The Whole Package

by Riley, Alexa

  She lifts her hand and holds her pinky out. I lock it with my pinky and we both kiss our hands, which we always do when we’re on the same page.

  Chapter 4

  Shawn

  I prop my feet up on my coffee table with my computer in my lap. I take a sip of my beer as I scan over the budget for next quarter that Belinda sent me. Running numbers is my least favorite thing about my job, but it’s a necessary evil.

  My cell phone is on the couch beside me and I hear the ring I have for my mom. The company has an answering service that will send calls where they need to go. If someone needs to speak with me, it has a different sound. It makes it easy when my mom calls because she doesn't like to wait.

  I pick it up and bring it to my ear without taking my eyes off the computer screen. “Hey Ma, how’s the Bahamas?”

  There’s a long pause, and then I hear a small squeaking sound. Suddenly the line goes dead. I pull the phone away from my ear and see the unfamiliar number. Then it hits me that the ring isn’t specific to my mom but to a personal call. It just so happens that the only person who calls me is my mom. But I’m excited when I see that Bailey called.

  Before I can think better of it, I call the number back. It rings one time and then there’s a pause of silence before I hear some shuffling.

  “Um, hello?”

  “Hey Bailey, it’s Shawn.” There’s another pause and I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. “Are you there?”

  “Yeah, I’m here.” I hear a door close on the other end and then she’s back. “Sorry, I thought I dialed the wrong number.”

  “No worries. My mom is on vacation and I thought she was calling me to rub it in. I can’t remember the last time I had one,” I admit as I push my computer off my lap and lean back on the couch to get comfortable.

  “Right? I don’t even know what a vacation is,” Bailey says, and I can tell she’s relaxing a bit.

  “You don’t use your vacation days?” It’s a personal question, but I can’t help myself. I want to know more about her.

  “Not for that. I have a sister who has a lot of doctor’s appointments, so I usually burn them on visits.”

  “Oh man, is she okay?” Suddenly I’m wondering about every facet of her life and why she’s taking her sister to the doctors and not their parents.

  I got her file from HR not long after I asked for it. There wasn’t much, just her date of birth and when she started with the company. There have been no complaints and she’s received employee of the month in the state four times. All of her employers say she’s an excellent worker, but nothing on that folder gave me any personal information.

  “She has special needs, so it’s just regular visits. She’s good, she just has more doctor’s appointments than an average person. Um, that’s actually why I’m calling. It’s what I wanted to talk to you about today.”

  “If you need more time off, you’ve got it. Just let me know how much and I’ll make it happen.”

  I hope that’s not all she wanted to talk about. The sound of her sweet voice over the phone is so perfect. I can’t remember the last time I wanted to just hear someone talk to me. I feel like I spend most of my time avoiding phone calls, but right now I don’t want this to end.

  “No, actually, it’s a bit more personal than that.” There’s a hesitancy in her voice, and I sit up, wondering if there’s something wrong.

  “Then maybe we should talk in person?” I offer, thinking maybe that might ease her fears. “I’m going to be at your store in the morning. If you want, we can talk face to face. Or maybe I can take you to lunch?”

  God, how desperate do I sound? I’m trying my best to throw out scraps in hopes of her coming closer so I can snag her up.

  “Maybe.” She sounds like she’s thinking it over. “You could meet Hazel tomorrow and maybe that might help explain things better.”

  “Absolutely,” I agree and relax back into the sofa.

  “Okay, well, I guess I’ll let you go.”

  “Why?”

  There’s a long pause and for a second I think she’s hung up.

  “Why what?” she says, and there’s a smile to her voice.

  “Why do you have to let me go? I’m trying to avoid working on a document I can’t translate. You could help distract me.”

  She laughs on the other end, and god, it’s so fucking beautiful. I can picture her face and her eyes lighting up. Our one moment in the meeting room wasn’t enough. Even talking on the phone now is a poor substitute, but I’ll take anything I can get.

  “How do you suggest I do that?”

  “Bailey, you could read me the phone book and I’d be a happy man.”

  It sounds like she’s snuggled up as she lets out a happy sigh.

  “Why don’t you tell me about yourself. I thought you were going to be an old man.”

  “Yes. I recall you saying something like that.” She laughs again, and I close my eyes to take it all in. “Well, my mom had me when she was fifteen. My dad took off and I’ve never met him.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry,” Bailey says, and there’s honest concern in her voice.

  “It’s okay. I had a great mom who did the work of both.” I go on to tell her about my mom’s work with the company and all she’s done for me. Then I tell her about college and how I got to my job now. She stops me every now and then to ask questions until I get to the end. “And then today I make a fool out of myself in the boardroom and lose the respect of the company. So that’s me in a nutshell.”

  She laughs again, and I can picture it just as clear as if she were in front of me. “I think you gained my respect today. Anyone who can make face planting look good is alright in my book.”

  “So, you think I look good?” Yes, I’m totally fishing for a compliment.

  “Possibly,” she says softly, and I wonder if she’s blushing.

  “Okay, Bailey, it’s your turn.”

  “My turn what?” she asks, and I take a drink of my beer.

