SHAWN’S POV
He had hung out with Bryan again, and this time, he had a little too much to drink.
The next morning, he had a hangover with a head splitting migraine. He could not get out of bed as his head seemed too heavy to be on his shoulders.
He was still attempting to get out of bed when a knock sounded on his door. He could barely talk so he mustered a little strength to say “Come in.”
The door went open and Tiffany stepped in. A look of alarm etched on her face as she saw the state he was in.
“Oh my God! What Happened to you?” She exclaimed, rushing to the bed.
“I’m fine. I had a little too much to drink at the club last night.” And then he winced from the migraine.
“Shhhhh…don’t say a word. You will worsen the migraine.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be in school?” He asked, raising his eyebrows at her.
“The last time I checked, students don’t go to school on a saturday.”
“Oh! Blame it on the alcohol and not me.”
“I’m blaming you. You had the right to decide not to drink excessively. The alcohol didn’t force you.”
“Don’t scold me, please. Only my mum does that.”
“I see,” then she pulled at his arm. “Let me help you to the bathroom. You reek of alcohol. I’m beginning to think that that friend of yours is a bad influence.”
“Nah, don’t say that. Like you said, I had the right to decide on the quantity of alcohol to consume. Bryan didn’t force me nor did the alcohol.” He said and took her hand.
She helped him up to the bathroom and ran a warm bath for him. After which she left him to freshen up.
After freshening up, he returned to the room and was met with how best and different it looked. The sheets were replaced with new and fresh ones, his clothing and shoes that were on the floor were no longer there. In addition to that, the room now had a fresh and clean fragrance.
He was amazed and grateful for her thoughtfulness. He walked to his closet and got dressed in a simple casual outfit.
Just then, the door went open and she walked in with a tray that had a steaming bowl of soup in it. She dutifully walked to the table and dropped it on it.
“I made you the “cureallsoup.” It will help you feel better. And there is aspirin too, to make you feel better.”
“That was thoughtful of you. Thank you so much.” And then he walked to the table and took a spoonful of the soup.
“This tastes nice. What is it Made of?”
“It is made with broth, noodles, vegetables, and protein – like chicken or beef. In this cast, I used chicken.”
“I see. Honestly, this tastes really good. Thank you for making it.”
“You are welcome,” She replied simply.
“Won’t you join me?”
“Nah…I’m not having a hangover.” She said and he didn’t miss the sarcasm in her tone.
“Okay. I will enjoy the meal alone then.”
She nodded and took a seat on the couch next to him, presumably she was waiting for him to finish up.
After some time, he finished and she stood up and carried the tray.
“Thank you for the soup once again. I enjoyed it.”
“You are welcome,” and then she walked towards the door.
“Wait…”
She stopped and turned to look at him in a questioning manner.
“Can I take you shopping anytime soon…?”
DETECTIVE COPLER’S POV
The name Paige gave him sounded unfamiliar but he was glad he had found the address and the owner of the P. O box. He would visit the place the next day.
The grumbling of his stomach was a gentle reminder that he had not had anything save for the burger he had the previous night. Tired and reluctant to make anything, he took hold of his phone and ordered pizza.
While waiting for his order, he decided to call Zara and tell her about the latest development. He didn’t know why, but he was finding himself getting so attracted to her and it left a weird feeling within Him.
“Detective?”
“Oh, hi, Zara.”
“Hi. How are you?”
“I’m fine, and you. How are you doing?”
“I’m fine,” and then she gave a short giggle. “You know, it’s funny how I was about to call you until your call came in.”
“What a coincidence. I called to tell you about my progress, all thanks to your suggestion.”
“Really? Tell me about it.” She said, her voice lit up.
“I got the name of the owner of the address the shipment of the wig was made to. It’s a few minutes drive away from our town.”
“That’s good news. I hope you don’t plan on going alone?”
“Ummm…actually, I wanted to.”
“I do not second that. For all you know, the criminal might attack you if they truly stay at the address.”
“Well, if you say so. I will go with a back up.”
“Make it plural, please. Backups.”
“Noted ma’am…” He was cut short by the knock on the front door. “I think my order is here. I ordered pizza before getting on the phone with you. Let me go check if it’s the delivery man.”
“Okay. I will hold on.”
He nodded like she could see him before walking towards the door. He looked through the peephole on the door and confirming it was indeed a delivery man, he opened the door.
He paid for the pizza and tipped the delivery man before walking back inside with the box.
“Hey. Still there?” He said, as he placed the box on the table.
“Yes, I am.”
“Sorry for the interruption.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I think we will have to talk later. Let me let you have your lunch. Let me know when you are done.”
“Thank you. I will.” And as the call ended, he smiled sheepishly like a teenage boy who had just gotten off the phone with his teenage crush.
He has never felt the way he was feeling since he lost his wife to a fibroid operation. The whole feeling felt surreal and strange. After her death, he had thought he would never love any woman like he loved Miriam.
But the heart has a way of betraying one, and in this case, he was experiencing a first hand betrayal from his heart.
He sighed as he opened the box and remembering he needed a knife, he stood up and walked to the kitchen. He returned and dug into the pizza as he shoved the events of the day past him.