Amanda Perry [Perry - Finding Serenity

Silver Lining

Fostering Hope

Finding Serenity

Chosen Storm

Hidden Embers

Fangers, Furries, and Fruitflies

On the Edge of Forever

I m way too sober for this crap. With a deep sigh, I rub the bridge of my nose.

On a normal Friday night, a fruity, alcoholic beverage would be in my hand while Evelyn nurses a beer and Michelle sips wine. My two best friends refuse to allow a Friday night to go to waste. Sitting in a dark office instead of laughing and gossiping with them sucks, but Michelle insists I finish the project I spent all week on. Michelle acts like a big sister even though shes no older than Evelyn and me. She makes sure we remember to buy groceries and pay our electric bills. We like to bitch at her for being a nag, but in truth, wed be lost without her.

Sometimes, I wish the three of us still shared an apartment. For three years after high school, we lived together until Michelle decided to get married and leave us. If I didnt love the hell out of her husband, Dylan, Id hate his guts for taking my friend. Evelyn and I wanted to stay together, but around the time Michelle got married, Evelyns mom got sick so she moved back home. Her mom is doing a lot better now, but she still needs a lot of help and support from Evelyn. Its a good thing Eve went into the medical field; shes a natural caretaker. It contrasts completely with the crude jokes and cursing, but we wouldnt change her for anything.

About a month ago, Michelle started her first teaching job at the local elementary school, and she loves it. Over the past few weeks, Michelle quit insisting that the three of us get together every Friday, and the reason brings a smile to my face. She assumes I dont know, but Im not stupid. Ill let her keep her secret for now. Knowing her, shell plan a big reveal.

Evelyn couldnt make it for our usual Friday girls night anyway. Her family decided on a small dinner to celebrate the end of her moms treatments. Theyll do a large party and announcement when the tests come back clear that shes cancer free. I say when, never if. According to the numbers on her last lab results, the probability of her being in the clear is high. Evelyns dad will likely contact me to arrange the big celebration. When a party needs to happen, everyone comes to me.

Organization has always been my thing. Michelle possesses the patience needed for working with kids, and Evelyn makes the perfect nurse with her hidden sensitive side and no-nonsense attitude. Im the only one of us who can sit behind a desk for hours at a time and not go insane. It only made sense to go for a degree in accounting. With only a few more years of schooling, Ill earn my masters degree and can open my own firm as a CPA.

My cell phone buzzing in the silent office pulls my wandering mind from my friends. The caller ID flashes, and I snort.

Pressing the green button, I place the phone to my ear. Hey.

Taylor Lewis! Where in the hell ya at? Its midnight n I know for a damn fact ya aint with Michelle n Evelyn cause I called em. His grouchy, rough twang wraps around me like a warm hug.

Hello to you, too, Grumpy.

A long pause on the other end tells me hes probably taking deep breaths and debating whether he wants to yell at me more or not. Finally, he lets out a heavy breath. Are ya alright, Tayter-Tot?

I nod, then remember he cant see me. Im fine, just finishing up some reports at work. Ill be home soon.

Gimme a holler when ya get home safe, ya hear? The demand in his deep southern tone leaves no room for argument.

I huff but agree. I will if you stop checking the GPS on my damn cell phone to make sure Im alive every five seconds.

He hesitates a beat before grumbling his indignant response, I dunno what yer talkin bout.

My eye roll is so heavy he can probably hear it. Youre a shitty liar, Grumpy.

I aint talkin to ya no more. Gone is the grouch who called me, a pouting whiner in his place.

I giggle silently and shake my head. I love you, too.

The phone clicks off after a few extra grumbles. Leaning back in my desk chair, I glance at the computer screen. Staying late means I got most of the reports finished, and the few I didnt will keep until Monday morning.

Decision made, I shut the computer down and pack up my bag. On my way to the elevator, I notice another office light still on around the corner. Taking a few extra seconds to investigate, I poke my head around the door and find Tim tapping away on his keyboard.

Hey, Tim, I call softly, hoping not to startle him. Working late again, I see.

My attempts to not frighten him fail miserably. Poor Tim jumps five feet in his chair, knocking his knee hard on the bottom of the desk. He hisses in pain, but the shock vanishes when he realizes who scared him. Taylor, you startled me. Why are you here so late?

I had some stuff to finish up tonight. I figured if I had no other plans, then why not make Monday morning a little easier for myself, you know?

You dont have plans on a Friday night? His shock at my admission makes me uncomfortable. Does it surprise him that Id opt to work late rather than go out? Not that I had anyone to go out with, but he doesnt know that.

My cheeks darken slightly, and I shrug. Nope, just some work and studying.

Tim taps his fingers quickly on the surface of his desk and chews on the end of his pen. Maybe next Friday we could make plans?

Tim and I have been working together for a while, and hes a good guy. Hes decent looking, too. He keeps his thick blond hair short and clean cut. His suits are always nicely pressed, and his ties match every time. Nothing gets to me more than watching one of the guys in the office walk around with a bright orange tie and a lime green shirt. It makes me wonder if they close their eyes when they pick their clothes in the morning.

Evelyn and Michelle keep coaxing me to ask Tim out for a drink, but I cant bring myself to be the asker. Nothing against women who ask men out, but I dont have the courage or the charm. Id likely insult them or embarrass myself in the process. I never expected Tim to ask me, though.

Taylor? Tims voice pulls me from my thoughts, and my gaze darts up to meet his. His eyes fill with insecurity and uncertainty, and I cant bring myself to say no to him. What could a few drinks or dinner hurt?