Saving Stella

SAVING
STELLA

By
Eliza Brown

Copyright 2013 Eliza Brown

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Dedication

To
my two best friends in the world,

I
owe you so much. You have been the light in my darkness, the sunshine to my
rain.

Thank
you for always supporting me no matter what crazy ideas I come up with.

You
have given me faith in myself.

I
love you with all my heart.

xoxo

SAVING
STELLA

Sloan

“I hate seeing her like this.
There’s just no colour in her life you know?
Just her pant
suits and her frigin numbers.”

“Pant suits can be hot.”

“Ha, not the ones Stella wears.
Trust me Bray she needs something to liven her up. I’m sick of seeing her
looking so, I don’t know, dreary?”

“Maybe she likes dreary? Is she
happy?”

“She thinks she is. I know better
though. I need to do something to shake her up a little, show her there’s so
much more to life than sitting in her apartment with that weird little dog of
hers. I just don’t know what? I’ve tried getting her to hit the town with me, even
a bar but nope, says she can’t do it. Sometimes I think she just doesn’t want
to get anything on her ridiculously expensive sensible heels. What God loving
woman spends that kind of money on sensible heels? Really?”

I let out a huff as my
frustration built. I really had to do something about Stella. I had to bring my
sister back.

“Why not set her up?”

“Pfft, as if any of the guys I
know would be good enough for my baby sister.”

“Hey now! I take offense to
that.”

True, if I were to set Stella up
with anyone, Bray would probably be at the top of my list of candidates. He’s
attractive, ha who am I kidding? Bray is HOT. He’s successful, motivated and an
all-round good guy.

I leaned back from the piece on
his left bicep I was working on, coming together nicely. I sized him up, it had
been a while since I fully checked him out. Friends don’t ogle friends, unless
they’re scoping them out for their sister.

Bray raised his eye brow at me as
if to say, ‘What the Fuck’.

“Dude, chill. I was just
assessing the goods. You might be right about setting Stella up. In fact I
think you’re the right guy for the job.”

“Wait, what? That’s not where I
was going with this Sloan.”

“No no, you planted the seed my
friend. It’s as good as done. You said you can’t manage the books on your own
anymore. Here’s the perfect solution.”

“What, start sleeping with your
sister so she’ll do my books for me? That’s a little sleazy don’t ya think?”

“Geez, not what I meant. Stella
is an accountant. Some crap about numbers making sense, always adding up, yada
yada, yada. Anyway, Il get you an appointment, she can go through your books,
you can invite her for coffee, next thing ya know I’ll be wearing a hideously
ordinary maid of honour dress at your wedding.”

From the look on Bray’s face he
wasn’t as down with my plan as id hoped. His eyes were popping out of his head
and a sweat had broken out across his forehead.

“Jumping the freaking gun there a
little aren’t ya Sloan! I haven’t even met the chic, and you’re already
planning our wedding. You’re frigin crazy! I’m not the marrying kind. You know
that.”

I knew it wasn’t anything personal
but this is my baby sister we’re talking about. I tend to get a little
defensive where she’s concerned, perhaps even a little irrational. I pushed my
seat away from Bray and got to my feet, hands fisted on my hips.

“You saying my sister isn’t good
enough for you asshole! Well I got news for you, you’d be lucky if Stella
spared you a glance, and if she wants to marry you, you’ll God damn do it! You
hear me!”

“I knew it, bat shit crazy! You’re
off your rocker if you think I’m going to go out with your sister now.”

“What? Why not? She’s an angel.”

“Jesus Sloan, you just told me I
have to marry the chic if she takes a fancy to me, and let’s be honest here,”

Oh here it comes, he was
gesturing up and down his body, I knew where this was going.

“Who wouldn’t want all this?”

He had that smug look on his
face, like he’s the shit and everybody knows it, including himself.

“Way to be modest Bray.”

I started walking away, slipped
my phone from my pocket and flicked Stella a text.

‘Need a favour baby sister, boss man needs an accountant. You got
time?’

I knew I wouldn’t have to wait
long for a response, Stella was glued to her phone like it was a life line.
Plus she was super-efficient, she’d know off the top of her head what
appointments were free without having to check with that airhead receptionist
of hers.

