6 Not a Monster

Emma's P.O.V:

He handed me a white envelope. I opened it and made sure he faithfully held up his end of the bargain.

I smiled at him when the numbers added up and got into the car where he had opened the passenger door for me.

Once I was in, he closed the door for me and I collected my stuff, putting on my coat and putting the envelope in its inner pocket.

All my stuff was in order by the time he got in the driver's seat.

"All set?" I asked once he turned the key in the ignition, causing the car engine to rev quietly like the purr of a cat.

"Yeah... yeah, all good," he stated, seeming a little shaken. That was... weird.

"Are you okay?" I drew my eyebrows together, genuinely concerned.

Did I do something bad in there? Did I hurt him or something?

"Yeah, I am," he paused and swallowed before continuing, "I just feel awesome that I got my money's worth," he grinned at the steering wheel.

"Glad to be of service," I grinned back.

"Now, not to nag, but I really have to get back to work as soon as possible," I reminded him and he started searching for something.

I was going to ask if he was just looking for a way to spend more time with me but it didn't seem like it so instead I asked, "What are you looking for?"

"The remote for the garage door," he explained and I chuckled.

"Is that on any level funny?" he enquired, the ends of his lips undeniably fighting a smile. Even if the lips didn't do much to give it away, his eyes gave him away. They were just shining in pure amusement and I couldn't help but let out a full on laugh.

He finally gave in and let out a soft chuckle.

When the laughter died down, I pointed at the dashboard in front of him. He checked where I was pointing and almost face palmed. It was just right there staring back at him. He left it there in haste when he turned off the car earlier.

We left his place and he said he had to make sure I made it to the bar safely because he wasn't a 'monster'. The music was at full blast but I was sure we would be able to hear each other once we were out of the main part of the club.

He left when I had rolled my eyes at him for the nth time and I was seated on a bar stool, saying something along the lines of 'Now I'm sure your safe'.

Emily was still left with half an hour of our deal before she could leave. I told her how it went, leaving out the unnecessary details and she applauded me.

"I can't believe he was like that in the car," she commented while still trying to get some air from all the laughing. I laughed a long with her before we continued with the conversation.

"Anything happen while I was gone?" I enquired as she leaned forward on the counter.

"Yeah, someone asked for your number," I choked on my own saliva at her words.

"Well did you give it to them??" I asked whilst holding my breath and she laughed.

"Why would I do that?" she asked and I breathed.

"I think he's just interested," she added and I just stared at her.

"In my services?" I asked and she reached for my hands over the counter.

"No Emma-boo, in you," she said and rubbed the back of my hands with her thumbs.

She knows how I can be when it comes to such things.

"Emily, you know-" I started but she cut me off.

"I know about your past. I know how things went down with your ex. You definitely never deserved that, but don't you think you can at least try again?" she asked, her words shutting me up for a minute.

I had already planned a life without a guy in it. Whatever vision I had in my head seemed less painful than having a guy in my life.

Less crying because of another person, less pain, no fights because you are alone, and more peace. That is what I need since forever.

No conflict just peace. I never found any since they left because they left me with a huge ass house to pay the bills for. I have been scavenging everywhere looking for the shitty cash and I found what I can do best for money when I was fifteen.

Bartending is a job that gives me my daily meal. It doesn't pay for the bills and I am content with what I have. I don't need anyone to fall for and constantly get worried if he is safe or if he is cheating on me when he says 'I'm going out with the guys'.

"Em?" Emily pulled me out of my thoughts and I looked at her for a moment.

"What did he say his name was?" I pretended I was going to do as she said and at least try.

"He said his name was Mason Rivers aaand he goes to the same school as you," I once again choked on my saliva and she grabbed a glass of water for me.

I hastily took the water and she gave me a worried look.

"Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?" she asked and I shook my head in response.

"No you didn't," I cleared my throat once more before setting the glass down.

"He is not interested in me, trust me," I blurted out and she drew her brows together in confusion.

"What do you mean by that? Have you ever gone on a date with him?" she asked and I shook my head once more.

"Em, you know I don't go on dates," I pointed out and she shrugged.

"I know, and I understand why, but why did you say he isn't interested in you?" she asked and I tried figuring out a way of explaining this to her.

Oh boy, this is not gonna be an easy discussion.