Trigger - Part 1

CHAPTER 23 - Shane

"Say-linn, right?"
I turn around and see a woman with red curly hair standing next to me flashing a bright smile.

"Ah yeah, I'm Say-linn."
She leans over and grabs a mug and places it in the coffee machine.

"I'm Emma, nice to meet you."

She rubs her hand against her pants and stretches it out towards me. I hesitate but take her hand and quickly let go while giving a quick smile.

"Nice to meet you too Emma."

"So Say-linn, are you settling well?" I look back towards my lunch and pull the lid off. "Yes, quite well..." I answer as I pick up a fork. She picks up her mug and takes a sip.

"Mmm office coffee, I really need to get myself one of these. Oh, a couple of us are going to hang out at the local pub downtown after work. You should join us!"

Her soft blue eyes shimmer as she takes another sip. I take my lunch and run my fork through the spaghetti.
"Um, thanks for the offer but I-"
"-Not taking a no for an answer! Be there at seven okay, my treat." She shoots a quick wink and walks towards the door. She pauses and turns around.

"Casey's."

"Casey's?"

"Yes, the pub's name. See you at seven!"
She walks off, leaving me feeling confused.

It should be fun right?

The sound of my phone ringing brings me back from my thoughts.

"Hey Sag... I mean Say-linn. How have you been?"
"Sarah? Sarah is that you?"
I hear Sarah chuckle as she clears her throat.
"Yes it is! I just want to check up on you... I mean you haven't been a part of society for a while so I thought I'll offer you some support."

"Oh um thanks? I'm good. Work is great."
"Really now? Doesn't sound so great."
"No it is. I'm just still trying to get used to the idea of everything."
"Hm... Or you are still thinking about Shane."

I close my eyes trying to hold back the tears. Just hearing his name feels like my heart is being ripped apart all over again.
"Sage... I'm sorry I didn't mean-"
"-No it's fine."

"Look, why don't you go out. Enjoy a movie or go have some dinner. Spoil yourself a bit."
"Well, I have been invited to hang out with a couple of colleagues."
"Oh wonderful! See you are already making friends! I hope these friends are not boys."

I force a small giggle trying to keep my eyes from rolling too far back.
"Yeah... Friends... And no, a girl at work asked me to join her and a couple of friends."
"Wow. Sarcasm much. Okay then, just go and have some fun! Not all people are bad. Just stay safe okay; I'll give you a call in the morning."

"Okay, bye Sarah."
"Bye Say-linn."

•
•
•

I fill my lungs as I walk towards the open door.

Casey's...

I take a look around seeking Emma's face, but was met with unfamiliar faces all over. I scan through the crowd and spot the bar and instantly walk towards it taking the open seat in the corner. My nerves working overtime, I stare at the wall display behind the bar avoiding unnecessary eye contact.

"Fresh face... Not many of those around here nowadays." My head shoots towards a disembodied voice to my right. Dark green eyes looking right at me.

"Excuse me?"

"Oh my apologies, the name is James."
"Sage... linn, ahm Say-linn."

His eyebrow arches as a big smile forms. "Well Sagelinn Say-linn-"
"-just Say-linn." A cold feeling washes over me; I break eye contact pulling my handbag strap around my shoulder tighter.

"I should get going, I was-"
I feel a sudden pressure fall on my leg; I look down seeing his hand firmly placed.
"Don't worry... Your secret's safe with me."
I look back at his eyes, noticing his smile disappears.

"Secret?" My words come out as a whisper as I desperately try to swallow the huge lump forming in my throat.

"James! You dog! Already preying on the new girl in town!" My eyes shoot towards a voice behind us and immediately the lump disappears.

Emma!

"I was just introducing myself." James retracts his hand as he swings himself around to face Emma.

"Hm. Yeah right! Come Say-linn we have a booth over there, let's introduce you to the gang!"

Emma's hand stretches out; I grab it and instantly was pulled through the crowd towards a booth in the back. Emma stops in front of the booth, pulls me closer and whispers: "He is harmless, don't worry about him, okay, you're with me."

Her hand lets go of mine and ushers me into the booth. I take a seat next to blond-haired woman with a slim frame.

"Guys meet Say-linn. My colleague!"
I look at the two people sitting at the booth.

"Ally, my best friend since forever and Reece, our bodyguard and other best friend."

Simultaneously they greet and carry on with whatever they were busy with before Emma and I came along. Emma scoots in next to Reece. I notice the light strung from the ceiling gives a golden tinge to his light brown hair.

This is going to be a long night.

I scan through the club and my heart instantly drops seeing dark brown eyes staring directly at me. I quickly look away and smile towards my group trying to figure out what they were talking about.

A burning sensation creeps over me forcing me to turn my head again. I glance over to the table and notice the man who was staring at me laughing amongst the other guys sitting around the table.

"Bad news!"

I turn quickly, noticing Emma looking over my shoulder then towards me.

"Sorry?" I clear my throat, reaching for a drink in front of me taking a couple of sips.

"I saw you eyeing him. As a friend, don't. That whole group is dodge."

"I wasn't, what do you mean dodge?"

"Well I pick up a couple of shifts here, so I have some Intel. Rumour has it that they are not just your average guys; they are involved in some underground stuff. Mind you the one you were eyeing disappeared for a couple weeks. I thought he left for good but guess he is back."

I look back at the man and quickly turn back to Emma.

"Okay, but he was the one looking at me and besides I am off the market."
A smile starts forming, lighting her eyes up.

"Oh you didn't tell me you have a-"
"-No! I don't mean it like that; I'm just not interested in guys right now."

Her eyes widen, hitting her glass on the table.

"No no! Not that Emma! Goodness. Do you always jump straight to your own conclusions?"

My phone suddenly vibrates; I reach and notice the same number Sarah called me from. I start sliding out of the booth gripping my phone tightly.
"I have to take this, be right back."

I walk towards the back entrance and step outside while bringing the phone up to my ear.

"Sarah? I thought you'll call in the morning."

"Sage..."

My heart raptures, hearing his voice call out my name.

"Shane!?"