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CHAPTER 6

BEAR

The Fish-n-Dip convenience store wasn’t far from my house or the marina. Being a regular there, I knew what they had stocked, and what I would have to purchase elsewhere. The candy I needed was in stock, plus they had a deli section with a good variety of meats, cheeses and fresh breads. Since Ryan had stated that he wasn’t a picky eater, I chose a big variety of things for him to choose from. After bagging my purchases, I walked outside and almost dropped my bags.

Ryan was walking around outside the store near the road with his thumb out. What was the chance that he was hitching a ride outside the store I was at? How did he get out of my basement? Did he have a change of clothes with him? I could have sworn he was wearing shorts with neon colors.

He saw me almost drop my bags and came over. You could have knocked me over with a feather at his boldness.

“Hey, you do need help with those?”

I obviously needed help with my bags, but I felt confused.

“Umm, yes, please. Thanks.” I mumbled because I was sort of in shock at his demeanor. So outgoing. Did Ryan lie about everything he said? I’d play along for the moment.

“Where do you need a lift to?” I inquired, trying to be casual while my heart was beating too fast.

“To the marina if you don’t mind. It’s not far. I needed to check on my boat, and meet up with some people.” That was partly the truth. In my not knowing this guy, I wasn’t about to offer too much information, accurate or not. I played with the zip on my backpack.

I was totally confused. Ryan was acting like I was a stranger, not someone who he had poured his life out to. He was conscious this time, so how was I going to render him unconscious and get him back to my house? I knew I should have tied him up despite my doubts. Damn demon in my head anyway. Cupid should mind his own business. There was no way he would just come home with me. Unless…

“Say, I need to drop these meats off at my house, would you mind? I didn’t remember a cooler and really don’t want them to spoil. The marina isn’t much farther.” Let’s see if he fell for that.

“As long as it doesn’t take too long, that’s fine. People will be waiting for me, so, ya know.” Rene didn’t know whether to be nervous, excited or what. There was a feeling he was getting from his twin. Something was up with him, and with this guy.

“Sounds like a plan. My house is only five minutes from here, and maybe ten minutes from the marina past that.”

Rene

The guy just told me how far I was from the marina. If it was accurate, I’d get there fast, and try to find Ryan. Not to mention getting away from this guy.

“What did you say your name was?” I’d get all the information I could from him, just in case.

“My name is Bear. No one uses given names out here. Everyone knows everyone. What’s your name?”

No way was I giving him my real name. I’d give him what Ryan used to call me. Kincello was our last name, and Ryan always called me KC, which was also his undomesticated pet squirrel.

“Yeah I know about nicknames. Mine is KC, my brother called me the same name as his pet squirrel when we were kids.”

We both laughed, and I had to admit his laugh wasn’t hard on the ears. He held out his hand to shake mine. I took in his firm grip, even though I didn’t like the feel of hard-working hands. My thing was soft hands, from men or women I had relations with. Ryan liked the calloused hands. But then, I didn’t want a relationship of any sort with Bear.

Bear

“Here we are. If you wouldn’t mind grabbing that bag for me so I can unlock the door, please? I’ll grab this one. It feels like the bottom is tearing.” It wasn’t, but I could make it rip pretty easily.

I actually did fumble with the keys as karma called me out and the bottom of the bag tore. The door opened right as the contents of the bag landed on the floor and scattered fruit everywhere. At least there were no breakables.

It wasn’t a laughing matter to me, but he was having a chuckle over it. He was a good sport and carried his bag in, then helped me pick up fruit. Now it was time to get him back in the basement. There was a big landing on the basement side. If I shoved him in, that would do it without hurting him.

“Could you set that bag just inside that door please? My extra fridge and pantry are through there. Oh, you’d have to unlock it first. Silly thing won’t stay closed so I have to lock it. The keys stay in the knob.” As soon as KC set his small backpack down, I went back to picking up oranges while he opened the door to the basement. As soon as it was opened, I shoved him through.

It was quiet at first and I was afraid I had injured him.

“Let me out, man. C’mon.”

He hit the door a few times, then I could hear him walking on the stairs. I thought I heard him talking to someone, but it was probably just the radio station. I picked up the bag he had been carrying and put the food away. After that fiasco, preparing food would have to wait.