Eight
Logan watched Rachel come through. She turned on the lamp but it’s light didn’t extend far enough to reach him in the shadow. Off in her own little world like she’d always been. But he was going to interrupt that world.
Then she saw his gift and she stopped. He waited for her to open it but she stared at it. Alpha Mu Epsilon. It was time to claim his reward. He stepped forward, his footsteps muffled by the soft carpet below. Every curve of her body awakened the animal part of him. It was only moments away, their union.
“Hello Beautiful.”
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 9
Nine
The light on the answering machine was blinking. Rachel pushed play and listened to the messages while she closed and locked the back door. As usual no one of any importance called her house. Why had she even kept the home line? It would be a few hours until Curtis got here so she went back to the punch pad and pushed in her new code to arm the alarm system. She’d have to remember to give him the code.
When was the last time she’d eaten? She rubbed her growling stomach. Everything in the fridge would be spoiled but there were some canned soups in the cupboard. Should’ve picked something up on the way.
“First, let’s get out of these clothes.” She grabbed a green apple from the fruit bowl as she walked past and took a bite out of it on her way through the living room. She clicked the table lamp on and continued to the dining room. She skidded to a stop. In the middle of her dining room table was a small wooden box, a single white rose, and a silver charm with three Greek letters.
He had been here again. Once she gathered her composure she stepped back from the table. Don’t touch anything and don’t disturb the evidence. Everything was going to be fine. It was only a few feet to the back door and the panic button.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
The light on the answering machine was blinking. Rachel pushed play and listened to the messages while she closed and locked the back door. As usual no one of any importance called her house. Why had she even kept the home line? It would be a few hours until Curtis got here so she went back to the punch pad and pushed in her new code to arm the alarm system. She’d have to remember to give him the code.
When was the last time she’d eaten? She rubbed her growling stomach. Everything in the fridge would be spoiled but there were some canned soups in the cupboard. Should’ve picked something up on the way.
“First, let’s get out of these clothes.” She grabbed a green apple from the fruit bowl as she walked past and took a bite out of it on her way through the living room. She clicked the table lamp on and continued to the dining room. She skidded to a stop. In the middle of her dining room table was a small wooden box, a single white rose, and a silver charm with three Greek letters.
He had been here again. Once she gathered her composure she stepped back from the table. Don’t touch anything and don’t disturb the evidence. Everything was going to be fine. It was only a few feet to the back door and the panic button.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 10
Ten
She came.
Logan worked to control his breathing. Epsilon he reminded himself. Let her see the gift first. You have your entire life to live together. Be patient a few moments longer. He needed to bring his body under submission. A man was more animal than human Aunt Tulla told him. That was why they couldn’t control their urges. But Logan had. Logan could control them.
Rachel was putting things down. Any moment she would walk through the doorway and their forever would begin.
He focused his eyes on the jewelry box he’d placed on the dining room table. His gift for his new bride.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
She came.
Logan worked to control his breathing. Epsilon he reminded himself. Let her see the gift first. You have your entire life to live together. Be patient a few moments longer. He needed to bring his body under submission. A man was more animal than human Aunt Tulla told him. That was why they couldn’t control their urges. But Logan had. Logan could control them.
Rachel was putting things down. Any moment she would walk through the doorway and their forever would begin.
He focused his eyes on the jewelry box he’d placed on the dining room table. His gift for his new bride.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Friday, September 18, 2009
A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 11
Eleven
The entire day had been dreary but the grey clouds that covered the sun started drizzling as Rachel hit the highway. She flipped her wipers on the lowest setting. They scraped across her windshield smearing the small droplets and making an annoying squeak on each pass. She flipped them off and waited until she almost couldn’t see. Then she would flip them on and off to clear the windshield.
At ten minutes after five Rachel pulled in her driveway. The curtains were closed in the front just as she had left them when she was over a few days ago. She walked around the outside a bit. Her heart pounded hard in her chest.
“Everything is fine.” She said the words but there wasn’t a single part of her that believed it. Her ears remained alert to the slightest noise and she looked around quickly, watching for the slightest movement.
She opened the screen door and the walnut she had stuck between the doors dropped on the top step. No one had opened the door since she put it in. She slid the key in the door and pushed it open slowly. She went to the punch pad and put in her new code to disarm the alarm. Everything was as she left it. She exhaled and put her things down on the counter just inside the back door.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
The entire day had been dreary but the grey clouds that covered the sun started drizzling as Rachel hit the highway. She flipped her wipers on the lowest setting. They scraped across her windshield smearing the small droplets and making an annoying squeak on each pass. She flipped them off and waited until she almost couldn’t see. Then she would flip them on and off to clear the windshield.
At ten minutes after five Rachel pulled in her driveway. The curtains were closed in the front just as she had left them when she was over a few days ago. She walked around the outside a bit. Her heart pounded hard in her chest.
“Everything is fine.” She said the words but there wasn’t a single part of her that believed it. Her ears remained alert to the slightest noise and she looked around quickly, watching for the slightest movement.
