The officer pushes a glass of water toward me. “Are you hurt anywhere? Do you need medical attention?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m fine,” I reply, my voice trembling. I take a sip from the glass, the cool liquid soothing my dry throat.
“Okay, then,” the officer says, standing. “I’ll get this report filed. Do you have someone who can come and pick you up?”
I hesitate. My parents are too far away in Westminster, and my friends…
Well, Angie is on her honeymoon, Eli is back home for the summer in Mississippi, and I’m not really close with anyone else here in Boulder.
Lance, who’s been quietly standing beside me, speaks up. “I can take her home, Officer. I found her in the first place. I may as well make sure she’s safe.”
“Is that all right with you, Ms. Haynes?”
What am I supposed to say? I don’t know this man from Adam, but he did just save me from what could have been horrible.
I nod.
“All right, Mr. Rodriguez. That would be helpful. Thank you.” The officer gives a sympathetic smile. “Stay safe, honey, and don’t hesitate to call us if you need anything else.”
I thank her softly.
Lance and I exit the station, and I wrap my arms around myself, feeling more vulnerable than I ever have before.
“My car is a few blocks away,” he says. “That okay?”
I nod.
Not like I have any other choice.
We walk in silence until we reach his car. Lance opens the passenger door for me, and I sink into the seat with a sigh of relief. As he starts the car, I lean back, close my eyes, and try to shut out the world.
“Tabitha?”
My eyes shoot open. “What?”
“I’m going to need your address.”
“Right. Of course.” I rattle it off and then close my eyes once more.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, we reach my apartment building. Lance kills the engine and turns to me.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asks.
I nod, forcing a smile onto my face. “Yes, thank you, Lance. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been there.”
He shakes his head. “I’m just glad I was there to help,” he says. “Will you be okay alone tonight?”
His question brings back the fear, the vulnerability. I hesitate for a moment but then give him a shaky nod. “I’ll be fine. I just need some rest.”
He seems to understand and reaches out to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me, okay?” He hands me a card with his number. “My brother is a cop, like I said, and he can help if there’s any trouble.”
“Thank you.” I tuck the card into my pocket. His kindness is a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.
“Tabitha…”
“Yes?”
He blushes under the moonlight. “I’d like to see you again. Maybe for coffee or something?”
