The deadly assignment

chapter 11

Bram's reflection was interrupted when Jeff was sitting on the couch asking if he had found anything to take to the party for Aliyah. Unfortunately, Bram hadn't had enough time to search for a good gift for Aliyah so he decided that a monetary gift would probably be best. The gift was a huge envelope containing five hundred dollars. In Jeff's mind that was ridiculous. He didn't even know her. Bram didn't care. It was his money, why not give it to her? It wasn't his fault he couldn't find anything at t

he last minute. Jeff thought he went over the top. For Christ's sake how hard was it to pick up a bag of clothes or even a pair of shoes. Bram believed that Aliyah should have her own choice. His taste might not be hers. He felt it was unfair that Jeff was telling him to put a price on the woman he was interested in. He thought Jeff would have never done that to Summer but Jeff rationalized that he knew Summer. That was his girlfriend. He had nothing to lose. All Bram could think of was making Aliyah his girlfriend. Jeff did not want Bram to get the wrong impression of Aliyah. She wasn't the type of woman he could give money to and expect to buy her heart. Bram never thought like that. He thought Aliyah would appreciate the fact that a man was trying to treat her well. She looked stressed and he wanted to help her in every way possible. It didn't make sense to Jeff but then again he never understood Bram's thinking. He was indeed difficult to comprehend.

Jeff turned around opening the door for Bram. They hopped into the car and began to drive to my house. As they approached the driveway Summer saw them from the window. They got out of the car and began walking towards the door. Summer opened the door for them and gave Jeff a kiss. Just then Aliyah began walking down the stairs with a glass of red wine in her hand. She saw Bram before he saw her. She wondered what kind of friends she had. How could they let a thief in her house? How could she even be comfortable with her feelings? Jeff's mouth opened while Bram's eyes looked amazed. He looked at me with such passion. His eyes lingered softly along my enticing curves. My hair was pinned back into a French roll, held up by the blue and green rose hair clips my grandfather had given me when I was younger. I continued to walk downstairs towards Jeff. I smiled and greeted him. When I looked at Bram, Jeff could feel the coldness of my stare. He felt awkward. This would have been a great opportunity to meet Bram if the incident prior to the party hadn't happened.

I was alone. No one crowded me. Jeff wanted to speak but Bram was like a shy puppy with his head down. My eyes still fastened on him in that moment. Jeff held his chest and briskly walked to Summer. He needed Summer to be the mediator. He needed her to break the tension between us. Summer was in the middle of talking when Jeff suddenly grabbed her arm, apologizing to Miguel that she could no longer stay to chit chat. Summer was confused. Jeff was never this rough nor was he so rude.

She could tell he was anxious. He looked as if he would break out in a cold sweat like he was beginning to get sick with fever. She pulled away. This behavior had to have an explanation. She stopped Jeff and demanded answers. It was amusing to see the psychologist confused and trembling. He was worried about Bram. He didn't need me to overreact. He begged Summer to help him. He even took off his jacket and began to get down on his knees. Summer was embarrassed. She wouldn't let Jeff do that, people where staring. She didn't even know what was getting Jeff so frantic. She closed her eyes. Jeff explained that he brought a friend to the party but it just so happened that Bram and I had just had a misunderstanding this morning and now I looked as if I wanted to pounce on him and kill him.

Summer laughed for she knew how I had a hot temper. She thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to finally get out of my comfort zone. I had a chance to exit the single life to be with the man of my dreams. She laughed as she rushed into the living room to see Bram and me still staring deeply at each other. My face was hardened while his looked apologetic. Summer was looking over, excited that I was standing so close to a man at all. She looked as though it was the best day of her life. To be honest, she was way too happy. She started the conversation for us. "So I take it you met this fine gentleman, Bram Hicking." My eyes were still fixed on him, not moving an inch. Bram smiled as he finally looked me in the eyes and told me it was a pleasure to meet me. For a second I was taken aback by his eyes. They were a dark emerald green but so bright, almost as if light was coming from them. I shook my head to snap back to reality and remembered how upset I was that a pickpocket was in my home on my special day. He held out his hand but I never shook it. I wouldn't hold the hand of a thief. I looked at my friend, then I looked back at Bram. Summer nudged me and called out my name. Bram held up his hands and told her that it was obvious I wasn't in a good mood and he knew he had to respect that. This man had no idea about me, how could he say I wasn't in a good mood? I was having the time of my life before he showed up here at my party. I was no fool to shake hands with a thief and I had to let him know that. How could I ever want to have a conversation with a thief, and he was a bold one too? Bram then again, reassured me that he had no intention of stealing my phone,that he only wanted to help. I was like, right, sure, as if I was stupid enough to believe such lies.