She opened the screen door and the walnut she had stuck between the doors dropped on the top step. No one had opened the door since she put it in. She slid the key in the door and pushed it open slowly. She went to the punch pad and put in her new code to disarm the alarm. Everything was as she left it. She exhaled and put her things down on the counter just inside the back door.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 12
Twelve
Logan pulled into the parking lot of a small city park not far from her house. He opened the trunk and lifted out the bag of gifts, wedding gifts, for Rachel. They were going to be one soon. He’d waited patiently each day for her to come home but she never did. It was time to force the issue. The day was overcast with maybe a small drizzle. Aunt Tulla said it was good luck if it rained on your wedding day.
He walked out of the parking lot and over to the sidewalk on the other side. Despite the drizzly day the temperature was warm and he passed a few houses with their windows still open. Family chatter and noise from television came out. Tonight he was going to be one of them. Not in this neighborhood but he would start a new life.
He’d be a good daddy. His little boy would grow to love the structure and discipline he had learned as a boy. He rounded the corner. A police cruiser went up the road. Logan smiled and waved as the officer drove past. He’d want to have all boys. Rachel would give him handsome sons. Maybe four or five then a daughter who would be as beautiful and loyal as Rachel.
He came around the final corner. Rachel’s house was down on the left and Guardian’s house was closer on the right.
“Guardian. How’s my good boy?” He bent over and rubbed the dog’s ears. Guardian responded by licking Logan’s hand.
“Yes, I have a treat for you today.” He pulled a handful of dog biscuits out of his pocket and gave them to the dog one at a time.
“Got a secret for you boy.” Logan leaned in closer. “I’m getting married today. Rachel’s gonna be mine tonight.” The dog sniffed toward Logan, searching for the biscuits. “I know, I’ve said that every night for the last week but this time it’s really going to happen. She’s going to come to me.”
He handed Guardian another dog biscuit. “And you know what that means? This is the last day of being chained up in this awful place.” He rubbed Guardian. It was finally happening. He was going to settle down with the woman of his dreams with his dog on the farm he’d found for them. It was the beginning of his forever.
“Time to go get my bride.” He said and stood. “How do I look?”
Logan continued down the street past Rachel’s house then around to the street that ran behind her house. He went up the driveway of the couple whose house sat directly behind hers. The owners of that house were retired and traveled often. If you looked like you belonged somewhere people never asked you what you were doing. He moved through the trees and into the back yard.
He looked at his watch. It was Four-fifteen. That gave him a solid hour before Rachel would get home. She left at the exact same time every day. He followed Rachel to her parent’s house. After dark Logan would watch her through the windows at their home. Seeing her body through the windows, so close, but being completely unable to touch her made him hunger for her more.
Alpha Mu Epsilon
That was what sustained him. And tonight he would be rewarded. “Childish.” He picked up the walnut that had fallen out of the door. It was one thing to booby-trap a medicine cabinet but the back door was too easy to fix. When Rachel tried to act strong was when she was the most adorable. He unlocked the door and punched in the code. Then he closed the screen door, leaned the walnut against the screen door and closed the storm door.
He took off his shoes, reset the alarm and went to their bedroom. He slipped off his pants and shirt and put them in the hamper. Women didn’t like it when men left their clothes in a pile on the floor. He was going to be her dream man.
He shaved and put on cologne before he put on his black slacks, crisp white shirt and blue tie that he had bought for this occasion. Exercising self-control was going to be the hardest thing about today.
“Agape Makrothumia Egkrateia” He chanted in the mirror. Love, Patience and Self-Control. Now he had proven all three.
“Against these there is no law.” He said chanting the verse that had driven his life.
“You didn’t think I could do it. All you good church people with your wooden pews and starched shirts thought you were better than me.” Those men like Curtis. He snarled at the thought of the man’s name.
He stared at his reflection in the mirror but in his heart he was at home with his Aunt Tulla. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” He was too dumb to understand these higher things of God. She’d made sure he knew that. Just the same she thought maybe some of it would stick.
“Alpha Mu Epsilon stuck.”
And today was this big pay out. He would have his precious Rachel, the perfect number twelve. They would live the perfect life of a romance novel. He handsome and romantic and she beautiful and madly in love with him. He folded the covers back on the bed and walked back down the steps. The overcast sky made the world like one big shadow. He loved the time of shadow. He put his tennis shoes in the bag he had brought along then set his wedding gift for Rachel on the table.
He slipped on the black shoes he’d spit shined and stepped back into the corner of the living room.
Into the shadow.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Logan pulled into the parking lot of a small city park not far from her house. He opened the trunk and lifted out the bag of gifts, wedding gifts, for Rachel. They were going to be one soon. He’d waited patiently each day for her to come home but she never did. It was time to force the issue. The day was overcast with maybe a small drizzle. Aunt Tulla said it was good luck if it rained on your wedding day.
He walked out of the parking lot and over to the sidewalk on the other side. Despite the drizzly day the temperature was warm and he passed a few houses with their windows still open. Family chatter and noise from television came out. Tonight he was going to be one of them. Not in this neighborhood but he would start a new life.
He’d be a good daddy. His little boy would grow to love the structure and discipline he had learned as a boy. He rounded the corner. A police cruiser went up the road. Logan smiled and waved as the officer drove past. He’d want to have all boys. Rachel would give him handsome sons. Maybe four or five then a daughter who would be as beautiful and loyal as Rachel.
