Annie nodded, her curls bobbing around her face. “My boyfriend got a good job offer at one of the farms around here. I like it better than Tula. It’s bigger and there’s more to do. How do you like it?”
“This is the first time I’ve been out on my own, and I love it. I work part-time for Just One More Chapter. It’s the bookstore on Main Street. I really like it. How long have you been with your boyfriend?”
“A few years.” Annie picked up a fry and popped it in her mouth.
Before Fallon realized it, three hours had gone by. It felt good chatting with Annie about everything and nothing. Fallon had never really had a close friend, and she thought Annie may end up being her best friend. They had so much in common.
“I thought we could listen to some music at the D Note. You game?” Annie pressed her remote and her car lights flashed on.
“That’d be good. I heard they have live bands.”
“See you there.”
***
The two womensat near the front of the stage as a cover band crooned out hits from the 80s and 90s. Fallon ordered a margarita while Annie had a beer. People danced, and Fallon found herself wishing Diablo were there so she could sway to the music in his strong arms. She couldn’t wait for him to come home. She missed him so much. He was such a big presence in her life that it seemed strange to remember her life without him in it.
I wonder if he’s in love with me.From the way he acted and the things he said, she thought he was, but he hadn’t told her he loved her. She wanted to hear those words from him. She loved him with everything she had, but she was afraid to tell him in case it scared him away.
Annie excused herself to go to the ladies’ room, and Fallon ordered another margarita. As she sipped her drink, she felt someone staring at her. Shifting in her chair, a slight chill ran through her. Rubbing the back of her neck, she looked behind her and straight into the flat eyes of the man she’d seen at the bookstore earlier that day. Hair lifted on the back of her arms and her heartbeat raced, nearly exploding.
The man with the dreadlocks didn’t move a muscle, just leaned against the wall, his dark eyes fixed on her. She stared straight ahead. Fear bubbled in her chest, but she didn’t want to show it. Turning sideways, she looked at the threatening figure from sidelong glances. He hadn’t moved from his spot. Although every nerve in her body tingled, she plastered on a placid face, showing him that she wasn’t easily intimidated.
Annie pulled out the chair and sank down on it. “What’s going on? You look as white as a ghost. Are you sick?”
Fallon shook her head. “Look behind you. Do you see that man with the dreadlocks? He keeps staring at me.”
Anne turned around. “What guy? I don’t see anyone with dreadlocks.”
Fallon twisted around in her chair and looked at the empty spot.Where did he go?She scanned the bar but couldn’t find him.He must be here somewhere. I know I didn’t imagine him this time. Or did I? Am I going fucking crazy?
“Are you sure you’re all right? You don’t look so good right now. Do you want to go home?”
Her breath came out choppy. “I am feeling out of sorts. I should go home. Sorry if I spoiled your evening.”
“You didn’t. I’ve got to work in the morning. Let’s go.”
The two women paid their tab and left the establishment. Outside, Fallon kept looking around to see if she could spot the man with the dreadlocks. No one was there.
“I had a good time. We’ll have to do it again soon,” Annie said.
“For sure.” Fallon climbed into her car and started the motor.
On the way home, she had a sense that someone was following her. Every few seconds she glanced in her rearview mirror, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.You’re just being foolish. Why would anyone want to follow you? That guy’s just got you all spooked.
She pulled into her parking space and got out. As she walked down the path leading to the front glass doors, she heard a shuffle behind her, like a shoe against the pavement. She stopped. Nothing but the soft rustling of the leaves by the night breeze.
I know someone’s here. I canfeelthem.Iciness traveled through her veins as she took another couple of steps, the light scraping behind her picking up once again.I just need to make it to the front door. I can do this.With her heart slamming against her chest, she pushed onward, ignoring the footsteps. Then a stench like stale cigarettes and beer invaded her nostrils and she looked back. The dreadlocked man’s burning stare—lethal and penetrating—slayed her. His warm breath touched her skin.
“No!” she screamed as she struggled to make it to the front door.
He didn’t say anything before he reached out and grabbed her arm, his jagged nails tearing at her skin. Then the front door opened and a couple came out. The man let go of her and dashed away, and her head spun. Stumbling to the front door, she murmured her thanks to the couple who held it open for her, and she went to her apartment.
Clammy sweat drenched her skin as she leaned against her closed door, gasping for breath.He must have followed me home. He knows where I live.Panic seized her. She felt the urge to run, escape, hide. It was no different than when she was a child fearing the belt, the hairbrush, or whatever her dad came to beat her with. She wanted to jump out of her skin, make her heart stop racing, and catch her breath. It felt as if someone was choking her. Her heart was racing, and all she wanted to do was curl up into a ball and wait for Diablo to come back to her. She sank to the floor, gasping like a fish out of water, the room spinning out of control.
A long time later, she pushed up from the floor and brushed her hair from her damp forehead. Securing a straight-backed chair, she dragged it over to her front door and placed its back under her doorknob. Then she arranged the sticks she had the man at the hardware store cut down for her in her window and sliding door tracks. She splashed cold water over her face and shrugged off her damp clothes. Lying down on the bed, she took out her phone and sent a text to Diablo.
Fallon:I’m missing you like crazy. Hurry home.♥♥
Wrapping the comforter around her, she fell asleep waiting for his reply.
