“Would you mind sharing your table?”
Startled by the masculine voice so close to her, Naomi looked around, her heart jumping into her throat. She relaxed a bit, seeing a sandy-haired man about her own age, casually dressed in chinos and a pullover sweater. Glancing quickly around, she saw that indeed all the tables in the food court seemed to be occupied. She gave him a quick smile.
“Yes, sure.” She slid her purse, laying on the table by her meal, smoothly into her lap, as if making room for him to put his food. Not that she thought he, or anyone, could make a grab for her purse in a crowded food court, but it never hurt to be extra careful.
“I don’t think I’ve seen anyone enjoy a hot dog so thoroughly,” he said with a smile as he sat down and unloaded a hamburger and fries from a bag.
Despite her caution, Naomi chuckled. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good hot dog.”
“Oh? Are you from out of town?”
Caution swamped her, but he seemed friendly. Not at all threatening. She checked in with her cat, who was snoozing in complete unconcern. Okay, good enough.
“I’ve just moved into the area,” she admitted. She grimaced expressively, and pointed at the pile of shopping bags in the chair beside her. “I’m from Florida, so I needed to supplement my wardrobe.”
“I should imagine this weather will take some getting used to,” he agreed. He reached one hand across the table. “Nathan.”
She quickly wiped her right hand on a napkin, making sure it was clean, and took his hand, shaking firmly. “Naomi.”
“I’m pleased to meet you.” He unwrapped his burger and took a bite. Silently he pushed the bag of fries closer to her, silently offering to share.
“No, thanks, I’m good.”
“What brings you up from Florida?” Nathan asked, after they’d finished their meals.
“Family stuff,” she said, wrinkling up her nose. “I’m staying with some friends until I find my own place.”
Not quite a lie. After all, she had friends who were staying at the inn, too, right? Totally true, if a little misleading. She certainly wasn’t about to set herself up as an easy prey, new in the area with no one knowing her. Not that she got that vibe from the cheerful young man, but it never hurt to be cautious.
“How about you?” she asked.
“Oh, I’m a native of these parts. I teach music at a private school. Violin and cello, as well as musical theory.”
Naomi stared at him, impressed. “Wow! I think that’s wonderful! Do you teach any particular age group?”
“Nope,” he said easily, finishing his drink. “If they can hold a bow steady, I’ll teach them. Or even if they can’t.”
He began gathering up the trash from his meal, and she did the same, stuffing the various wrappers and her empty cup into the paper bag they’d come in.
“I’ll take yours, too,” he offered, “since you’ve got a lot to juggle there already.”
“Oh, thank you.” She handed the paper bag to him.
Nathan hesitated, watching as she gathered up all her shopping bags. “Say, I don’t like to be forward, but, in the spirit of friendship, could I give you my number? That way you can call or text, if you don’t mind me having your number.”
Startled, she blinked at him, and he moved his shoulders in a bit of a shrug, grinning and looking a little abashed. “I’m not hitting on you, I swear! I have sisters. I know how it is, or at least, I’ve heard. Strange man, big mall…”
He pulled out his wallet, and handed her a business card. Studying it, she saw it was from a Music Conservatory a few towns over, with address and phone number and website, and “Nathan Burke, Instructor” printed in smaller letters in the bottom left corner.
Naomi laughed, his attitude reassuring despite her instinct to retreat. “Sure,” she said, juggling her bags to get to her phone. He gave her the number, and she put it in.
“I’ll call,” she said, and smiled. “Promise.”
He gave her a half salute. “Great. Look forward to it.”
Pleased at having made a possible new friend, Naomi made her way to the mall doors nearest to where she’d parked. She was halfway to her car, when that pricking sensation hit her again.
“Damn it!” Okay, now she was just pissed off. She looked around the parking lot, but saw nothing but shoppers coming and going. No one stood out as suspicious, no sign of anyone watching her. Anger burning through her, she pulled out her key chain, arranging the keys so each one emerged pointing outward from between her fingers. Anyone coming at her was going to be in a world of hurt, because she was going for the throat with these if she had to.
