Chapter 4.43
August
Feelings of deja vu overwhelmed me as I entered the reception area. The same agent was manning the computer. Only this time, he'd definitely lost a bit of weight and greyed.
He peered up at me. "Yes?" he asked.
Feelings of deja vu overwhelmed me as I entered the reception area. The same agent was manning the computer. Only this time, he'd definitely lost a bit of weight and greyed.
He peered up at me. "Yes?" he asked.
It was like I was that stupid high school kid again. I nervously sputtered, "U-Um, I-I need to see...um...uh..."
"Oh God. Not you again. Didn't we send your ass home with your tail between your legs last time?"
I finally found my nerve. "Um...I'm an agent now. I work here. Honest. I just need to see Agent Dickens. Can you buzz me in?"
Then a smile swooped over his face. "I know, kid. I'm way ahead of you. Agent Williams will help you."
I breathed a sigh as the handsome agent from seven years ago walked up to me. It was all surreal. "Hey, Agent Day. You got taller, I see."
I couldn't stop smiling. I didn't dare look at him or I'd turn bright red like a silly teen girl.
Agent Williams brought me to the director's office then winked at me as he waved good bye. God, he was sexy to me. But 99% of all the agents I'd ever met were straight. Although I did get a little impression he was flirting just then. I shook it off to my wishful thinking then greeted my boss.
"Ah, Agent Day. Welcome!" Agent Dickens said as I approached him. He looked exactly the same as I'd remembered him only flecks of gray peppered his beard.
Shaking my hand, he said, "We're all so glad you decided to join our division. Come with me. Your partner is waiting to meet you."
That was right. I was going to work in their narcotics division and would get a partner. I'd hoped I'd like him or her. I'd never worked with a partner before. In Windenburg, we were assigned a team and people would change in and out, depending on our needs.
A tall, built man entered Agent Dickens' office. He had to have been about my height which was good. It meant he'd be able to handle thugs pretty well as there aren't many 6 ft. 5 guys out there.
"Agent August Day, this is Agent Ronan Abraham."
The man gripped my hand in a strong handshake. "Glad you meet you," his deep voice rumbled.
"Yeah, same here," I said. "Looking forward to working with you."
"Okay, so you two get a little aquainted. Abraham, show Day around. And don't forget to introduce him to Agent McKeen. She's our eyes and ears around here."
"Yeah, she's right behind me. You definitely don't want to get on her bad side. Just saying. We couldn't do our jobs that well without her."
I nodded, wondering what her specialty was. Eyes and ears. Sounded like she was a techie. "I'll make note of that."
Then a gorgeous blonde bombshell approached us as we walked into the hallway. Unfortunately, I stumbled and stepped on her toe.
"Ouch," she cried.
"Oh, fuck!" I cursed. "Shit, I mean...God. I'm so sorry."
She waved at me. "No, it's okay. It's not broken. I think."
"Damn. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm usually not this clumsy." I was already making a fool of myself.
"Hey, McKeen. Go easy on the new guy. He's my partner now." Agent Abraham joked. I could tell there was something between them. I'd later find out they were dating.
"Tell your partner to wear lighter shoes and I will."
Everyone laughed, including Agent Dickens. I wanted to die right there. I think my face was as red as a tomato.
From then on, though, we all got along pretty well. I really liked the people I worked with. They made me feel at ease and it didn't take long before I felt like one of the team.
My mom and dad surprised me with a crazy penthouse, too. Said it was a gift from my grandfather (and besides, FBI agents don't make squat, so they felt sorry for me.) I got the feeling Mom just didn't want me to live in a roach trap--the only thing I could afford with my salary in the city. Unfortunately, the flat was so freaking big for just me. And after a month of not dating and missing Alex, I found myself stalking her. Something we both promised each other we wouldn't do.
I instantly wished I hadn't.
"Fuck," I whispered.
I read on Simbook that she recently went on a double date with her sister, Tony.
And this wouldn't have worried me, but the guy was freaking hot. I'd date him.
I plopped on the couch and clicked on his stats. Damn. He was a football player, too. They probably had tons of shit in common. I couldn't believe it. She'd moved on already.
Fuming, I sat up, my mind racing to what he was doing with her in our bedroom.
The longer I thought about it, the angrier I got.
And then without thinking, I pressed her number. The phone rang as my heart slammed in my chest. I didn't even think about the time difference.
"Hello?" her sleepy voice rang in my ear.
"Hey, baby," I said, trying to hide my bad feelings.
"August?" she said, still groggy. "Is something wrong? It's 2 am here."
"Um...sorry...I, uh, I just miss you is all."
She sighed at the other end then said, "I miss you, too, baby."
"Really? It sure doesn't look like it." Damn. I didn't mean to bring up her date.
"August..." she said in an irritated tone. "You promised."
I rubbed my temples, already getting a headache. "I know...but...God, why him of all people? Can't you go out with someone that's skinny with tons of zits and bad breath? The guy's an adonis."
She didn't say anything for a while and then muttered, "He's not you, okay? It was just one date. If you want to know the truth, he's got an overinflated ego which is a big turn off. Happy now?"
"No," I said, trying to will my depressed feelings away. I felt lost without her. She'd been by my side for so long. I didn't want to be with anyone else.
"Look, I'm going to visit in three months. It's not that long. You need to chill."
I half smiled. "Yeah...okay."
"I've gotta get up early tomorrow. We have a game. Bye, August."
"Bye," I whispered.
Tossing the phone on the counter, I sank into a kitchen chair. Even though Alex tried to comfort me, it felt like a literal ocean flowed between us and there wasn't jack shit I could do about it. I'd decided right then I needed to get my mind off of her and the only way to do that was to date someone. But whom? It wasn't like dates were throwing themselves at me. The city was too large. The only people I ever saw were my workmates and there wasn't anyone there I was remotely attracted to except Agent Williams who was probably straighter than my dad.
I was fucked.
Next update is on Wednesday, February 21th
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