JESSICA
I didn’t wake up until the sun was way up in the sky. Then the only thing that woke me up was Reeko, begging to go outside. I have not slept that long in months. Maybe longer. I had to stretch my body out, it takes a minute for my body to get out of the sleep zone that it was in. Reeko whines at me while I try to wake up my body.
“I’m going boy.” He just cocks his head at me, like I am not moving fast enough and he doesn’t get why I don’t just get up and open the door. He even whines a little.
Groaning, I move to get out of the bed and Reeko starts scampering around. I managed to get to the door and open it. Reeko takes to the door like I set off a bunny.
I hear Luke in the living room. “You want out boy?” Then the front door opens.
I am still stretching and yawning when I come out and see Luke standing in front of the door. He smiles at me. “Did you get a good sleep? I was going to let the dog out, but then I wasn’t sure he would listen to me.” I just have to say, that is a good sight first thing in the morning.
I nod, with a big yawn. “Yeah, it was great. I am pretty sure he would have gone out if you let him, but it probably would have woken me up. So, I guess it is a good thing you let me sleep.”
“I just want to let you know I did go into your room last night to check that the window was locked. I was going to let you know, but you were already out. I just don’t want you to think I was being creepy or something. I just wanted to lock the cabin down so that we knew for sure that he couldn’t get in unless he broke in.”
I nod. “No, it’s good. I’m glad you thought ahead. But just so you know, I always check my windows before I lay down.”
He nods back. “I figured when I thought about it. I just got worried last night and wanted to make sure.” He pauses. “So, do you want something to eat?”
“What time is it?”
“Almost three.”
I blink in surprise. I slept for twelve hours. “I can’t believe I slept that long. I haven’t ever slept that long.” That just goes to show how tired I have been. Sydney has kept me on edge for so long that I can’t hardly think. The sleep felt so good.
“Well, months of sleep deprivation will do that to a person.”
“I have to say as worried as I was last night, I felt completely at ease as soon as I slid into that bed. I am so relieved that I could have that peace. Thank you.”
“Hey, it’s my brother’s cabin. Speaking of which, I need to call him soon. We are going to put him on the trail of that guy. My brother is like a dog with a bone, once he gets a scent he doesn’t give up.”
“I know that this is probably personal, but why did you pick here instead of your parent’s house?” It was the only thing that kind of bothered me last night. Did he just want us to be alone? I mean I don’t mind being alone with Luke, but if his parents house is more secure, then wouldn’t that have been the more logical choice?
He rubs the back of his head. “That is personal. I guess it’s because my parents are always putting me down. They never think I do anything right. I mean I own one of the most successful businesses in town and that still isn’t good enough for them. Because it is a bar and not some corporate building with ten thousand employees. I work hard and provide a service in this town. My employees are always happy. My customers love what I do. Still not good enough, especially for my father.”
“That is really too bad. It seems like you really care about things. It’s a shame that your father doesn’t see that.”
He sighs and pulls himself together. “Well, I’ll let you get cleaned up and then I will call my brother. Because I know that as soon as I call him he will be headed here.”
“Thanks Luke. Oh, can you let Reeko in?”
“Yeah.”
Luke is being so helpful and I don’t know how I will ever repay him. I know that I will never forget what he has done for me. Too bad his parents don’t feel the same way.