All Chapters of The Deal: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

DESIRE   Sierra listened to Roman’s rhythmic breathing as her mind replayed the events of the previous weekend; they spent Friday evening watching the local performers at the night market after their endeavors at the Ice Rink. The one thing Sierra loved most about the city was that it never slept, it didn’t matter what time you went out, there were always people mulling the streets and businesses open waiting for customers as if it were midday.    They got home late that night, Roman walked her to the door of her apartment and left with a goodnight kiss on the cheek, she’d invited him in for coffee, but the early shift he had at the hospital stopped him, he was one of the only doctors who’d be on duty on Christmas day which meant he’d need all his strength, so she hid her disappointment and let him go. 

LEAP OF FAITH “Are we completely crazy for doing this?” Roman asked the question on her mind, last week when she asked him what his biggest fear was, he had no idea that the answer would lead to his own destruction, but more than that, he had no idea he’d be so willing to go along with the bogus plan, alas there he was standing atop a bridge ready to plunge to his death.  “Some would argue that we are. I say we’re daredevils.” It was one of the few times she chose their intended adventure activity and he was starting to regret allowing her to have the reigns.  Roman looked down at the river below him as if it were a monster about to pounce up and swallow him whole. 

THROUGH A LOOKING GLASS When Sierra stepped off the elevator the following day the first thing she saw was a familiar figure leaning against her door. “Roman?” Her voice caused him to stand upright and lock eyes with her, “What are you doing here?” She asked, confused by his presence, as far she knew, he was supposed to work a late shift at the hospital.  “Packing buddy?” He held up a roll of tape in one hand and a fat sharpie in another with a hopeful look in his eyes.  “Of course, but I thought you had to work tonight?” She wondered, unlocking the door.  

A REMINDER TO REMEMBER “Can I ask you one slightly personal question?” Sierra voiced as they exited the gym, the words had been on her mind since the night before and she only just bucked up the courage to ask it, “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.” She added, knowing it would increase her likeness at getting an answer.  Boy did she regret taking that psychology class in college now.  “Okay.” He answered steadily, agreeing to her terms.  “You don’t seem to have many friends around here, or at least anyone close enough to be more than an acquaintance, why not?” Roman weighed her words, it wasn’t an overly intrusive question, more c

HOME SWEET SAN FRANCISCO Sierra had a wide smile plastered on her face as she sat in the back seat of her Father’s truck, her parents insisted on picking her up from the airport and she was happy to oblige, she’d missed them terribly.  “Everyone is so excited to see you, six months without you was too long, Sierra.” Her mother complained, but the happiness in her voice and eyes told Sierra that she had long forgiven her daughter’s long departure, grateful to have her back.  “It feels good to be back.” Her smile widened when they pulled into the driveway of her house, oh how she’d missed her beloved home.