Page 15 of Narrow Margins
“Corrigan, why can’t you just do what you’re asked? It’s not difficult to read through one sheet of paper the night before a job. Everyone is here today and you’re not prepared, you hobble in here, you’ve got bags under your eyes that make up are going have to work hard to wipe out.” Raff starts to walk away but obviously isn’t finished yet. “If you talk about me and Troy like that again, I’ll beat your ass.”
I jump out of my seat but Corrie grabs my arm, “Leave it, Griff.”
“No! Fuck that! Let’s go, you’re in pain, I can tell, and you don’t need this shit; you need to sleep. C’mon, I’m taking you home.” I hold out my hand and relief floods me when, after a moment’s hesitation, Corrie puts his hand in mine and stands up.
We make our way towards the door and Raff shouts out at us. I’ve had enough of him. “Go to the car, Corrie. Get yourself sorted; I’ll be right there.”
“Griff, please, leave it.” Corrie appears so dejected and worn out, it only fixes my resolve.
Marching back to Raff, I wait for him to start only to cut him off, it doesn’t take long.
“Where the hell…” Raff barks.
“Listen, Raff, Corrie does not need your shit today. He had a fall this morning and hurt himself. It shook him up and he’s in pain but he still made it in here. And, before he could even get out of the car, you started on him so, leave him alone. Sort your attitude out and come and see him when you’ve got your apology sorted.” I turn and leave him gaping like a fish.
“Why didn’t he say anything?” He calls out.
“Because he’s professional enough to leave his shit at home. Something, maybe, you should have done this morning. We’ll see you later, with your apology. Work with the others today.” I know I’m really pushing my luck but, fuck it, Corrie is more important.
When I leave the studio, I see Corrie resting against the wall, his eyes shut. Striding over, I run my hand down his arm and he opens his eyes. Seeing his need, fuck, I want to kiss him.
“Not here, babe, let’s get you home.” I whisper.
“Babe?” He questions with a lift of one brow.
“Shit, sorry.” I spin away, feeling stupid, where the fuck did that come from?
“Hey,” he snags my wrist. “I liked it.”
“Yeah? Come on, you need painkillers and some sleep.” He agrees. Getting to the door, Troy walks in, dressed up and carrying a briefcase.
“Hey, guys, you done already?” Troy is full of smiles until he peeks at Corrie. “Corrie, what’s happened? You look exhausted.” I see him spy the cane, “Are you in pain?”
“Corrie had a fall and needs painkillers and some sleep; I’m taking him home.”
Troy nods but Corrie laughs dryly, “What did you do to piss him off this morning, Troy? He’s being a complete dick in there.”
“Is he now? Hmm, leave him to me. Has he done something to upset you?” Troy sounds annoyed.
“Let’s just say the niceties went out of the window. So, it was best for us to leave today.” I say diplomatically.
We watch Troy stalk away, down to the photography suite we left not long before.
“Ready to get outta here?” I look at Corrie.
“As much as I’d love to see what’s about to go down, I’m too tired to care.” Corrie slumps against me for a fraction of a second.
I slide into the driver’s seat and let out a moan; this car is something else. Focusing on Corrie, I find a faint smile on his lips.
“You’re only doing this so you can drive my car.” He chuckles.
“What? No way, this is all about looking after you.” I start the engine, then look back with a wink. “This is an added perk.”
Pressing the gas pedal down, we race out of the car park.
“Shit! Slow down! What was I thinking, letting a motorcycle racer drive my car!” Corrie shouts but he’s grinning.
“Hell, baby, we need to get this sweet ride on a race track!” I laugh as I weave through the traffic.