  “I’ve told you my whole life story. Now I want yours. It’s only fair.”

  “I’m afraid mine doesn’t have a happy ending like yours,” she says, and there’s sadness in her voice.

  “How do you know? We’ve only just met.” I picture her biting her lip and I can feel myself smiling. Sure, it’s a cocky comment, but I’m serious. I’ve never felt any sort of spark with someone before, but right now it feels like lightning bolts are zapping all around me.

  “You are so sure of yourself.”

  “You’re avoiding the question.”

  “Maybe just trying to give myself a little longer to think,” she says, and I wait for her to finish. “Okay, so I don’t know my dad either. I’m not even sure if my mom did. It was just the two of us for a long time, and when I was seven she got pregnant with Hazel. I was too little to understand what happened when Hazel was born, and my mom never talked about it. But the doctors have since told me it was a traumatic brain injury.”

  Bailey tells me about taking care of Hazel and how her mom took off a few weeks ago. It could be a really sad story, but instead she talks about how much fun they have together and the animals they have on their little farm. She tells me about how they love to cook and watch Harry Potter movies. My heart breaks that she’s got so much on her shoulders, but she never makes it sound like a burden. It’s clear her heart is so full of love for her sister, and in hearing her talk about their life, I find myself wanting to be a part of it.

  “Maybe I could come see your farm sometime,” I say, trying to push my way in. “I like animals.”

  “Maybe so,” she says hesitantly, and I worry I’ve overstepped.

  “Is that not okay?”

  “I’ve just got to be careful who I bring around Hazel. It’s not good for her to have people popping in and out.”

  It’s a delicate way to say that she won’t bring around a tourist. She wants someone who is going to be around for the long haul, and I respect that.

  “Ma
ybe tomorrow when we meet I can try and make a good impression.”

  Bailey laughs, and it eases some of the tension I had built up.

  “Oh, she’s going to love you. You’ve got tattoos.”

  “She likes them?” I ask, surprised.

  “Loves them.”

  “And how do you feel about them?”

  There’s a quiet shyness that follows, and I’m smiling again.

  “I don’t mind tattoos,” she hedges.

  “Good.”

  “I’ve got to get to bed. Morning comes early on the farm,” she says, and I realize we’ve been talking for over four hours.

  “Wow, yeah, I didn’t know what time it was.” I sit up, still not wanting to let her go, but I know I have to. “So, I’ll see you in the morning, right?”

  I don’t know why I want to confirm this so badly, but I feel like I’m really going to miss her until I see her again.

  “Bright and early,” she says softly. “Goodnight, Shawn.”

  The sound of my name on her lips is so sweet and tender. “Goodnight, Bailey.”

  When the phone call ends, I flop back on the couch and stare up at the ceiling. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck and hugged by a bear all at once. I’ve got it bad.

  Chapter 5

  Bailey

  “Why do you keep changing your hair?” I look over my shoulder at Hazel, who’s watching me get ready. Although I’ve spent the whole time trying to figure out what to do with my hair. I braided it but then thought it made me look too young, so I took it out.

  “I just want to look nice today.” It’s the truth.

  I decide to leave out the part where I’m doing it for a certain someone. I still can’t believe I stayed on the phone with him for over four hours. I didn't even know I could talk that much. I really need to talk to Kyle about this because I’m flying blind. I might even be doing something I shouldn't. But I can’t help how excited I am to see him today. When I first started talking to him I felt shy and unsure. It wasn't long until I was comfortable and it all felt so natural and easy. Time flew by when I was talking to him.

  “I like it braided,” Hazel tells me then looks at her own braid I put in her hair this morning. “I want a bow.”

  “Of course.” I open the drawer and fish out a ribbon. “Pink?”

  “Yes,” she says excitedly and laughs. I tie the ribbon into her hair.

  I give up on doing anything special with mine and just leave it down. I fight a yawn as we walk out the door, but I don’t care. Staying up late to talk to Shawn was worth it. I knew I had to get up early to make sure all the animals were good to go for the day, but I’d still do it all over again.

  We hop in the car and I say my normal prayer that it starts. I breathe a sigh of relief when it does. Hopefully I can save up some money soon to afford us a more reliable form of transportation. Thankfully it doesn't take us long to get to work, and Hazel plays Britney Spears on repeat the whole way. She makes me sing along with her and I do it because I’d do anything to see her smile.

  “One day I’m going to go to her concert,” she tells me as we get out of the car. We walk into the store and she sing-songs as she moves her arms. “I bet it would be sooooo fun.”

  “You are full of energy this morning.”

  “I love Saturdays. No school and tomorrow is Sunday Funday.”

  “How could I forget? What are we going to do?”

  “I’m still thinking on it,” she informs me as I help her open her locker and she puts away her bag. I do the same then pull out the advertisement I made about needing a handyman. I go over to the notice board and pin it up.

  “Hazel Basil, high five,” Kyle says, walking into the back room. She holds up her hand and slaps his.

  “I’m going to a Britney Spears concert,” she tells him.

  “Better get me a ticket, too.”

  “I'll take one, too, if you’re handing out tickets,” I tease.