He came around the final corner. Rachel’s house was down on the left and Guardian’s house was closer on the right.
“Guardian. How’s my good boy?” He bent over and rubbed the dog’s ears. Guardian responded by licking Logan’s hand.
“Yes, I have a treat for you today.” He pulled a handful of dog biscuits out of his pocket and gave them to the dog one at a time.
“Got a secret for you boy.” Logan leaned in closer. “I’m getting married today. Rachel’s gonna be mine tonight.” The dog sniffed toward Logan, searching for the biscuits. “I know, I’ve said that every night for the last week but this time it’s really going to happen. She’s going to come to me.”
He handed Guardian another dog biscuit. “And you know what that means? This is the last day of being chained up in this awful place.” He rubbed Guardian. It was finally happening. He was going to settle down with the woman of his dreams with his dog on the farm he’d found for them. It was the beginning of his forever.
“Time to go get my bride.” He said and stood. “How do I look?”
Logan continued down the street past Rachel’s house then around to the street that ran behind her house. He went up the driveway of the couple whose house sat directly behind hers. The owners of that house were retired and traveled often. If you looked like you belonged somewhere people never asked you what you were doing. He moved through the trees and into the back yard.
He looked at his watch. It was Four-fifteen. That gave him a solid hour before Rachel would get home. She left at the exact same time every day. He followed Rachel to her parent’s house. After dark Logan would watch her through the windows at their home. Seeing her body through the windows, so close, but being completely unable to touch her made him hunger for her more.
Alpha Mu Epsilon
That was what sustained him. And tonight he would be rewarded. “Childish.” He picked up the walnut that had fallen out of the door. It was one thing to booby-trap a medicine cabinet but the back door was too easy to fix. When Rachel tried to act strong was when she was the most adorable. He unlocked the door and punched in the code. Then he closed the screen door, leaned the walnut against the screen door and closed the storm door.
He took off his shoes, reset the alarm and went to their bedroom. He slipped off his pants and shirt and put them in the hamper. Women didn’t like it when men left their clothes in a pile on the floor. He was going to be her dream man.
He shaved and put on cologne before he put on his black slacks, crisp white shirt and blue tie that he had bought for this occasion. Exercising self-control was going to be the hardest thing about today.
“Agape Makrothumia Egkrateia” He chanted in the mirror. Love, Patience and Self-Control. Now he had proven all three.
“Against these there is no law.” He said chanting the verse that had driven his life.
“You didn’t think I could do it. All you good church people with your wooden pews and starched shirts thought you were better than me.” Those men like Curtis. He snarled at the thought of the man’s name.
He stared at his reflection in the mirror but in his heart he was at home with his Aunt Tulla. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” He was too dumb to understand these higher things of God. She’d made sure he knew that. Just the same she thought maybe some of it would stick.
“Alpha Mu Epsilon stuck.”
And today was this big pay out. He would have his precious Rachel, the perfect number twelve. They would live the perfect life of a romance novel. He handsome and romantic and she beautiful and madly in love with him. He folded the covers back on the bed and walked back down the steps. The overcast sky made the world like one big shadow. He loved the time of shadow. He put his tennis shoes in the bag he had brought along then set his wedding gift for Rachel on the table.
He slipped on the black shoes he’d spit shined and stepped back into the corner of the living room.
Into the shadow.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Friday, September 11, 2009
A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 13
Thirteen
“Did you hear Yvonne is coming out?” Rachel poured Curtis a cup of coffee.
“So they reconciled?”
“I think so. Adam wouldn’t give me many details but he looked much happier than when he got here.”
“How could he not?”
“I don’t know why he ever left in the first place. They adore each other.”
“I hope this means they’re moving back to Ohio.” He sipped his coffee. “I’ll have to remember the story of Daniel next time I talk to a friend with relationship issues.”
“I used Daniel another way. It wasn’t about his marriage.”
“Ah. Still, a useful story.” He winked.
She stirred cream in her coffee then spoke without looking up. “I’m going back to my place tonight.”
“Do you think that’s wise?”
“I’ve been here for two weeks. I’m tired of hiding. And now with Yvonne coming back I want the two of them to have as much privacy as possible.”
Curtis spooned a bit of sugar in his coffee as he spoke. “Do you want him to contact you? Going more than a week since he had the rose delivered at work is a good thing.”
“Maybe he isn’t interested?”
“We’re talking about your life, Rachel. There needs to be more than a maybe to put you in harm’s way.”
“Will you at least listen to my plan?” She took her mug in her hands and leaned forward. Curtis nodded his willingness to at least listen. “Thank you.” She sipped her coffee and began.
“I’ll change my security code on my alarm today. After work follow me home. I’ll set it as soon as you leave, I’ll keep my cell by my bedside and I’ll even lock my bedroom door.” She slid him a piece of paper with her new security code written on it and a key to her house at Curtis. His skepticism was palpable. “I’ll be safer at home than I will be here. Mom and dad don’t have an alarm or any of it. He’ll find me.” Her voice cracked and she looked away for a moment.
“Marry me.” Curtis said with urgency.
“What?” She felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her.
“Marry me. I’ll protect you.”
She loosened a bit. He wasn’t serious. She loved the words sounded when he said them though and hoped he might say it a third time. It was too soon to get married but each time he said it it sounded a little better. “Curtis we’ve only been dating for two months.”
