Shuttered Affections (Cornerstone #1)

by Folsom, Rene

  Dex was the club’s bouncer. On busy nights, he had a full security team he managed. But on the slower weeknights, it was usually just him.

  He was a very big, muscular man. I imagine he was a good foot taller than me, probably standing at about six-foot-four. With his height and muscular frame, intimidation emanated from him. He was definitely a good bouncer and security manager. He fit the bill perfectly.

  I entered the employee lounge, put my purse and things away, and donned my apron. After grabbing my order pad, a few pens, and stocking my apron with straws, I walked over to the office and clocked in.

  Libby, who usually goes by Lib, owned the club and was a damn good friend. She was very nice, but a stickler for the rules. She was tall and skinny with straight, blonde hair and continuously wore jeans, a tank, and a band of keys around her muscular arm. Carrying herself with extreme confidence, she always seemed to have a chip on her shoulder, but I knew it was a tough-chick act she portrayed well.

  Lib looked up from her order sheets and gave me a small smile before I walked back behind the bar.

  I took a deep breath through my nose and sighed. The club always put a smile on my face.

  All the bars throughout the club were filled with water and built into aquariums. The countertops bubbled with backlit blue lights and the base of the bar was a beautiful, tropical paradise for several colorful fish. The main bar was elevated so people on the dance floor ended up face to face with the beautiful aquarium. The walls were also lined with pipes of flowing water. Bubbles danced around and reflected nicely in front of the deep blue lighting that gave the entire place an underwater feeling—hence the name, H20.

  I enjoyed burying myself into work and would often forget about any other troubles until after my shift.

  I could hear Becky cackling in the other room with the barbacks and rolled my eyes again at the thought of working with the bubbly blabbermouth all night. She wasn’t that bad, really. She and I were just different, which made conversation very uncomfortable for me.

  As the night went on, I was surprised at how packed the club was. Monday nights were usually pretty dead, but I didn’t mind the abnormal busyness.

  Tonight was Becky’s turn behind the bar with the senior bartender, Pete, and I was scheduled to be out on the floor, waiting tables and serving people standing around.

  I flashed an apologetic smile to Pete and turned to walk to the VIP section where a group of college frat boys were getting situated and laughing it up before even having a sip of alcohol.

  Oh, this group is going to be fun.

  The guys seemed to be enjoying one another’s company as their arms draped carelessly around the shoulders of their groupies.

  Since this job came easy to me, I let my mind wander.

  I began to think about Mr. Stone and how ridiculous I must be for even thinking he had an interest in me. And, even if he did, what did it matter? It wasn’t like I could act upon the attraction I had for him. I knew that was a big no-no and I was sure he did too.

  The way he called me Angel crept into my mind and made me smile. Of course, a few of my customers misinterpreted my smile, thinking it was intended for them. But that was okay. I didn’t mind a little flirting to make them happy, as long as it stayed innocent.

  The rest of my shift went very quickly. We were so busy that I didn’t get out of there until after one in the morning.

  I dragged my tired butt up to my apartment and couldn’t wait to be in my bed.

  Just as I walked over the threshold, I noticed a sliver of paper under the heel of my shoe. Did it get stuck on there when I walked in?

  Curious, I bent over and picked it up. Turning it over, I read the scribble that was sprawled across the blank paper.

  Suddenly, everything around me began to plummet into darkness.

  Chapter 6

  “Bravery is easier in the form of an email.”

  “He knows where I live.” My words escaped me in a gasp and, as if the paper was on fire, I let go and watched it float to the floor.

  How could this be? I tried so hard to get away, to disappear. I knew I couldn’t change my name, but I had no idea he would try to find me.

  Bending over, I picked it up and looked at the paper again to read his venomous words…

  Thought I couldn’t find you? Think again.

  Bile began to rise in my throat. The first person I thought of was Sid. I hoped she wouldn’t come home tonight. I would die if anything happened to her because of me. Yet, I didn’t want to be alone either. The thought of him anywhere near my place gave me the creeps.

  Putting the paper down, I gripped the edge of the counter tight, worried I was going to pass out. I tried taking deep breaths in and out, just standing there and concentrating on my breathing. Slowly, I began to calm.

  Okay, I was hungry and tired. I would just have to figure out what to do about all this tomorrow.

  I made sure my door was locked and put the deadbolt in place. If Sid planned on coming home, she’d be here by now.

  I popped some Ramen Noodles into the microwave, figuring it was the only thing I could stomach.

  At first, I wished Sid were here so I could tell her about my day. Then, I was glad Sid wasn’t home yet and sighed in relief. I wanted to text her and tell her not to come home, but I really didn’t want to burden her.

  “I think I’m too tired to relive today’s events anyway,” I spoke out loud to myself. But that didn’t keep me from replaying them in my head.

  Our apartment was small, but decent for our salaries. The one thing that was most important to me about choosing an apartment was the location. I did not care if we lived in a sardine can—as long as it wasn’t in a seedy part of town, I was happy.

