lot worse to stay near her.

“I’ll do whatever you think is right, Miss Cruz.”

“Okay, Doug, just stay on track, and I’ll have this sorted out before your next delivery. Also, just call me Sophie.”

Something trembled inside of him.

“Thank you, Sophie, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

There was a long pause.

“Of course…take care, Doug,” she said before hanging up.

Relief washed over Douglas like a cold shower.

She really is something.

She was, the most beautiful being he’d ever met. A beacon for all others to aspire to…and he was going to get closer to that light.

Some day soon, she’ll be mine.

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