“I know and I love you. I want to be with you forever. Marry me.”
She smiled at him. He said it again. “You’re only asking me to marry you so you can be my body guard.”
“And because I love you.”
He smiled. It was hard to tell by his voice if he was serious or not. She knew he was strict about not being alone with a woman over night but getting married so she wouldn’t be alone in her house was ridiculous.“We’ll talk about that in a few months.”He smiled and kissed her. “But we will talk about it.”
“Yes.” Heat surged through Rachel’s body. Immediately her childhood fantasies of being a beautiful bride flooded in. “I need to get to work. Let me grab my things while you finish your coffee.”
“Rachel.” He called behind her. She spun back around to face him. “I’m serious about what I said.”
She softened. “I know.” She went up to her old bedroom on the second floor for her suitcase and work.
When she came back down the steps he helped her take her things out to the car.
“You’re sure about going home tonight?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then I’m staying until dark and I want to see you arm your alarm when I walk out the door.”
“I figured.”
She climbed in the car and drove into work with Curtis behind her. He waited in his car until she was in the office and then waved as he pulled away. She picked up her messages from the front desk and walked back to her office.
“Shannon.” She called down the hall while she fiddled with her key. “I need to talk to you when you get a second.”
Shannon stood in the doorway. “What’s up?”
Rachel smiled. “Come in. Close the door.”
Shannon did as she said and Rachel blurted out. “Curtis asked me to marry him.”
Shannon’s jaw dropped down then she grabbed Rachel’s hand. “Let me see the ring.”
Rachel pulled her hand away. “We’re not engaged.” She laughed. “It’s only been eight weeks.”
“You told him no?” She looked even more surprised than when Rachel said he proposed.
“I don’t know if he was entirely serious. We agreed to talk about it in a couple of months.”
“That’s probably wise but you’d better say yes next time or I’ll snag him up.” She laughed.
“No you won’t. He’s not your type.”
“He wasn’t yours either at first. I think he grows on you.” She pointed down at Rachel’s hand. “I need to get back over to my office. Don’t forget about our conference call at eleven.”
“I won’t. Did you upload the presentation to the website?”
“Of course.”
“As if it was a ridiculous question.”
“It worked out last time.”
“Uh-huh.” Rachel smiled. Shannon turned and went back to her office.
By four the clock hands started dragging. The office was much more constricting now that she had spent a couple weeks away. Rachel looked at the clock only to find it had been less than five minutes since the last time she checked. Tonight she was going to sleep in her own bed for the first time in three weeks. She had gone to the house every few days with Curtis or her mom to check on things, do a little dusting or to get some clothes but she was anxious to sit in her chaise and read a book without mom or dad interrupting.
But would it be the same? Would she be able to relax or would he come back? Fear pricked at her skin.
At four twenty Curtis called.
“Rachel, I just got a last minute appointment for seven. An investment group found a multi-property deal. I have to crunch some numbers for the appointment. Why don’t I follow you to your parent’s house and then after my appointment I’ll take you to your place.”
“No, don’t do that.”
“I don’t want you going back alone.”
“I won’t.”
“Who will go with you?”
“I’ll have Shannon follow. Come over as soon as your appointment is done.”
“I don’t like that idea-.”
“Curtis, I’ll be fine. I want to go home.”
He was hesitant, “If you’re sure?”
“Positive. I’ll see you around eight?”
“It’ll be around then. I’ll call if I’m going to be much later.”
“Good, see you then. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
They hung up the phone and Rachel turned to the spreadsheet on her computer screen. She’d put up a good front but…No, everything would be fine. There was no sign he’d left anything behind.
“You still balancing those accounts down?” Shannon sat down across from Rachel.
“No, if I were balancing I’d be done. There are seven cents I still can’t reconcile.”
“Rachel, I’ll give you the seven cents. Your time is worth more than that.”
Shannon never understood the importance of getting these things to balance, which is why Rachel was in charge of the books. As long as the account was pretty close it was good enough for Shannon. Shannon was the people person, go with the flow. Rachel turned from her computer.
“On your way out?”
“Got the appointment at five-thirty across town, remember?”
How could she have forgotten? The conference call, the arrangement for Shannon to hash out the deal and then review for final sign off next week. Rachel had planned the time line.
“Do you need me to go with you and help?”
“No, go home. Have fun with Curtis. I want to see the ring.” Shannon smiled. “Will he be here soon?”
This wasn’t working out. Maybe she should reconsider, do it another day? Everyone would understand her need to be protected. By her mommy and daddy. No. She was going home and she was going to act like an adult.
“I talked to him right before you came in. He’s leaving the office any time.” It wasn’t a total lie. He was leaving the office. “There are enough people here for me to stay with.”
“Okay then. I’ll call you with the results. I’d better get going. Traffic’s going to be bad enough.”
“Talk to you then.” Rachel turned back to her screen. Everything would be fine. She would drive home and go in the house and set the alarm until Curtis got there.
The alarm.
She had completely forgotten to change the punch code. She dug through her purse and found the card.
“What will your security word be?” The woman on the phone had asked when Rachel finally got through.
“God.”
“God?”
“Yes, my security word will be God.”