  I wish with all my heart I really could get her tickets. It would be so expensive, but maybe she’d like it. I’m just not sure how she’d do in a super-big crowd like that.

  “I’ll see what I can do. The guy on the radio is handing them out if you’re caller ninety-six. I’m going to keep one headphone in all day to see if I can win them for us.” She beams up at Kyle.

  Mason walks in and it’s lucky he can’t see Hazel’s face because she makes a face as soon as she hears him. She’s always been a good judge of character.

  “You’re needed in my office,” Mason says before turning to leave. He sounds kind of pissed.

  “You keep making faces like that it’s going to get stuck that way,” I whisper to Hazel. Her eyes go round in surprise.

  “She’s full of it. Don’t listen to her.” Kyle nudges Hazel, who sticks her tongue out at me.

  “Better get a move on. Someone is in a mood.” Kyle nods towards the door.

  “Tell me about it,” I mumble then walk out.

  Kyle will help Hazel settle in for the day while I’m in the office. I wonder what Mason wants so soon. I just clocked in. Maybe he wants to talk about the promotion.

  I come up short when I enter his office and see Kim and Shawn. Kim has her head thrown back and is laughing at something Shawn said, and I wonder if they know each other. She’s going to corporate for her new job, so they might. Mason is standing against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, still looking pissed. I wonder what crawled up his ass? I’m surprised he’s not kissing Shawn’s ass. Anytime someone from corporate comes around he’s all over them.

  Shawn’s head turns when he sees me walk in and he stands up. “Good morning, Bailey.” Everyone turns to look at me and my face heats up. I know they can’t know that Shawn and I have been flirting. At least, that’s what I think this is. Why else would he stay on the phone with me for so long?

  “Mr. Reed.” I nod. I’m not sure what to do. A handshake seems too formal, so I stand there like a dork fidgeting with my fingers in front of me.

  “Can you give us the room?” Shawn says, not taking his eyes off me. I feel my face heat even more.

  Kim lets out an annoyed huff as she leaves, but Mason takes a step towards me. “I need you at the front when you’re done, Bailey.” His voice is borderline rude.

  “Keep your tone in check,” Shawn warns Mason.

  I’m a little shocked how direct and serious Shawn sounds. His easy-going personality is nowhere to be found. Inwardly it makes me happy, and if I were Hazel I’d stick my tongue out at Mason. But I decide to keep it together.

  “Sorry, Bailey.” I can tell his words are forced. I nod as he leaves the office.

  Shawn walks over and shuts the door behind Mason then turns the lock.

  “For privacy,” he tells me when I stare at the door knob.

  “I…”

  My words are cut off when he closes the distance between us. His mouth falls onto mine and it takes me by surprise. I gasp, and his tongue greedily slips into my mouth. He pulls me close against him as one hand slides into my hair and the other wraps around my hip in a possessive hold. I melt into him as I kiss him back just as greedily. The feeling of his warm, soft lips on mine and his strong body against me is overwhelming. I’m lost in the moment as our mouths make love to each other. I moan, my hands digging into his chest, wanting him as close as possible. I thought he was a big man before, but being flush against him, he feels massive. Something about that excites me. He makes me feel protected and safe, which is something I’ve never had before.

  The passion that ignited white hot begins to slow as I try to catch my breath. When he pulls back we’re both breathing heavily, and he presses his cheek against mine. I can feel his lashes against my cheek and it’s so intimate it makes my heart clench.

  “I didn’t plan on doing that so quickly,” he says, and his chest rumbles against me. “But I couldn’t help myself, I had to kiss you.”

  I push my body closer to his, wanting to move against him. That
kiss knocked me completely off kilter and I want more. He moans low and deep but takes a step back. He runs a hand down his face and blinks a few times. It’s like he’s trying to sober up after too many drinks. I know the feeling. I may not have ever been drunk, but right now I’m dizzy and I feel like the world is spinning the opposite way.

  “If you keep doing that I won’t be able to control myself. And this isn’t the place for that to happen.” His voice is husky, but his words remind me where we are.

  “Sorry,” I say, but I’m not really sorry at all.

  “Don’t be. I’m just going to try and save it for later.” My face must be a thousand degrees by now with how hot it feels in here. “Now that that’s out of the way. I want to know what you needed to talk to me about. I’ve been worrying about it all night, babe.”

  He guides me over to the desk and sits me on the edge as he takes the seat in front of me. He’s so tall that he’s about the same height in this position.

  “You’ve been worried about what I wanted to talk to you about?” I ask.

  “Yes, I was worried. Tell me so I can fix it. I know if it’s important to you and I can take one of your worries away, I will do whatever it takes.”

  I feel a weight lift off my shoulders and something warm settles in my stomach. When was the last time someone was worried about me? When was the last time someone told me they’d make everything okay?

  “It’s my sister. I need her on my insurance but…” I trail off for a moment, unsure how to say it.

  “We can get her on the insurance.” He lifts my chin with his fingers so I’m looking at him. “Was that really all you were worried about?”

  His eyes are so kind and the look on his face is melting every part of me. How is someone like him even real?

  “I don’t have custody of her. I know it’s against the rules and—” He holds up his hand and cuts me off.