The Anomaly by J.A. Cooper

see the harm in it.
    I’m scared that telling him the truth may ruin any possibility we have at a long-term relationship. The logistics of my job can always be worked out. It’s not like I have to model throughout the whole year. I can take jobs a couple months at a time. I could even take bookings from past clients who want to work with me again and maintain an income. But how do I tell Nathan that a picture I gave William may have given him the key to Nathan’s home and access to the painting?
    I sit in my first-class seat on the airplane and pinch myself because the lines of reality seem blurry. Is it possible? I know what that man said on the phone is true. I feel the truth pulse through my body.
    Did I naively pierce Nathan’s heart by trusting William?
    The plane feels cold because the air vent above me is set on full blast, but I don’t turn the knob that’ll turn off the air. Instead, I stuff my hands into the pockets of my sweatshirt and feel something like paper. I pull the paper out of my pocket and see that it’s the envelope Nathan gave me at the pizza parlor. I’d put it there, wanting to open it when he told me to, but I had almost forgotten about it entirely. I stare at it for a few seconds before I open it.
    It’s not a prewritten greeting card where all he had to do was sign his name below sentimental words. He took the time to write a note inside a blank card.
    ––––––––
    D ear Shayna,
    You have been a ray of light since we met. If I was going to war, I’d want you by my side. Your Truly, Nathan Theodor.
    ––––––––
    R eading these words makes my heart ache. How will Nathan feel if he learns the truth? I feel as if my heart is reaching out to him and crumbling because I’ve let down someone I love. I sigh and close my eyes. Something has to be done . I know that giving William that photo was the first domino falling against a row of others.
    I stare out the window. Who would’ve thought I’d get hustled, of all places, in my home state of Missouri? I’m embarrassed that William tricked me. Maybe I was too naïve, but how could I have known that a simple picture would lead to millions walking out Nathan’s door? I twist uncomfortably in my seat.
    I have to tell him what happened. I know he might not react well. I grip my hair and shake my head. What will become of us? Can we have a relationship after this? I really want to tell Nathan what I think may have happened. The only way Nathan can possibly get the painting back is if I tell him. He’ll be able to find out from someone, somehow, whether or not William is still in possession of it.
    I no longer feel cold. The more I think about William tricking me, the more I fume. My skin feels hot with anger. I gaze at the clouds outside my window. There has to be a way to get that painting back. But first, I have to get through this job.
    Then I’ll return to him.

Note from J.A. Cooper
    ––––––––
    I f you enjoyed reading this story, please leave a review. Check out more books on Amazon.

PREVIEW
Just to Be With You − The Instructor

Chapter 1
    I ’m already ten minutes late. Thinking that I have at least fifteen minutes to dress, I take my time, but the parking lot’s full when I pull up in my green Acura. I drive around looking to see if I missed a spot. But finding a parking spot near the Hollins Building turns out to be trickier than expected. I check the clock on my dashboard. Dang it. I drive around some more, hoping maybe there’s an open spot I didn’t see or that someone will pull out. Neither happens, and I end up having to drive over to the next parking lot closest to Hollins. All of the university’s English classes are held there. I grab my messenger bag from the passenger seat and click the button to lock my car.
    I take in a deep breath and begin to power-walk. I’m not wearing sneakers, and my shoes have a bit of a heel, so I don’t want to run and possibly fall. At this rate,