‘1.45 tomorrow. Name? Not a baby!’

A grin spread across my face, she
hates it when I call her that. But older is older, even if it is only by 4
minutes.

‘Brayden Brooks, 4mins is 4mins baby sister. Xx’

“It’s done Bray; I’ll text you
the address. 1:45 Tomorrow.”

I heard him groan as I started
clearing my work station. The shop was empty apart from us. We’d hung back so I
could get started on his latest piece. It would probably take another session
or two before it was done. Mean ass phoenix rising from the ashes. It’ll be
beautiful when I’m done.

“Sloan. Really? I’m not a
relationship kinda guy, you know that. I don’t want to screw our friendship
over this shit. She’ll want me, I’ll humour her for your benefit but then I’ll
get bored and move on, you’ll get pissed and quit. You’re the best I’ve got; I can’t
afford to lose you.”

I ignored him, he’d be good for
Stella, just the right amount of colour to brighten up her life. I finished
cleaning up my station.

“Are you listening to me Sloan?
Sloan! Damn it! You’re a stubborn little thing, you know that? I’ll do it, but
if things go south, you can’t walk. Deal?”

“Deal boss man. Now, beers at Freddie’s?”

“Need you ask?”

We closed up the shop and started
the short walk up to our local haunt; Freddie’s was my kinda place. Plenty of
beer, hot dudes with hot tats and they had a live band in on Friday and
Saturday nights.

Stella

Agh my neck is killing me. Time
to call it a day I think. Bianca left an hour ago. Ugh I should have left when
she did. I hate walking out to my car alone. I know I’m in a safe enough
neighbourhood but still. A woman walking around at night, alone is just asking
for trouble. I only meant to stay an extra fifteen minutes but as usual I got
carried away in the bliss of numbers.

I shut down my computer and put
my laptop in my satchel. Slipping my feet back into my shoes I felt around in
my bag for my gun, I had never used it, but I felt better knowing I had it.
Then I grabbed the can of pepper spray I kept in there and my keys. Armed with
one in each hand I headed for the lift down to the lobby.

“Goodnight Tyler.”

“Goodnight Ms Morgan.”

Tyler had been the doorman since
I leased my office 2 years ago. He was a nice older gentleman, with greying
hair around the edges. I knew if I asked he’d walk me to my car, but I also
knew he would probably get in trouble for leaving his post.

Time to pull up those big girl panties Stella. Walk straight to your
car, get in, and go
. Simple enough right? Sad thing was I had to give
myself the same little pep talk every time I stayed late, which was happening
more and more lately. I need to get a life!

I slipped into my little Prius
without any crazies trying to attack me. All the same, I flipped the lock
switch straight away. You can’t be too careful.

Pulling into my apartment complex
I could feel my tense muscles relaxing; home.

Once inside, I called out to
Fergus who was probable sleeping on the fresh towels on the rack in the
bathroom. But sure enough he came running when he heard my voice. I had grown
up with big dogs, but I couldn’t exactly keep a Great Dane in my tiny
apartment. So it was just me and Fergus my long haired dachshund for now, until
I found the courage to move to a bigger place. He was a good little dog. He kept
me company, never once wizzed inside and had the decency to look ashamed when
he let one rip.

I latched his lead and we set out
to the grassy area downstairs for him to do his business.

Half an hour later when Fergus
was done and we had returned upstairs I prepared dinner, seared marinated
chicken breast with a fresh salad and crisp glass of wine.
 
This is my idea of a good night.

Brayden

Why am I doing this shit? Oh yea,
cause Sloan will go ape on my ass if I don’t show up to this appointment.
Frigin Sloan. I suppose if I’m honest with myself I am a little curious to see
what Sloan’s baby sister looks like. Sloan is smoken hot. I can only imagine
what her sister must be like. Going off what little Sloan’s told me I’m
picturing the librarian type.

The elevator dinged and I felt
nervous all of a sudden. I never got nervous. Maybe it was the thought of losing
the best artist I had if this thing with her sister didn’t work out? I rolled
my shoulders a few time, loosening the tension that had built up.