The woman’s voice brightened. “He is your deliverer. Good word.”
Rachel gathered her things and walked out of the office to her car. He’s your deliverer. It gave her goose bumps. That was what Carol Adnaw had said at the retreat. It was still eerie for two women to say the exact same thing.
She started home. Carol’s words echoed in her head like a bad song that plays over and over until you find yourself singing it. She’d said something about him being at her side and he’d make a way where there seemed to be no way.
“Vague enough for anyone to interpret the way they needed.” Rachel was impressed with Carol, and she couldn’t deny that feeling of peace at the retreat, but could anyone really know what God was thinking.
Just the same, it would have been nice if it were true. Life would be much easier if there was really a God out there who said “Don’t worry” or “Here is who you should marry” or any number of other things people attributed to God.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
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“Did you hear Yvonne is coming out?” Rachel poured Curtis a cup of coffee.
“So they reconciled?”
“I think so. Adam wouldn’t give me many details but he looked much happier than when he got here.”
“How could he not?”
“I don’t know why he ever left in the first place. They adore each other.”
“I hope this means they’re moving back to Ohio.” He sipped his coffee. “I’ll have to remember the story of Daniel next time I talk to a friend with relationship issues.”
“I used Daniel another way. It wasn’t about his marriage.”
“Ah. Still, a useful story.” He winked.
She stirred cream in her coffee then spoke without looking up. “I’m going back to my place tonight.”
“Do you think that’s wise?”
“I’ve been here for two weeks. I’m tired of hiding. And now with Yvonne coming back I want the two of them to have as much privacy as possible.”
Curtis spooned a bit of sugar in his coffee as he spoke. “Do you want him to contact you? Going more than a week since he had the rose delivered at work is a good thing.”
“Maybe he isn’t interested?”
“We’re talking about your life, Rachel. There needs to be more than a maybe to put you in harm’s way.”
“Will you at least listen to my plan?” She took her mug in her hands and leaned forward. Curtis nodded his willingness to at least listen. “Thank you.” She sipped her coffee and began.
“I’ll change my security code on my alarm today. After work follow me home. I’ll set it as soon as you leave, I’ll keep my cell by my bedside and I’ll even lock my bedroom door.” She slid him a piece of paper with her new security code written on it and a key to her house at Curtis. His skepticism was palpable. “I’ll be safer at home than I will be here. Mom and dad don’t have an alarm or any of it. He’ll find me.” Her voice cracked and she looked away for a moment.
“Marry me.” Curtis said with urgency.
“What?” She felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her.
“Marry me. I’ll protect you.”
She loosened a bit. He wasn’t serious. She loved the words sounded when he said them though and hoped he might say it a third time. It was too soon to get married but each time he said it it sounded a little better. “Curtis we’ve only been dating for two months.”
“I know and I love you. I want to be with you forever. Marry me.”
She smiled at him. He said it again. “You’re only asking me to marry you so you can be my body guard.”
“And because I love you.”
He smiled. It was hard to tell by his voice if he was serious or not. She knew he was strict about not being alone with a woman over night but getting married so she wouldn’t be alone in her house was ridiculous.“We’ll talk about that in a few months.”He smiled and kissed her. “But we will talk about it.”
“Yes.” Heat surged through Rachel’s body. Immediately her childhood fantasies of being a beautiful bride flooded in. “I need to get to work. Let me grab my things while you finish your coffee.”
“Rachel.” He called behind her. She spun back around to face him. “I’m serious about what I said.”
She softened. “I know.” She went up to her old bedroom on the second floor for her suitcase and work.
When she came back down the steps he helped her take her things out to the car.
“You’re sure about going home tonight?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then I’m staying until dark and I want to see you arm your alarm when I walk out the door.”
“I figured.”
She climbed in the car and drove into work with Curtis behind her. He waited in his car until she was in the office and then waved as he pulled away. She picked up her messages from the front desk and walked back to her office.
“Shannon.” She called down the hall while she fiddled with her key. “I need to talk to you when you get a second.”
Shannon stood in the doorway. “What’s up?”
Rachel smiled. “Come in. Close the door.”
Shannon did as she said and Rachel blurted out. “Curtis asked me to marry him.”
Shannon’s jaw dropped down then she grabbed Rachel’s hand. “Let me see the ring.”
Rachel pulled her hand away. “We’re not engaged.” She laughed. “It’s only been eight weeks.”
“You told him no?” She looked even more surprised than when Rachel said he proposed.
“I don’t know if he was entirely serious. We agreed to talk about it in a couple of months.”
“That’s probably wise but you’d better say yes next time or I’ll snag him up.” She laughed.
“No you won’t. He’s not your type.”
“He wasn’t yours either at first. I think he grows on you.” She pointed down at Rachel’s hand. “I need to get back over to my office. Don’t forget about our conference call at eleven.”
“I won’t. Did you upload the presentation to the website?”
“Of course.”
“As if it was a ridiculous question.”
“It worked out last time.”
“Uh-huh.” Rachel smiled. Shannon turned and went back to her office.
