Page 33 of Dead to Me

“Maybe you did.”

Malcolm stared at me, then glanced down at my shoes. Sneakers. Damn, I had changed before going to the garage. At dinner, I’d worn heels. He noticed, and I saw where he was looking.

I looked back at him.

“I took a walk.”

“At midnight?”

“There's no set rules on walking.”

His expression shifted. He looked guilty.

“Where did you walk?”

“Around.”

“Did you meet somebody?”

I laughed softly.

“Now that sounds like jealousy.”

“I’m serious.”

“Oh, so am I,” I laughed.

He stepped closer.

“Milan, if somebody contacts you.”

I stopped smiling. He realized the mistake immediately. I opened the door wider.

“If somebody contacts me what?”

Malcolm said nothing.

“If somebody contacts me, what?” I repeated.

His jaw tightened. For a moment, I thought he might actually answer, but instead he looked down the hallway, then back at me.

“There are people who are going to try to stir things up because you’re back.”

“What people?”

“You know how this town is.”

“No.”

I stepped into the hallway.

“Actually, I don’t. I’ve been gone a long time.”

“Milan, lower your voice.”

“Why?”

China’s door opened. She stepped into the hallway wearing a robe.