I slept like shit, restless, tossing and turning. I’m guessing it was from the sugar in the wine and cupcakes. But considering how jumbled my mind is anymore, tormented by the chaotic circle of regrets and misery that I live in without my mom, this isn’t a surprise. I never sleep that well.

Checking the clock, it’s 6:50. I’m sure at 7:00 on the dot the noise will start. Looking outside, everything is quiet, or appears to be. I can’t really see the building that’s under construction or restoration or whatever. What’s the difference anyways?

Getting up, I start my coffee and clean up from last night. The frame my dad gave me is still on the table and I pick it up, taking it to my room where I disassemble it and put my mom’s letter inside.

The silver of the frame matches my vanity, so I set it on the corner. I don’t really have a specific place for all of the letters, so they are scattered through the house. But they are all precious reminders of her. Each paints a different story in my mind when I see them.

Looking in my closet, I decide on a run to start my day. I need to clear my head and figure out how I’m going to make things right at work. Putting on a pair of yoga pants and a thin hoodie, I pull my long, blonde hair up into a ponytail and leave before I have to deal with…I really should know what his name is. But it doesn’t matter. Locking my door behind me, I walk out. I keep a key under my mat, so I can come and go, free to not carry anything. Emerging into the light of the early morning, the workers are barely getting started. I make a break for it, but notice on the bike rack next to mine is a brand new, shiny bike with a huge red bow on it. That’s an odd place to leave a gift for someone. I blink a few times at it and then run off. The air feels great in my lungs and the pavement feels even better under my feet. So invigorating and free.

“Hey, Ever?”

Sonofabitch!

I recognize his voice right away and run faster, needing space. I can’t deal with him right now.

Coming to an intersection, I’m forced to stop and wait to cross, jogging in place. Not looking back, I pray he’s not coming after me, and then that crazy ass fucker pulls up next to me and my jaw hits the ground as I look over at him, in a suit, on that goddamn brand new bike. “What’s up?” he says and looks down at the sleek teal frame beneath him.

“What are you doing?” I ask, exasperated.

“I called for you to stop, you kept running, so I followed you.”

“Isn’t that a sign that I didn’t want to talk to you?”

His forehead creases, “I thought you couldn’t hear me.”

“So, you followed me on a bike? With a big red bow on it?” I really wish I could see my own expression right now, because he looks so fucking ridiculous. Dressed the way he is, too big for the bike.

“Yeah, I did. I got this for you, it’s for your birthday. Your work told me.”

“If you want to give me a birthday gift, then leave me the hell alone.”

“Why?” he challenges back.

I blurt out, “Because you don’t owe me anything.” The light changes and I jog off.

“Do you at least like the color?” he yells.

“No. I wish it was fucking pink.”

Flipping him off as I glance back, he’s watching me, but thankfully doesn’t follow. Then I catch him staring up at the sky. Pushing him as far from my mind as possible, I keep going. Blurring everything away as I try and get my priorities in check.

I have work today and after what I did yesterday, I have to explain myself. I have to prove to Ross that I can run the line and want it more than anyone else.

* * *

I wake in a panic to my cell phone ringing. It’s 12:15pm; fuck, I overslept.

I was set to go into work at 11:30, but the noise stopped outside and I relished in the silence, passing out cold.

“Hello?” I answer the call.

“Are you okay?” Mistee asks me worried.

“Yeah, I took a nap and overslept. I’m on my way in now.”

“You better hurry; Ross is freaking out.”

“Shit, okay, I’ll see you soon.”

Grabbing my work clothes I throw them on and barge outside. The new bike is parked right next to mine and I ignore it, knowing I need to kick it into high gear.

Fumbling with the lock on my frame, I jump when he’s suddenly behind me. “What’s wrong with the new bike?” I swallow, reminding myself to stay in control before I flip around and end up slapping him.

“What’s your name?”

“King.”

Of course his name is fucking King. I raise my eyebrows at him. “That bike is not mine, King.”

“Oh, but it is, Ever. I bought it for you, for your birthday.”

“No.” I shake my head, annoyed with him. “You ruined my birthday. You tramped into my work and acted like you owned the place, insulted me, and got me sent home.”

“Did you just say that I tramped?”

“Do you have a goddamn hearing problem?” I yell and storm off, deciding to take a cab in, it’ll be faster. But he’s behind me, the scent of him invading me, and the noise of his dumb shoes clicking on the sidewalk is almost deafening. They’re like a pair of women’s high heels. I’m so irritated with everything he does.

“No hearing problem here.”

“Clearly you have one. Because you don’t hear your dumb ass shoes making noise like you’re a tap dancer. You stall all the time when I talk to you, and you won’t take no for an answer.” Thankfully, I spot a cab and hail it. I slide into the back seat, slamming the door so hard the car shakes.

I don’t look over at King. Stupid fucking name anyways. Plus, if I’m honest, I am a little embarrassed with myself for getting so mad, but he brings something out of me. A scary feeling of vulnerability and uncertainty, and at this stage in my life that is not what I need. I need peace and routine, not the noise he’s causing inside my head.