By four the clock hands started dragging. The office was much more constricting now that she had spent a couple weeks away. Rachel looked at the clock only to find it had been less than five minutes since the last time she checked. Tonight she was going to sleep in her own bed for the first time in three weeks. She had gone to the house every few days with Curtis or her mom to check on things, do a little dusting or to get some clothes but she was anxious to sit in her chaise and read a book without mom or dad interrupting.
But would it be the same? Would she be able to relax or would he come back? Fear pricked at her skin.
At four twenty Curtis called.
“Rachel, I just got a last minute appointment for seven. An investment group found a multi-property deal. I have to crunch some numbers for the appointment. Why don’t I follow you to your parent’s house and then after my appointment I’ll take you to your place.”
“No, don’t do that.”
“I don’t want you going back alone.”
“I won’t.”
“Who will go with you?”
“I’ll have Shannon follow. Come over as soon as your appointment is done.”
“I don’t like that idea-.”
“Curtis, I’ll be fine. I want to go home.”
He was hesitant, “If you’re sure?”
“Positive. I’ll see you around eight?”
“It’ll be around then. I’ll call if I’m going to be much later.”
“Good, see you then. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
They hung up the phone and Rachel turned to the spreadsheet on her computer screen. She’d put up a good front but…No, everything would be fine. There was no sign he’d left anything behind.
“You still balancing those accounts down?” Shannon sat down across from Rachel.
“No, if I were balancing I’d be done. There are seven cents I still can’t reconcile.”
“Rachel, I’ll give you the seven cents. Your time is worth more than that.”
Shannon never understood the importance of getting these things to balance, which is why Rachel was in charge of the books. As long as the account was pretty close it was good enough for Shannon. Shannon was the people person, go with the flow. Rachel turned from her computer.
“On your way out?”
“Got the appointment at five-thirty across town, remember?”
How could she have forgotten? The conference call, the arrangement for Shannon to hash out the deal and then review for final sign off next week. Rachel had planned the time line.
“Do you need me to go with you and help?”
“No, go home. Have fun with Curtis. I want to see the ring.” Shannon smiled. “Will he be here soon?”
This wasn’t working out. Maybe she should reconsider, do it another day? Everyone would understand her need to be protected. By her mommy and daddy. No. She was going home and she was going to act like an adult.
“I talked to him right before you came in. He’s leaving the office any time.” It wasn’t a total lie. He was leaving the office. “There are enough people here for me to stay with.”
“Okay then. I’ll call you with the results. I’d better get going. Traffic’s going to be bad enough.”
“Talk to you then.” Rachel turned back to her screen. Everything would be fine. She would drive home and go in the house and set the alarm until Curtis got there.
The alarm.
She had completely forgotten to change the punch code. She dug through her purse and found the card.
“What will your security word be?” The woman on the phone had asked when Rachel finally got through.
“God.”
“God?”
“Yes, my security word will be God.”
The woman’s voice brightened. “He is your deliverer. Good word.”
Rachel gathered her things and walked out of the office to her car. He’s your deliverer. It gave her goose bumps. That was what Carol Adnaw had said at the retreat. It was still eerie for two women to say the exact same thing.
She started home. Carol’s words echoed in her head like a bad song that plays over and over until you find yourself singing it. She’d said something about him being at her side and he’d make a way where there seemed to be no way.
“Vague enough for anyone to interpret the way they needed.” Rachel was impressed with Carol, and she couldn’t deny that feeling of peace at the retreat, but could anyone really know what God was thinking.
Just the same, it would have been nice if it were true. Life would be much easier if there was really a God out there who said “Don’t worry” or “Here is who you should marry” or any number of other things people attributed to God.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 14
Fourteen
“I want to come in to the office tomorrow and work for a while.” Rachel had already made her peace with the people at the office and their request that she work at home. If she could have a way to escape the roses forever she would do it too. But it had been long enough and Rachel needed to do a few things at the office.
“You want to start coming back every day or you want to come in tomorrow.”
“I want to come in tomorrow but I’d like to gradually work my way back in. I’m not the type who can spend weeks at home.”
“I know. That’s why we work together so well.” It was good to hear Shannon laugh again. It was something she had missed hearing.
“So I’ll come by tomorrow and work a full day and see how it goes. Maybe I’ll come in one day a week and gradually work my way back in to the office.”
“It will be nice to have you around the office again.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
“I want to come in to the office tomorrow and work for a while.” Rachel had already made her peace with the people at the office and their request that she work at home. If she could have a way to escape the roses forever she would do it too. But it had been long enough and Rachel needed to do a few things at the office.
“You want to start coming back every day or you want to come in tomorrow.”
“I want to come in tomorrow but I’d like to gradually work my way back in. I’m not the type who can spend weeks at home.”
“I know. That’s why we work together so well.” It was good to hear Shannon laugh again. It was something she had missed hearing.
“So I’ll come by tomorrow and work a full day and see how it goes. Maybe I’ll come in one day a week and gradually work my way back in to the office.”
“It will be nice to have you around the office again.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Friday, September 4, 2009
A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 15
Fifteen
“Rachel, it has been four days. Call him.” Rachel’s mom had moved through sympathy and silence and was at tough love. Rachel had come to predict her mom on things like that. It had been the same when she and Nate broke up. Only then she’d lived in her own apartment and didn’t have to talk to her mom about it every night.
“He told me not to call.”
“Men never mean that.”
