Savior of the Day

Josey went left onto the sidewalk from the apartments and headed straight for the Terrace Pharmaceutical building. Even four blocks away, sitting on the main intersection, the tall building loomed over the city, visible enough that Josey could never lose her way.

Passing by a bus stop, she was grateful for being able to walk and save money. People waiting for the bus were dressed in business attire, making Josey hopeful that she would soon be dressed the same one day.

Checking out the city, the feeling of cool summer nights boosted Josey’s mood. This time of year always reminded her of when she and her sister bundled up and visited the nighttime markets along the shore, facing the vast ocean, which was one of her favorite things to do. She and Emily would only spend a little on snacks but still enjoyed looking over all the handmade dishes and items vendors had to offer.

At the last block, passing through the familiar smell of coffee and baked goods, Josey was lost in thought. She didn't notice the red blinking hand at the intersection before crossing it to the pharmaceutical building.

Suddenly she heard the yelling of a car horn and the screech of tires as she looked to her right to see a car only moments before hitting her. She squeezed her eyes shut, fearing she was about to be hit, but instead, she was wrapped in warmth.

Realizing her feet weren’t touching the ground, she suddenly felt the warmth move. She was being carried, but the idea that someone was carrying her to Heaven after a sudden death seemed odd, so she slowly lifted her eyelids.

Looking up at her savior, she could see his dark features framing a smooth-skinned face. From her angle, she could tell he had a strong chin and kissable lips. He was walking as he carried her with ease, so it dawned on her he must be muscular too. Lifting her left hand, she placed it on his chest and felt no give, telling her he most definitely worked out.

Mesmerized as she was poking and prodding at his chest, she failed to feel him stop walking. Once she realized it, she looked at her savior’s face to see his deep hazel brown eyes looking back at her.

“Are you finished?” He asked, annoyed.

“Oh! Yes, sorry!” She answered, startled and embarrassed.

Letting her down abruptly, causing her to almost trip into him, he moved aside, brushing down his arms as if she were a dog who shed on him.

Catching her balance, she finally took a brief once over, realizing he was handsome. Taller than her by quite a bit, his broad shoulders stretched against his black suit jacket just a bit.

“Next time you decide to stop traffic with your daydreaming, make sure I’m not a part of it.” He snapped at her.

With his sudden scolding, Josey stumbled over her words, trying to spit out a half-apology, half-explanation.

“I was..it wasn’t on purpose; I said I was sorry, and thank you. Can you not just take an apology? It really wasn’t intentional, but I am grateful you saved my life. If you want compensation...” Josey started digging in her purse, looking for anything to give the stranger.

Pulling out a 20 percent off a box of chicken coupon she had been saving to use for celebrating if she got the job, she hesitantly handed it to him, bowing her head, ashamed it was all she had to offer and not something she wanted to give up.

The stranger looked down at it and back at her just as a black-tinted window sedan pulled up. Turning, the stranger ignored Josey and went to the vehicle as someone opened the door for him.

Lifting her head and looking around, she was shocked to see the vehicle pull away.

Offended by the man who just saved her life., she yelled, “You could have taken it! Twenty percent is a lot if you think about it! Geesh, what kind of stranger saves you, scolds you, then leaves before they even accept your apology? Stuckup piece of human crap!” Yelling after the vehicle was pointless, but it made Josey feel better briefly.

Her heart beat finally calm, Josey pulled out her phone and realized she had less than 5 minutes left and her phone was about to die. The phone was the least of her concerns. Seeing she was back on the same side of the street, she had to wait for the traffic to stop again. Traffic that almost killed her.

Going into a full sprint entering the building, she ran up to the reception desk, quickly filled out her information, and mentally rushed the receptionist behind the desk to hurry up. All that was left was getting her a badge so she could proceed.

“Ma’am, your name isn’t on the list.”

“What? That’s impossible, I received the confirmation text last night.” Pulling out her phone, Josey saw her phone had died.

“Look again, please, Josephine Parks, it has to be on there.”

Agitated, the receptionist picked up the clipboard to look again, flipping through the pages roughly.

“I’m sorry, YOUR NAME," the lady said loudly, "is not listed. Next!” Looking around Josey, the irritated woman called for the next person in line.

Looking back, Josey noticed several people were giving her impatient stares. Turning back to the irritated receptionist, Josey knew she was already late but tried again.

“Please, this must be some mistake; I really have to make this interview, my life depends on it.” The receptionist repeated herself, louder this time, ignoring Josey.

Thinking of the disappointment she’d see in Emily’s eyes, though her sister would do her best to hide it, Josey slammed her palms down on the desk. The sound made a loud smack and caused the lady behind the light marble desk to jump. Murmurs started behind her from the people that were waiting in line.

Looking at Josey with pursed lips and a very ticked-off look, the receptionist picked up the phone in front of her.

“Security, please report to the entrance desk. Please report to the entrance desk.” The request was announced over the speakers, and Josey could feel her stomach churn.

She felt she had failed her sister, failed her parents. She was even momentarily angry at the attractive stranger for saving her earlier. At this point, the car should have just hit her.

The lady suddenly bowed behind the desk as Josey felt someone come up next to her. Not wanting to fight security and make more of a fool of herself, Josey defeatedly gave in.

“I’m leaving. No need to help me out. I know the way.” Josey was slightly sarcastic with her comment from frustration and turned, expecting to see a band of security officers there, but she was suddenly relieved. A REAL savior had arrived.

“Good morning Mr. Chaser.” The receptionist said as she stood straight with a wide smile.

Nodding at the secretary, Jared looked at Josey and smirked.

“Causing trouble again, I see.” Chuckling, Josey smiled at him.

“Not intentionally, but my name isn’t on the list, and I am already late. I thought you weren’t coming until later?” Josey asked Jared, grateful but embarrassed as the secretary watched them confused.

Reaching his hand out to the secretary, while he just shook his head at Josey, Jared waited. The secretary just stared at him with a giddy smile. It wasn’t surprising. Jared’s tall slim length and golden locks were enough to swoon any woman, not to mention his deep blue eyes surrounded by thick brown lashes. They were the icing on the cake.

“List?” He asked her with a short smile full of straight teeth.

“Huh? Oh, yes, yes, Mr. Chaser, here it is.”

Handing him the list, the receptionist continued staring at Josey's friend dreamily. Josey covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. It was nothing new, but still always funny. Josey wondered if Jared knew exactly how good-looking he was sometimes.

Jared started flipping through the pages on the clipboard as people in the line behind them were suddenly helped by another woman appearing behind the desk. Josey looked back at Jared and prayed the situation could be fixed.

“Ahh, okay, they have you listed as Parker, not Parks.” Lowering the clipboard, he pointed to where the name said, Josephine Parker.

“It must have been a typo, Mr. Chaser. I do apologize.”

Looking at the name, the receptionist glanced at Josey coolly.