I strolled into the office number
Sloan had given me. It was 1.30. Ha, I’m early for a change. I gave the
receptionist my name and took a seat on the lounge across from her desk. After
a minute of silence I glanced up wondering if she was going to tell this Stella
chic that I was here. But she was just staring at me.

I knew that look, she wanted me.
Well get in line baby. I gave her my signature smirk.

“Hey sugar, you wana let the boss
lady know I’m here?”

My words pulled her out of her daze
and she dashed through the adjoining office door.

Stella

Bianca came bursting through my
door like a bat out of hell. She was flushed and fanning herself with her hand.
I started to reach for the gun I had stashed on the underside of my desk.

“Oh my GOD Stella! The most gorgeous
man I have ever, and I mean EVER laid eyes on just walked in. He’s sex on a
stick!”

My hand froze just before I
reached the gun. I was confused. I knew all my clients, and none of them fit
that description. Bianca had been working for me since I opened my doors for
business she knew everyone too. Oh wait, I made space for Sloan’s boss today.

“Brayden Brooks?”

“Yea, that’s the name he gave me,
I think? I kinda zoned out for a minute there just taking it all in you know?”

“Umm, no, I don’t know. I haven’t
met him before. Sloan texted me yesterday asking me to fit him in.
 
He’s her boss.
 
You can send him in. I’m just finishing up.”

“Just give me a second. I need to
prepare myself.”

Wow, Bianca had always leaned
towards the dramatic but this was peculiar even for her. I raised my eyebrow at
her, letting her know her time was up. She got the hint and returned to her
desk.

A moment later there was a quiet
knock at my door.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and then slammed
shut. I jumped in my seat. What the hell! I looked up and there standing before
me was without a doubt in my mind the sexiest man I had ever seen, and he was
glaring at me? Again, what the hell?

Brayden

Are you fucking kidding me!?!
What is this shit?

“What the fuck Sloan?”

“E... Eh... Excuse me?”

“This!”

I gestured to her body, clad in
what appeared to be a pant suit. She’s screwing with me!

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know what
you mean?”

Shaking my head, I had to admit,
she had me. That wig looked pretty realistic. And the blouse she was wearing
covered all the tats on her arms and breast bone.

“And to think, I was actually a
bit nervous about meeting the illusive ‘Stella’. You went above and beyond for
this one Sloan. You really look the part too. Shit I never thought you would be
able to pull off a pant suit and all that classic lookin shit, but DAMN you
look fine.”

She was pulling off the stunned
mullet look pretty well. Who knew Sloan was such a good actress? Right now her
lips were pursed and her eye brows were scrunched up like she was sucking on
something sour.

She slowly started to stand,
placing her hands palm flat on her desk leaning forward, she cocked her head to
the side.

“Your Sloan’s boss?”

Now that her voice wasn’t so
shaky she sounded slightly different. More sing songy? Is that even a word? The
Sloan I know and love has a rough almost husky voice. Hmm, strange. Well if she
wanted to play a game, id humour her. I was here now, may as well roll with it.

“Alright, I’ll play along. You’ve
obviously gone to a bit of effort to pull this off. Yes, I’m Sloan’s boss.”

“Who did Sloan tell you she was
sending you to?”

“Her baby sister, Stella.”

“Aha, and what did she tell you
about Stella?”

“That she’s an accountant, where
are we going with this?”

“Did Sloan tell you what her
sister looked like by any chance?”

This is getting weird. I huffed
out a breath.

“No, Sloan did not tell me what
her sister looked like. Are you going somewhere with this?”

She walked around her desk, came
to a stop in front of me and held out her hand. I took hold of it as she began
to shake my hand. Like I said, weird.

“Good afternoon Mr Brooks, I’m
Stella Morgan. Sloan is my twin sister, identical twin sister.”

Yea right, I’ve known Sloan for
years. I would have known if her sister was her twin. Wouldn’t I?

“Look Sloan, I got shit to do, I
don’t have time for your weird ass sense of humour, now I actually have to find
an accountant. I’ll see you later.”

I released her hand and turned to
leave the room. Just as I reached the door, there it was, a framed picture of
two women embracing. One, very clearly Sloan, and one very similar, yet not.
Oh. SHIT.

I turned around slowly to see
‘Stella’ hadn’t yet moved. I cleared my throat while rubbing the back of my
neck.