Rachel gave her mom a nasty look and went back to the work she had brought home from the office.
“Fine, if you won’t call him I’m gonna to him at church on Sunday.”
“Do what ya gotta do mom.” Rachel said without looking up.
Mercifully her mom gave up and left her alone. She looked at the face of her cell phone to see if there were any missed calls but there was still nothing. He had been upset but she never thought he would take this long to contact her. A day, maybe two, seemed reasonable but she had to prepare her heart for a breakup.
It seemed Christian men were no better than unchristian men. She refused to be sad. No, she was angry at him. What he was doing was far worse than what she did. She didn’t intend to hurt him. In fact, she had not told him so as to spare him hurt. He was trying to hurt her and that wasn’t right.
“Rachel, telephone.” Her mom called from the other room.No one Rachel knew had her parents’ number. They all used her cell phone. Rachel stood up and took the phone from her mom.
“Who is it?” She said after she covered the mouth piece.
“I don’t know.” She turned and walked away.
“Hello?” “Hi Rachel. How have you been?” Curtis’ voice sounded wonderful.
Her muscles relaxed and she hurried into her room and closed the door. “I’ve been busy. How have you been?”
“Busy.” There was a long pause. “I miss you.”
She closed her eyes and leaned against her headboard. “I miss you too.”
“Can I come see you?”
“Now?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“No, come now.”She hung up the phone and ran to her mirror.
“I look awful.” She touched up her makeup and put extra concealer under her eyes to cover the dark circles. Then she took off her sweats and put on jeans and fixed her hair.
She walked across the hall to get her spray gel from the bathroom. “Don’t you look nice? Expecting someone special?” Her mom teased.
“Did you call him?”
“I needed to talk to him about Sunday.”
Rachel sprayed her hair and went out to the living room. Fifteen minutes later Curtis pulled in the driveway. When she saw him Rachel ran out the front door to meet him. They stood in nearly the same spot they had been at the beginning of the week.
Curtis was the first one to speak. “Adam told me about the theological discussion the two of you had.”
“I told him I thought it was ridiculous for two people who love each other not to be together.”
“It is-.”
“Curtis, I’m really sorry.”
He held up his hand. “I overreacted. You we’re right. We weren’t exclusive.”
“But I should have told you.”
“I don’t know that telling me would have made it any easier to hear.”
“Do you forgive me?”
“I love you, Rachel. That means I have to let this go if we have any shot.”
“I guess I figured that a couple of dinners with him weren’t worth losing you.”
“A couple of dinners?” He crinkled his face. “That wasn’t what he said.”
“What did he say happened?”
“He said you…had a…physical relationship.”
“No, we did not.”
He took a step toward her.
“This week has been awful.” She took the last few steps to him and hugged him. “Why didn’t you call?”
“I wasn’t sure how you would respond to me after the way I blew up at you.”
“I almost called you the first night.”
“I wanted to get in touch but…Then your mom called and told me you’d been moping around the house all week.” He smiled at her. “I thought maybe that meant I had a shot of getting you back.”
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
“Rachel, it has been four days. Call him.” Rachel’s mom had moved through sympathy and silence and was at tough love. Rachel had come to predict her mom on things like that. It had been the same when she and Nate broke up. Only then she’d lived in her own apartment and didn’t have to talk to her mom about it every night.
“He told me not to call.”
“Men never mean that.”
Rachel gave her mom a nasty look and went back to the work she had brought home from the office.
“Fine, if you won’t call him I’m gonna to him at church on Sunday.”
“Do what ya gotta do mom.” Rachel said without looking up.
Mercifully her mom gave up and left her alone. She looked at the face of her cell phone to see if there were any missed calls but there was still nothing. He had been upset but she never thought he would take this long to contact her. A day, maybe two, seemed reasonable but she had to prepare her heart for a breakup.
It seemed Christian men were no better than unchristian men. She refused to be sad. No, she was angry at him. What he was doing was far worse than what she did. She didn’t intend to hurt him. In fact, she had not told him so as to spare him hurt. He was trying to hurt her and that wasn’t right.
“Rachel, telephone.” Her mom called from the other room.No one Rachel knew had her parents’ number. They all used her cell phone. Rachel stood up and took the phone from her mom.
“Who is it?” She said after she covered the mouth piece.
“I don’t know.” She turned and walked away.
“Hello?” “Hi Rachel. How have you been?” Curtis’ voice sounded wonderful.
Her muscles relaxed and she hurried into her room and closed the door. “I’ve been busy. How have you been?”
“Busy.” There was a long pause. “I miss you.”
She closed her eyes and leaned against her headboard. “I miss you too.”
“Can I come see you?”
“Now?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“No, come now.”She hung up the phone and ran to her mirror.
“I look awful.” She touched up her makeup and put extra concealer under her eyes to cover the dark circles. Then she took off her sweats and put on jeans and fixed her hair.
She walked across the hall to get her spray gel from the bathroom. “Don’t you look nice? Expecting someone special?” Her mom teased.
“Did you call him?”
“I needed to talk to him about Sunday.”
Rachel sprayed her hair and went out to the living room. Fifteen minutes later Curtis pulled in the driveway. When she saw him Rachel ran out the front door to meet him. They stood in nearly the same spot they had been at the beginning of the week.