  We actually got lucky when we stumbled upon this two-bedroom condo. A parent purchased it for their son when he attended the university and decided to lease it out after he graduated. Since they weren’t from around here, they didn’t want to keep up with much of the maintenance, so we agreed on a very good rent price in exchange for taking care of any maintenance issues ourselves.

  So far, the place held up nicely and we only had to call a plumber once to fix a busted pipe. Overall, we continued to be very happy with our arrangement.

  Luckily, I had full scholarships to pay for my books, tuition, and supplies. The only supplies I had to front myself were for my photography and art classes.

  Sid couldn’t afford to attend college, but I was determined to talk her into going for loans or grants one of these days.

  Sid’s parents died in a car crash shortly before senior year of high school. With no family left and no plans for her future, she moved in with me to finish high school. Once things became… difficult… for me, she decided to start a new life in a new city with me. She hadn’t looked back and our relationship couldn’t be stronger.

  The Ramen Noodles hit the spot before I slowly washed up and dragged myself to bed. I needed to check my emails before I became too lethargic to think. So, I pulled my laptop onto the bed and began shuffling through all the spam mail.

  My heart leapt into my throat when I saw the name in my inbox.

  Why in the world would Mr. Stone email me? He must’ve gotten my email address from Mr. Barnes. Hesitantly, I clicked on the email and began to read.

  From: ajstone7484@yahoo.com

  To: juleskasey@gmail.com

  Date: Monday, March 12 at 11:06 PM

  Subject: Angels Do Exist

  Juliana –

  Do you plan on using any of the free lab time tomorrow? I took the liberty of looking at your schedule and noticed you don’t have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I would like to work with you on your spring project and discuss a possible digital project for your independent study class with me. I’m sure you know what the darkroom hours are. I plan to be there all day.

  Your photographs have not left my mind.

  Goodnight, Angel.

  Aiden

  Wow. Even his emails m
ade my heart race. And he was emailing me from his personal email address, too. I knew that was not the official school email he had on his revised syllabus.

  I studied the email for a moment and wondered what the “J” stood for in “ajstone.” The last four numbers looked like they could possibly be his birthday. That meant he was an Independence Day baby. How cute.

  Bringing myself out of my mental tangent, I focused back on the topic of his email.

  I was planning on meeting up with Maddy tomorrow to take some photos. Of course, even if I were going into the lab, I wanted to work alone so I could concentrate. How was I supposed to concentrate with this lovely, intimidating man around? I decided to be honest with him. Bravery was easier in the form of an email. Shaking my head in disbelief, I hit reply.

  From: juleskasey@gmail.com

  To: ajstone7484@yahoo.com

  Date: Tuesday, March 13 at 1:22 AM

  Subject: Re: Angels Do Exist

  Mr. Stone,

  Actually, I was planning on working in the lab on Thursday. Maddy and I usually meet up every Tuesday morning to travel around for ultimate photo settings and situations, and to sometimes take photos.

  I purposely made sure my schedule was clear two days a week so that I could work in the labs for both photography and sculpture. There is something so liberating about working by myself without any distractions. I get lost in my work and accomplish a lot more than in the classroom setting.

  So, I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it into the lab tomorrow, but I will be utilizing the lab time from 10am to 1pm on Thursday. Although I’d love to hear your feedback and get any advice for my spring project, I do work best alone. I will likely have another roll of infrared I would like to develop by then and I need to spend some time in the darkroom printing those three shots we spoke about today.

  Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

  - Julia

  Hopefully that would get the point across to him without being impolite. After I pressed send, I regretted telling him I work better alone, despite the fact it was the truth.

  I had to be honest with myself… I wanted to see him. I wanted to spend time with him. I wanted to be with him. And after the creepy note I just found, I didn’t want to be alone. Not even at school. But, there was an underlying problem—he was my teacher and I shouldn’t have been having these feelings.

  Nothing good would come from crushing on the professor who stole my parking spot.

  Just as I was trying to think of a way to make it up to him, my MacBook pinged, notifying me of a new email.

  Excitedly, I pulled the Apple closer to me and clicked on the Mail icon.

  From: ajstone7484@yahoo.com

  To: juleskasey@gmail.com

  Date: Tuesday, March 13 at 1:34 AM

  Subject: Re: Angels Do Exist (and are hard to catch)

  Julia –

  I understand you need your space to work. We’ll go over your spring project when you first get there. That way you can spend time in the darkroom alone. We can go over your digital photography assignment on Wednesday during your allotted time.

  Where are you planning on traveling tomorrow? Please be safe.

  I hope you have a good evening.

  Mr. Stone

  My excitement plummeted when I read how formal he was this time. Even the subject line was evidence I pushed him away. Then again, why was he even pursuing me? Wasn’t there a rule against professors and students co-mingling?

  I didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize his new job, or my scholarship for that matter. But maybe we could spend some harmless time together. After all, we were both adults, right?

  I decided to reply with a more cheerful attitude this time. Maybe this would be the peace offering he needed and would give me some company without having to explain why I didn’t want to be alone.

