See How She Runs (The Chronicles of Izzy #1)(5)
“I totally almost forgot about that. It was so weird K.O. So, I go and pick up a package from one of normal firms, and have to hand delivered to the top floor of this building in the Loop. Let’s just say by the time the elevator reached the top, I was almost dead. But that isn’t the weird part. I took the package to this office right, and I am supposed to wait until dude man signs everything so I can take it back. He is a total whakadoo. One minute he is cold, bordering on flat out rude. The next he is the nicest guy in the world. It all switched after our hands brushed. He gives me a serious case of the heebie jeebies. No matter how hot he was. He even called Mike to request that I would be his personal step and fetch, saying he would pay double the service fee.”
I noticed, as I finished, a barely contained rage flashing in Kennan’s eyes. It disappeared quickly, but there was no mistaking its presence. It was almost like before, when some emotion passed over him and was gone almost as if it had never existed. Just like that he was back to happy old Kennan, but there was something in his voice that did not quite match his expression.
“So did he agree to let you be this dude’s paper slut? I mean, I don’t think it would be fair to take you off of all your other runs just for this dude’s convenience. But I don’t run a bike messaging service, so what do I know?”
“Nah, Mike told him to shove it in a professional way. He said that I would be the first notified to deliver if I were available, but if I wasn’t then someone else would come. I don’t know, maybe I am crazy, but there was this weird connection with him. It was like exciting, but at the same time super scary. I don’t really want to go back to his office if I can help it. But, I pedal my happy little tush wherever Mike sends me.”
“That is weird. Let me know what happens next time you get to meet mister mysterious. I am curious how he will treat you when he sees you again. Maybe he was just having a bad day losing thousands of someone else’s dollars. Hey, instead of veg’ing tomorrow, you wanna go to the Field?”
This was one of the many reasons why he was my favorite person, and dearest of dear friends. I loved the Field Museum more than any other place in the world. I forked over the money each year to be a member so that I could go any time I wanted. There was something amazing about being surrounded by so many years of history. My favorite of exhibit, hands down, was the Pacific Northwest Native American exhibit. It was always really quiet back there. With the lights being motion sensor activated, it tended to be a bit creepy as well.
I decided to call it a night. I looked across the bar to find Kennan buried deep in thought. Kennan was never a serious person, so I had no idea what could possibly have him rattled. Curiosity got the best of me, like always, and I forced myself to ask him what the deal is.
“Hey, what’s on your mind Kennan? You look like someone just told you Santa isn’t real. Or perhaps, that you are not in fact the world’s best bartender.” I said with an air of seriousness, as he was pulled back from his thoughts.
“What, ah nah, it’s nothing. I was just thinking about having to do inventory before I make it home tonight. Don’t wait up!” He shot me one of his electrically contagious smiles, covering the concern that had been there moments before.
Still not convinced, I decided to make my exit. Hey, if the man did not want to cough up the information, who was I to pry? At any rate, it was way passed my bedtime and I was ready for a snooze. I stood up and got my stuff together as Kennan made his way around the bar. He leaned over and kissed me on top of my head, for the second time that night.
“See you at home kid, be careful on the way. Remember: Mace first, ask questions later! Oh, and don’t wake me up before eleven tomorrow or I might just have to murder you." He smirked down at me with his giant arm still draped over my shoulder. He really did make me feel like a teacup version of a normal person.
“Yeah, yeah. You never let me have any fun Kennan. See you in the morning.” I winked at him as I stepped out from underneath his man-cage. I headed for the door and waved at Marky sending my congratulations once more.
I made it home without having to mace anyone. Such a boring night. I got to the top of the steps and unlocked the door. As soon as I got inside, I heard our answering machine click off. I realized I had left my cell phone at home. I got inside and locked the door behind me. I headed toward the kitchen where our land line was. I pressed the button and waited for the machine to get through its spiel. I waited for it to say how many messages, just the one, the time it came in 12:30, and then it finally allowed me to hear the message. That’s when Kennan’s voice came anxiously blaring out of the machine.
“Hey, Iz, it’s me, pick up if you are home. You should be home by now, why aren’t you picking up. Where is your cell? You did not answer there either. Seriously, if you don’t pick up the phone in the next five seconds I am coming home to make sure you weren’t murdered somewhere along the way. Seriously Izzy, five, four, three, two, I am coming home. See you in a few, if you are alive.”
I was confused. Kennan never made sure I got home, nor did he normally sound so freaked out. I stood there dumbfounded as the front door burst open. I mean, I knew we only lived a couple of blocks down from the pub, but it should seriously have taken longer than that to get from point A, the pub, to point B, the house. I swirled around not knowing what to expect, only to have Kennan engulf me in a bear hug like he hadn’t just seen me twenty minutes ago. I pushed him away with a look of utter astonishment.