Curtis was the first one to speak. “Adam told me about the theological discussion the two of you had.”
“I told him I thought it was ridiculous for two people who love each other not to be together.”
“It is-.”
“Curtis, I’m really sorry.”
He held up his hand. “I overreacted. You we’re right. We weren’t exclusive.”
“But I should have told you.”
“I don’t know that telling me would have made it any easier to hear.”
“Do you forgive me?”
“I love you, Rachel. That means I have to let this go if we have any shot.”
“I guess I figured that a couple of dinners with him weren’t worth losing you.”
“A couple of dinners?” He crinkled his face. “That wasn’t what he said.”
“What did he say happened?”
“He said you…had a…physical relationship.”
“No, we did not.”
He took a step toward her.
“This week has been awful.” She took the last few steps to him and hugged him. “Why didn’t you call?”
“I wasn’t sure how you would respond to me after the way I blew up at you.”
“I almost called you the first night.”
“I wanted to get in touch but…Then your mom called and told me you’d been moping around the house all week.” He smiled at her. “I thought maybe that meant I had a shot of getting you back.”
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 16
Sixteen
“Mom tell me what happen. I sorry.” Adam signed.
“Thank you.”
Rachel drew her knees up to her chest and stared off in to space. She had messed things up pretty well by playing her game. For all her talk of living in the moment-.”
“I here if need talk.” Adam walked over and sat next to Rachel on the edge of her bed.
“I’d rather talk Yvonne.” She signed back.
He turned and swiped away a tear with his thumb. “I not want talk about Yvonne.”
“Why not?” He didn’t have an answer. “Adam, you Yvonne love together. You need bring wife here. Live Ohio again.”
“I need know what God want.”
“You think God want you here Yvonne there?” She was signing so fast her hands made smacking sounds. “You think God want Yvonne cry alone California and you sad Ohio?”
He stood up and faced her. “You not believe God real. Why you think God talk you about me, Yvonne.”
“I don’t know God real or no real but I know story Daniel and Lions.”
“What you talk about?”
“That king put Daniel with Lions but king know is wrong. He not believe in God but he know Daniel good man. Can see Daniel should not die. He pray, God answer.”
“That nothing about my problem.”
“Yes, is.” Rachel knew what she was trying to say but she didn’t have all those Bible verses her brother would listen to. She knew a few stories about Jesus and the one about Daniel. That was her whole arsenal. What she did know is that Adam and Yvonne should be together.
“I not need believe in God know you married, you want Ohio, Yvonne want live Ohio. Maybe God not always tell you do stuff you don’t like. Maybe he also tell you do things he know you want do.”
“I think about what you say.” He turned and walked out. Rachel lifted her cell phone out of her purse and scrolled down to Curtis’ cell number. She couldn’t call him yet. He didn’t want to talk to her but she needed to see his face. She clicked “Ok” on the number and the small photo she snapped of him recently popped up.
Tears rolled down her face. She loved him so bad it hurt. Exactly where she didn’t want to be. The phone face dimmed and she opened and closed to reset then scrolled back down and brought up his picture again.
The holes he’d pierced in the armor around her heart were letting feelings she didn’t want to have come in.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
“Mom tell me what happen. I sorry.” Adam signed.
“Thank you.”
Rachel drew her knees up to her chest and stared off in to space. She had messed things up pretty well by playing her game. For all her talk of living in the moment-.”
“I here if need talk.” Adam walked over and sat next to Rachel on the edge of her bed.
“I’d rather talk Yvonne.” She signed back.
He turned and swiped away a tear with his thumb. “I not want talk about Yvonne.”
“Why not?” He didn’t have an answer. “Adam, you Yvonne love together. You need bring wife here. Live Ohio again.”
“I need know what God want.”
“You think God want you here Yvonne there?” She was signing so fast her hands made smacking sounds. “You think God want Yvonne cry alone California and you sad Ohio?”
He stood up and faced her. “You not believe God real. Why you think God talk you about me, Yvonne.”
“I don’t know God real or no real but I know story Daniel and Lions.”
“What you talk about?”
“That king put Daniel with Lions but king know is wrong. He not believe in God but he know Daniel good man. Can see Daniel should not die. He pray, God answer.”
“That nothing about my problem.”
“Yes, is.” Rachel knew what she was trying to say but she didn’t have all those Bible verses her brother would listen to. She knew a few stories about Jesus and the one about Daniel. That was her whole arsenal. What she did know is that Adam and Yvonne should be together.
“I not need believe in God know you married, you want Ohio, Yvonne want live Ohio. Maybe God not always tell you do stuff you don’t like. Maybe he also tell you do things he know you want do.”
“I think about what you say.” He turned and walked out. Rachel lifted her cell phone out of her purse and scrolled down to Curtis’ cell number. She couldn’t call him yet. He didn’t want to talk to her but she needed to see his face. She clicked “Ok” on the number and the small photo she snapped of him recently popped up.
Tears rolled down her face. She loved him so bad it hurt. Exactly where she didn’t want to be. The phone face dimmed and she opened and closed to reset then scrolled back down and brought up his picture again.
The holes he’d pierced in the armor around her heart were letting feelings she didn’t want to have come in.
You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.
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