Hidden Depths

“Mommy I’m tired.” Maddison whined.

It had been a week since I started tentatively talking to Seth. We hadn’t talked about anything of importance, but I was enjoying our conversations. I especially enjoyed it when Dalton joined in on them. He was kind and methodical with everything he did. I was growing to trust him, more than I thought I should have. The way his pale blue eyes seemed to not only look at me, but actually see me was enticing. For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel invisible.

Now Maddison and I were walking home from the store. My car had decided to fail at functioning today, which was sadly a common occurrence. We were making our way down the alley between my apartment complex and an old abandoned thrift store. It was not a good neighborhood so despite being weighed down with bags I managed to keep a grip on Maddison’s hand.

“I know baby we are almost there.” I smiled reassuringly at the child.

“Let me help you with that.” Blake’s voice came out of nowhere causing me to drop the groceries.

Spaghetti sauce splashed across the alley and Roman noodles smashed as they hit the ground. I spun around to face Blake who was coming up behind me. He wore blue jeans and a gray t-shirt. I noticed disapproval flash across his face as he strutted towards me.

“See if I wasn’t such a nice guy I might get upset that you just wasted money with your clumsy stupidity. However lucky for you I am a nice guy.” He forced a grin

“I told you to stay away from us.” I snapped trying to disguise the shaking in my voice.

He bristled angrily, “That’s the thanks I get for offering to help?” I flinched at his tone, “No matter. My mom wants to have us all over for lunch tomorrow.”

“Are you crazy?” I asked without thinking.

Anger flashed through his eyes and he backhanded me hard. Maddison shrieked and started crying as I stumbled backwards. I was worried about her. Not only because I feared he might hurt her, but also she had always been so shy. My concern was this would feed that fear.

“One o’clock at my mom’s house, be there!” Blake snapped before stomping through the food and out the alley.

I fought tears as I comforted Maddison and collected what was left of our groceries. Throwing the rest in the garbage was terrifying. I didn’t have the money to replace them. My cheek burned as I grabbed Maddison’s hand and went home.

That afternoon as I walked through the parking lot to the club a large black SUV pulled in and parked near the back door. I watched as Dalton climbed out and immediately turned to face me. His light brown hair was spiked forward on the top, but he had shaved revealing his smooth sharp jawline.

Tonight he wore a white cotton button down and black tie with black slacks. He reached up jerking on the knot of his tie so it hung loosely. The top button of his shirt was undone and I had to force myself to look away. However I still felt heat flooding my cheeks. It hurt the one that was already swollen.

“Hey, Chels. Did you walk?” He asked, drawing my eyes back to his gorgeous slightly lopsided grin.

“Huh, yeah. My car’s having issues.” I shrugged trying to hide my face as I walked past him. I knew nobody else would notice the discoloration under the makeup, but I was suddenly sure he would.

“Ok, well let me give you a ride home, then I can take a look at it.” He offered.

I stopped and met his gaze, trying to figure out if he was making fun of me or not. He seemed serious enough, but then his eyes hardened and he reached out towards my face. I flinched and his hand froze in mid air for a second before continuing slower. He brushed the hair off my cheek gingerly, his mouth suddenly forming a hard line.

“What happened, Chels?” He asked firmly.

“Nothing, I have it under control.” I said pushing past him.

“If you don’t need a body bag, it’s not under control.” He grumbled under his breath.

When we got to the bar I clocked in and slid behind the bar. To my surprise Dalton sat in the stool across from me.

“So, you’re here till closing today right?” He asked, making a point not to look at my left cheek.

“Yes.” I agreed cautiously. “Why?”

“Just wondering if I needed to take a break to get you home. I have a meeting upstairs today.” Dalton explained with a shrug.

Just then Seth came over followed by two other men. The man in front had pale skin, shaggy blond hair and bright blue eyes, his partner looked polar opposite with almond toned skin, dark brown hair pulled back in a top knot, and eyes so dark they were almost black.

“Dalton, meet Liam Bly and his business partner Adam Simms.” Seth said, smiling stiffly.

Dalton tensed slightly but not much. “Hey guys, good to finally meet you in person. I’m Dalton Miller, I will be right up.”

Liam’s voice was smooth but dark as he responded, “Take your time, we are in no hurry.”

“Maybe we could get some drinks though, Miss?” Adam asked cautiously, gazing between Dalton and I.

“Of course, what can I get for you?” I asked calmly.

“Just a bottle of The Balvenie single malt and four shot glasses.” Dalton said quickly. “I’ll bring it up.”

I wasn’t sure what to make of his expression towards the men. It was something between anger and defensiveness. I knew we had become friends but the way he looked at them sent chills up my spine. Whoever they were, it was clear that I was off limits to them. Surprisingly, I didn’t mind.

I noticed Seth was grinning, he seemed legitimately pleased. I don’t know what pleased me more; the proof that he really did just want to be friends, or that he thought I was worthy of his best friend. By now I knew how much he loved Dalton, and it was flattering that he would see me as a prospect. Then again though he didn’t know how wrong he was.

If Dalton knew what baggage I came with he would never show this defensiveness. He might even offer me up as a prize. Two for one deal, what could be better. Looking back at Dalton I wanted to believe I was wrong. However, if I had learned anything in life, it was that hope was fatal.

“Okay then.” Liam flashed a crooked grin that made him look handsome and almost friendly. “It was nice to meet you. We’ll see you in a minute Dalton.”

“Right this way.” Seth said, leading them up the stairs.

“They seemed nice. Friend of yours?” I pried curiously

“Kinda,” He grinned, “more business associates. We just started working together, but they’re good guys for the most part.”

“Okay.” I answered ignoring the questions bouncing around my head.

I told myself it didn’t involve me, and was none of my business. So I got the whiskey and glasses for Dalton, before watching him turn to leave. The curiosity was suffocating, but I had too much on my plate to take on other people’s shit too.