Next stop I found a pair of Nike Air Max 270 shoes that were perfect for working out and running. They were white and would go with all my outfits. But damn $160 for a pair of shoes to run in. I need to find a job, the money Lee gave me wouldn’t last forever. I still wanted something special for Wednesday night so I kept shopping until I found the perfect Pure Silk lace slip dress nightgown. It came with matching bikini panties and a robe that came down to mid-thigh. It was a Rose Red color.
With my packages I went down to the food court area in the mall to get something cold to drink. As I sat there drinking lemonade my phone rang. It was Nick calling.
“Well hello I thought maybe you forgot all about me,” I teased him.
He chuckled, “No, just busy with my Dad working. Just wanted to let you know I may be out of town longer than I thought. Dad wants to check out a new location for another Service Center.”
“I understand, business before pleasure, but thanks for calling and letting me know,” I replied sincerely.
“Well also to let you know to look for a package from UPS in the next few days. You will probably have it by Friday. I gave my friend your address since I will be delayed getting back home,” his deep voice sending tingles up my spine. So yeah the connection I felt with him was still there.
“Thanks Nick, I really appreciate it and good luck on your business adventure,” I giggled.
“See you when I get back Iowa, tell your brother I said hello. I want to stay on his good side,” he chuckled.
Smiling I hung up the phone and took a drink of my lemonade. I wasn’t paying any attention to the people around me until this guy pulled up a chair and sets down at my table.
“What’s the matter sugar, boyfriend out of town, maybe you need a big strong man like me to help you with all your packages….and other needs you might have,” he smirk, twirling a toothpick in his mouth.
Wearing his ball cap backwards, a dirty t-shirt that probably hadn’t ever been washed, he winked at me. His foul breath hit me making me want to vomit. He was about the size of Lee but flabby and stunk like weed.
“Stay away from me,” I stammered and started to get up and grab my packages. He grabbed my wrist and stopped me. Now I was scared, other people were staring but not helping. Hell most of the people were women with children.
“Don’t be like that sugar, Ole Stan here just wants to show you a good time,” he chuckled not letting go of my wrist, squeezing it tight.
My breathing was ragged and I was about to panic when a deep voice sounded behind me, “Let the lady go boy, NOW,” he barked loudly.
He let go of my hand but just laughed, “Oh hell officer friendly I was just talking to my gal here.”
Looking back was a security officer for the mall. Keeping his eye on Ole Stan, “Ma’am do you want to press charges against this….this gentleman,” he sneered at Stan.
“No s..ir, I stuttered, “I just want to leave.” I was shaking like a leaf.
The officer put his hand on my shoulder calming me. Still looking at Stan, “Boy if I ever find you in this mall again I’ll arrest you for being ugly and stinking the place up. Now get your ass out of here now.”
Stan had fury in his eyes but kept his mouth shut and walked away. I was shaking and my arm was red and stung where he gripped it so hard. The officer sat down in the chair vacated by Stan.
“Ma’am are you okay?” he asked in a politely concerned voice.
“I’ll be okay he just scared me, thanks for stepping in,” I mumbled rubbing my wrist.
“May I see your wrist?” he asked. I stuck my arm out and he gently turned my wrist and looked at it. “I think it’s okay, just put some ice on it and that will help. You should have let me arrest the bum,” he chuckled.
I looked at him, he appeared to be early sixties, but still fit and in good shape. His name tag said Hank Aaron. Daddy was big on sports baseball and football, so I knew Hank Aaron was a famous baseball player. Black baseball payer, this Hank was white.
I giggled softly, “Sorry, you’ve got a famous name like I do. I’m Ava Gardner.”
He laughed, “So we do Ava, a pleasure to meet you. Seems our parents were hung up on big name stars. I’m a retired cop and work security here at the mall, here’s my card. If you ever see that bum again or he tries to give you trouble call me. I have lots of friends on the police force and they will take care of him.”
“I will and thanks Mr Aaron,” I smiled feeling better.
He chuckled, “I believe two famous people like us can call each other by their first names, call me Hank. Now come on and let me walk you to your car and help you with your packages.”
LEE
I was working on my laptop in my office when I heard Ava coming up the stairs. I finished what I was working on, then went down to the second floor. Her bedroom door was open and she was putting away things she had purchased.
As she closed a dresser drawer she turned and saw me standing in her door way, and almost jumped out of her skin. “Oh..shit,” you scared me, her left hand going to her chest. She was shaking and I noticed her left wrist was red looking.
Rushing forward, “What the fuck Ava,” grabbing her left arm to look at her wrist. “Did you fall, what happened, did someone hurt you,” I rapid fire asked her.
“I’m okay,” she said, her voice shaky, “but I think maybe I want to learn to defend myself. Today I just froze and acted like a coward.”
“Fuck! I should have gone with you! Tell me what happened,” I demanded in a sharp voice I was so pissed.
“Calm down Rambo,” I giggled softly, ” Hank Aaron saved me.”
“it’s no time to be joking Ava,” I snarled at her.
“I’m not the Security Officer’s name was Hank Aaron,” I giggled again, “and he’s white.”
I was still furious after she explained what happened. One positive thing came out of it, Ava was interested in learning to defend herself.
We spent the rest of the day eating a light supper and tending to Ava’s wrist. Using ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time, every hour or so. By bedtime she said it wasn’t hurting. I kissed her on the forehead good night and went back to my bedroom.
I definitely wanted to meet and thank the security officer at the mall. As I climbed in bed I realized I had not had a sexual thought about Ava since she got home from the mall. What’s going to happen to us, alone tomorrow night in Tuscaloosa?
End of chapter 9…
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