  From: juleskasey@gmail.com

  To: ajstone7484@yahoo.com

  Date: Tuesday, March 13 at 1:45 AM

  Subject: Re: Angels Do Exist (and enjoy the chase)

  Aiden,

  Thanks for understanding my unusual comfort in working alone. You know I would never kick you out of your own lab though, right? LOL

  Maddy and I plan to travel to the small town just off the highway where the roads are canopied in big oak trees and the main drag has several old antique stores. We’ve both been there before, but never in the morning. So, we’re hoping the change in the direction of the sun will make for better exposure.

  I usually pack my lunch every day and eat in the courtyard while soaking up this heavenly March sun. I would love it if you could join me for lunch on Thursday. I’ll pack enough for two. I know you have class around 1:30, so we’ll leave the lab a little earlier than I had planned so we are not in a rush. I think the sun would get awfully sad if we didn’t spend enough time under his blanketing warmth.

  I will bring my halo.

  - Julia

  Pride swelled in me as I thought of how creative my last line was. Then doubt inched its way into my thoughts. What if I just went too far?

  I shook my head at my dreaded thoughts and tried to put it aside. I was just suggesting lunch, nothing more. No harm done… I hoped.

  My mail app pinged, causing the butterflies to flutter in my tummy again.

  Man, I’ve got it bad. I seriously needed to get a grip on myself!

  From: ajstone7484@yahoo.com

  To: juleskasey@gmail.com

  Date: Tuesday, March 13 at 1:57 AM

  Subject: Re: Angels Do Exist (and are fun to chase)

  Julia –

  That is an excellent town to photograph. Actually, just as you turn to go west on the main road, you’ll see the first store on the left that has a cow pictured on their sign. Just behind that store is a beautiful butterfly garden with antique wagon wheels acting as trellises for the vines and flowers. With the morning light and some unique angles, you’ll get some kick ass shots.

  There is also a little piece of property about 10 miles west that has a lot of abandoned antiques amongst a plethora of greenery. I imagine with your infrared skills, you’d be able to capture some really incredible photographs. I would love to take you out there some time soon, if that is okay with you.

  Lunch on Thursday sounds perfect. Waiting will be a test of my self-control.

  Please guard that halo with your life, my dear Angel.

  Aiden

  In a hopeful attempt to appear less eager than I really was, I decided not to respond and closed the computer with an idiotic grin plastered on my face. I sat there for a moment, still grinning from ear to ear, daydreaming about what it would be like to spend a day traveling and photographing with him.

  With utter exhaustion taking over my body, I scrambled into bed and sunk into my pillow.

  Sleep overtook my body with a vengeance. Surprisingly, I slept somewhat peacefully that night. I still had a few nightmares, but unexpectedly, I also dreamt of not-so-innocent picnics and sun-rimmed halos.

  Chapter 7

  “I refuse to let my life be ruled by some jerk on a sick power trip.”

  I woke the next morning with excitement coursing through my veins. I thought for sure the flirting between us the night before would have me wracked with nerves, but I was happy to think that Mr. Stone’s emails somehow removed some of the fear from my mind and replaced it with a thrill at our possible ventures on Thursday.

  With all this pent-up energy, I decided to go for my morning run, pacing my breathing to the beat of Kings of Leon.

  I’d never been much of a runner. I usually ran only about a mile or two at a slow pace. But I enjoyed the peace and tranquility of just the pavement and my music, while my blood pumped through my body, renewing my strength and making my muscles tingle.

  A nervous tickle itched the back of my mind. Aware he now knew where I lived made me want to vomit.

  Could he be watching me now?

  I felt where my thoughts were headed and tried courageously to rid m
y mind of the fear he instilled inside my bones. I didn’t want to live in fear. I refused to let my life be ruled by some jerk on a sick power trip.

  I shook my head, trying to purge my mind of the memories.

  As I ran, I couldn’t stop my thoughts from analyzing my situation. Yesterday, I met two men who were both very sexy. One man obviously lacked the courage, but still managed to ask me out, and I accepted. The other man had more than enough courage and was eager to display his attraction to me, but was ultimately inaccessible.

  There were also several other challenges.

  Vic was cute, but I wasn’t very interested. In all honesty, I accepted his invitation because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings and I would probably end up spending Wednesday night alone since Sid switched shifts with Becky.

  Aiden was unattainable in my book. There was no way I should be getting involved with my professor. But, God, he was absolutely gorgeous. And when he looked at me, he made me feel like I was the only woman in the world. Being around him just felt right.

  I was very eager to spend time with Aiden later that week, yet at the same time, I knew it was just going to lead me to heartache. But wouldn’t he be worth it?

  Maddy lived about an hour outside of town, so she chose to pick me up since my apartment was on her way to the small antique shops we planned to visit.

  She arrived at nine in the morning and we set off on our venture, talking about the interesting events between her and the publication judge.

  The drive was absolutely gorgeous. Springtime blooms filled the trees, the deep blue skies were covered with white, puffy clouds, and the temperature was a perfect seventy-six degrees Fahrenheit.

  “So… don’t mind my bluntness, but what the hell is going on with you and Mr. Stone?” Maddy asked, interrupting my thoughts.

  I turned and looked at her to assess her seriousness. She just stared out onto the road and continued driving, not a single hint of humor on her face.