Save Me Read Free Page A

laughed.  “Ok well thanks again.  Where should I start?” 
    “Well, you can start with the register.  It is very easy, but old.  It needs to be handled with care like me,” she smiled.  “Then once you figure that out you have pretty much mastered it.  It is dull around here sweetie, but that’s how we like it.” 
    “Oh don’t worry, dull is great with me.  It would be a nice change.”  I could see Oliver looking my way.  I know he is suspicious of me, but what can I say?  He looks at me as if he wants to fix me.  Well back, it up friend, I cannot be fixed, the damage is done and the scars are too deep.  It must be the cop in him.  It is as if some of them have this overbearing need to save people and I did not need to be saved, I saved myself. I watched Oliver give Gloria a hug and then turn to leave, damn he looked in that uniform, I blushed slightly.
                  It was late afternoon.  I could tell Annabelle was getting tired; she had played so well by herself for over six hours now.  I knew that Gloria closed the store down at five and I was so thankful that the clock said 4:48 pm.  I felt bad for my Belle.  She needed to be somewhere else, anywhere but here.  However, she just sat quietly coloring pictures as she had all afternoon.
    I cleaned up the store and made sure that I locked the register.  We had four customers all day.  I am not sure how Gloria makes any money here or better yet how she can afford to pay an employee.  Either way I am still so grateful.  She was paying me eleven dollars an hour to not do much.  I tried to be productive to help her.  She needed to have this place organized.  I did not mind doing it, I was happy to, it was the least I could do. 
     
    I pulled the open sign to closed and told Annabelle to pack up her coloring books.  I grabbed my purse and I heard the door open.  “Sorry were closed,” I yelled from behind me. “Oh sorry Grace, I just wanted to see if you and Annabelle needed a ride home?”  It was Oliver.  He must be getting ready to be off for the day too. “Oh hi Oli, a ride would be nice, but aren’t you on duty?”
    “I am, but I am the town sheriff Grace, I can drive you home and not get into trouble,” he grinned.  It sent shivers up my spine.  Why did a nice grin from a nice man make me uncomfortable?  Let it go Grace.  He wants to help.  “Sure I would love a ride.” I picked up Belle and followed him to his car.
                  We headed for the house, which was seriously a half mile down the way.  I remembered that once we got in the car.  Why did he want to take us such a short distance?  Geez Grace maybe to be nice, why was I so nosy and so negative?  Oh maybe because my husband sucks.  Yep that was it. 
    Once we got to my new house, I saw that Annabelle had fallen asleep.  Oliver looked over at me and said, “Grace I know it seems strange that I wanted to drive you home, but I can’t help but feel slightly protective of you.  I do not know why.  It is not a usual feeling for me.  I mean do not get me wrong, I am the town sheriff I am here to be protective.  However, I do not really have to be.  We don’t get a lot of crime here,” he confessed.
    His confession made me blush, why I am not sure.  “Well I appreciate it Oli, I do, but I don’t need anyone to protect me or Annabelle, I have it covered.  But thank you for the ride.” I went to open the car door and he grabbed my hand.  Normally this would make me jump, but it actually felt nice.
    “Grace, I wondered if you might want to let me help you out.” I stared at him.  “Well my sister lives down the road and she has two kids. They are four and six.  She babysits sometimes and I asked her if she might be able to take on watching Annabelle for you while you worked at Gloria’s.  She loved the idea.  She said she would love to help.” 
    “Oliver she doesn’t even know me, and I do not even know her.