come with me

 

It had been a long week. I got all six paintings shipped to Columbus, where my show would be held in the coming month. I was working two jobs, about 60 hours a week, still trying to pay off my college loans. I'm tellin ya, the government OWNS my ass. Today was library day, I work circulation desk, and it was a heller afternoon.

Jade: Look, there was a CD in this case when you checked it out...

Brat: Nuh-uh, I godit like dat

The kid made a face, and I resisted the urge to tweak it's nose. Instead I was saved by it's mother.

Mother of Brat: Toddy... hurry up, we need to leave, mommy's tired...

Brat: moooooooom

I sighed and went into my speil.

Jade: You can't check anything out until you bring back that CD...

The woman gave me a stern, yet tired, My-baby-can-do-no-wrong look and led her kid away, much to my relief. The next in line dropped his books on the desk. I didnt look up, I was writing the report in the "lost materials" journal. I mumbled.

Jade: Be with you in a second.

I glanced at the heavy books, my eyes roaming over the familiar titles. James Joyce's Ulysses, collected works of Flannery O'Connor, a book on the Una-Bomber, and a videotape of the X-Files. I didn't look up, simply entered my own account into the computer and started checking the materials out in my name.

Jade: Are you ever gonna get a library card?

Ryan: I need you.

I looked up, thrown off by his tone.

Jade: Say that again so that my mind can Time and Date stamp it.

Ryan: I need you to take me to Lubbock.

I grumbled.

Jade: Move along, there's a long line, and I'd like to go home today.

Ryan: Lass, no. Listen...

I stopped, hoping that my boss wouldnt fire me.

Jade: I'm listening.

Ryan: You have to come with me... I've been missin you something fierce

He was starting to work on me. But he'd never come right out and asked me to be with him. It was usually a hint, or a long Irish proverb or something. I still wondered if it was just another way to try to get me to work with him, something I refused to do. I'd had enough of that...

Jade: Ryan... isn't Lubbock in TEXAS?

Ryan: Last time I was there, it was

Jade: I can't leave my job... er, jobs. And if you haven't noticed, my POS car won't make it to Indianapolis and back on a good day. You're in Indiana, Texas is about 1500 miles away, you big dork.

He smiled then, and i was gone. I dont think i ever had a chance.

Ryan: I can get you a car... I just need someone to drive.

Having trouble... finding my voice...

Jade: want me, to drive, to Texas, with you

A tap on my shoulder informed me I should get back to work. I turned around to see one of the new people in my face. I had her take over for me and found myself in the parking lot with Ryan. He stopped in front of a black Suburban.

Jade: Nice wheels. A vehicle with an intact exhaust pipe, how novel...

We got into the car and he thrust a roadmap in my hands.

Jade: NOW??? I gotta get some stuff from my apartment, feed my cat...

Ryan: Done.

Jade: But--

He leaned forward and I was again taken by his scent; he pinned me with his dark eyes.

Ryan: It's all taken care of.

He tossed the books into the back, and I noted that the jars were behind his seat. To think, I had gotten them out of my apartment just to escort them to Texas, of all places. I pulled out of the parking lot and made my way to the highway.

Jade: Sooooooo... what's in Lubbock?

He had started Joyce, his brow furrowing. He stopped reading.

Ryan: A friend. Some friends. Not sure which applies anymore, but we'll be findin out soon enough.

I tensed but didnt say anything. I hoped I wasnt getting into something I would regret later.

 

 

To be continued…