I finished painting my bowl and began adding a base color for Kain’s.
A man sat down at the table next to me and placed his ceramic order, smiling at me. “Painting alone?”
“Yeah,” I said.
“My wife used to love it. She passed away six months ago.” Sadness stirred in his voice.
At this point, I didn’t think Kain was coming to our date. Irritation and something else pricked my skin. But since Ialready ordered the food and ceramics, I might as well enjoy my time even if it was with a stranger.
“Want to join me?” I gestured to the empty chair.
“Sure!” He beamed. “My name is Chad.”
“I’m Eva. Nice to meet you, Chad.” I pushed the plate with the steak and cheese sandwich over to him. “It’s yours if you’re hungry.”
“Thank you. This is exactly what I would’ve ordered!” He gobbled it up.
While I painted and talked to Chad, I kept my eyes on the two men. They were busy painting mugs. One of them met my gaze and nodded. Then he returned his attention to his friend.
Thirty minutes later, Chad finished painting his plate. I gave my two bowls to the waitress and got ready to leave.
“Should we do this again?” Chad asked.
Oh no.This wasn’t why I asked him to join me.
“Sorry, I’m busy.” I made my way out of the restaurant and walked toward the train stop.
I heard footsteps behind me and turned. Sure enough, those men were walking toward me, pretending to be immersed in their own conversation. I walked into a drugstore and saw the men entering as well. I rushed down the shampoo aisle, pulled my phone out of my purse, and dialed 911, telling the operator that two men were stalking me.
The operator kept me on the line while I browsed the drugstore, strolling the aisles. When I heard the sirens, relief settled in me, and I ended my call.
With courage, I stepped out to the front and waited for the police. The two officers entered and asked where the stalkers were. I gestured to the aisle where I last saw them.
A moment later, the men appeared, and I shouted, “That’s them!”
Chapter Forty-Two
Kain
I stood inside Quench Your Thirst, a quaint café that offered a variety of drinks, and looked across the street where Grandpa Collins and his friend sat on a bench chatting. A car approached, and the man in the Bingo Delivery jacket got up from the bench, turned, and waved at the driver. He patted Grandpa Collins’s shoulder and left in the car.
With a tray of two drinks in hand, I walked over, but Grandpa Collins had gotten up from his bench and was walking toward the park. I followed him but kept a respectful distance, searching to see if anyone was waiting for him. A quick glance at my phone showed no reception. This was a residential area with several businesses nearby. Why was there no internet connection?
He stood by a bench that faced a swing set, preparing to sit down.
“Grandpa Collins!” I called out, making long strides toward him.
He turned around, saw me, and his face brightened. “Kain! How are you?” He patted my back.
“Excellent. Can we talk?” I gestured to the bench.
“Sure.” He sat, fixed his paperboy hat, and looked at the drinks. “How did you know where to find me?”
“I saw you earlier when I was inside the café. Try this mango iced tea, Harold.”
As his name escaped my mouth, emotions surged in me, along with memories of the past.
“Call me Harry.” Tears filled his eyes. “Have a seat.”
