Lesson 25- Don't interrupt when the adults are talking.
I sort of want to hang around and watch Jackson and Ronny work, but it’s never nice having someone hover over you while you’re trying to get things done so it’s probably better that I find something else to do. I’m still sleepy. I wish I had a book to read or something. Really all I have to do here is work. I could clean but there’s no point when they’re still making more mess.
“Where did Torin go? Did he leave?” I wonder aloud. Jackson raises an eyebrow.
“You think he would leave us alone in his precious bar? No way.” Jackson sounds incredulous at the suggestion. I’m confused by it. Torin knows Jackson better than me and he’s left me here alone. I feel like I’m missing something. Jackson doesn’t notice my confusion and just continues speaking.
“I think he went to his office. I could tell he wanted to stand over us and supervise but Ronny here wasn’t getting anything done.” Jackson comments.
“Who could with the demon staring down at them like that?” Ronny comments and I give him a reproachful look.
“There’s nothing wrong with Torin being in his own building.” I respond sternly and Ronny looks confused. Jackson pats me on the arm gently.
“I’ll have a chat with him. Besides, anyone would be uncomfortable with the boss hoverin’ over them. He didn’t mean any harm by it.” he says soothingly and I shrug. Jackson pokes me in the side.
“Rina?” He prompts and I smile.
“Alright, fine. I guess I should take that as a hint that I should get out of your way and let you two get to work. I’ll go look for Torin.” I decide.
“Should I call him for you?” Jackson offers. I raise an eyebrow.
“Dude, the office door is like five steps away. I’ll knock on the door myself.” I tell him, maybe a little snarkily but hey, I’m tired. Jackson stares.
“You’re going to… Well, if you insist.” He seems reluctant but I don’t know why. Whatever.
Being careful not to step on anything sharp or knock anything over, I make my way to Torin’s office. Very aware of Jackson and Ronny watching me closely. I reach out and knock on the door firmly. A moment later it swings open and Torin is standing in front of me. Damn, every time I forget how huge this guy is. Standing this close I have to practically look up at him.
“You’re awake.” He observes and I give a dramatic sigh.
“Reluctantly, yes. So are you.” I respond and he blinks in confusion.
“Yes.” He agrees and then falls silent. Why isn’t he saying anything? He glances over my shoulder and I hear a shuffling sound as Jackson and Ronny rush to get back to work. Torin relaxes a little, but not much. Is he nervous around them or something? Why? They’re terrified of HIM so I can’t see why he would be bothered. When I don’t say anything or leave, Torin huffs out a breath.
“Did you want something?” He finally asks. I smile at him brightly.
“I was thinking we could hang out for a bit or something. There isn’t exactly much for me to do here when I’m not working.” I explain. Torin seems even more surprised and I think I hear something heavy fall in the bathroom. Did someone drop something? Torin doesn’t answer for a really long time, so I continue.
“Uh… Torin?” I poke his arm and he stares at the spot on his arm that I touched.
“Ah… I’m working. Trying to get caught up on some of the paperwork.” He responds as he heads back into his office. I contemplate if I should follow or not. Well, he didn’t close the door in my face, and he didn’t say no. I decide to just go in and make myself at home. I step inside and pull the door shut behind me.
“Get caught up? Can you even find anything here?” I tease him and Torin shrugs. How is he even less talkative than usual? I get comfortable in the second chair, pulling my legs up and crossing them. Torin still seems uncomfortable. He’s theoretically working on his paperwork, but he isn’t even looking at it. He keeps glancing at the door and then back to me. Did I misread this? Does he want me to leave?
“Am I annoying you?” I ask bluntly. Torin shakes his head.
“No. You’re fine. I’m not very good company though. I’m busy.” He answers. I frown.
“You’re alright company, and I don’t mind that you’re busy. But… Is something bothering you? You seem kind of… Off.” I tell him, badly explaining my observations.
“I’m fine.” He responds blankly. I don’t believe him at all. I lean forward in my chair and prop my elbows on the edge of his desk.
“Then why do you keep looking at the door? You’re acting weird.” I accuse him. Torin grunts a sound that sounds vaguely like agreement. I wait and stare him down. He eventually relents.
“I don’t like having the workmen here.” He answers. I raise an eyebrow.
“Because you would rather be sleeping?” I reason and he shakes his head.
“No. Because I’m a demon and we’re very territorial.” he explains. Huh?
“I’m going to need a little more than that. What do you mean you’re territorial?” I ask.
“This bar is my territory. My natural instinct is to guard it against intruders.” He clarifies.
“But… It’s a bar. You have guests constantly. Jackson was here last night and you seemed fine.” I point out.
“It’s… Different. It’s the front of the bar. I let people in there. I don’t let people back here, not unless I have to. And even then I usually stay and keep an eye on them. But when I tried to supervise them they didn’t seem to be getting much done.” He sighs and I nod.
“I can see why that would be distracting for them.” I agree then tilt my head sideways as I think.
“What about Laura and Kyle? They’re here all the time and you seem fine. Plus that Catcher guy who I haven’t met yet.” I add as an afterthought. I swear the guy might as well be a ghost. Everyone talks about him, but he isn’t actually here.
“I’m used to them. I don’t need to supervise them quite as much. Besides, since they work for me, on some level I consider them to be… Mine. So I’m less bothered by it.” He decides.
“Oh… Well what about me? You barely know me but you’ve left me alone here for hours.” I point out.
“Having you here doesn’t bother me.” Torin answers. He seems surprised by his own answer, like he only just realised that he feels comfortable with me here.
“Why not?” I ask. I know I’m pestering him. But this is interesting and I have nothing better to be doing.
“I’m not sure why. Maybe because you’re technically my captive. In my mind, it’s like you belong to me, so you’re meant to be here.” I back off of his desk and glare at him. Torin isn’t paying much attention to me as he puzzles things through. He feels like I BELONG to him? Like a toy, or a pet. This is ridiculous. I find myself glaring at Torin. He looks confused by my aggressive expression. Well this is going to be interesting.
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