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“We can get a cab,” I tell him. “You don’t have to drive.”
“I’m still working. I won’t be drinking.”
“Oh, of course. Sorry.” I frown and look down at his shirt. “Have you brought the gun?” A wave of panic rushes through me, and I stop walking. “You can’t take it to the restaurant. What if we go somewhere afterward? You won’t get through security. They’ll stop you. Everyone will know—” My breathing comes out in gasps, and he turns to face me, his hands coming to rest on the tops of my arms.
“Hallie, breathe.” His thumbs circle the skin on my arms, and I try to even out my breathing. After a minute or so, I’ve calmed down.
“I’m sorry.” I cringe inwardly at Sawyer witnessing my mini-breakdown.
“You don’t need to apologize. I’ve got a license for the gun. No one will even know it’s there.”
“Maybe we should stay home?” I bite my bottom lip and sigh loudly. Sawyer drops his hands from my arms and reaches for my free hand, squeezing gently.
“No way. Your friends are waiting for you, and you look stunning. You can’t waste that.” He tugs on my hand, pulling me along the sidewalk. “Come on. It’ll be fun.” I let him pull me to where his car is parked. He holds the door open for me, and I climb into the passenger seat.
As we drive toward the restaurant, Sawyer glances over at me. “You okay?”
I nod, my fingers twisting nervously on my lap. “I’m sorry I lost it back there.” I stare out of the window. “Hehad a gun… Matt. He never used it, but he threatened me with it.” My voice is almost a whisper, but I know Sawyer hears me when he reaches his free hand across and laces his fingers with mine.
“I’m sorry, Hallie. I’m sorry he did that to you.” He squeezes my hand before letting go. “My gun won’t ever put you in danger.”
We’re both quiet for the rest of the short drive to the restaurant, and when we pull up, I realize we haven’t talked about our cover story.
“So, Kitty’s never met my brother. I’m pretty sure she won’t question you on anything. I’m sorry we have to make up some stupid story.”
“I’m quite looking forward to some role play. I can put my acting skills to use.” He wriggles his eyebrows, and I burst out laughing.
“What acting skills?”
“Well, okay, I don’t actually have any…” he trails off and shrugs his shoulders.
“I’ll try to keep a straight face while you’re in character then.” We climb out of the car and head into the restaurant. I give our name to the waitress, and she shows us to the table where Kitty and Nick are already seated. The restaurant is packed, and it’s a wonder Kitty was able to get a table at short notice.
Thanking the waitress, I sit down, taking the menu from her. “Hey, sorry if we’re late,” I say, reaching for the water pitcher on the table. I pour a glass and drink the cool water, my mouth suddenly dry.
“You’re right on time,” Kitty says, her eyes flicking to Sawyer. “Sawyer, this is Nick. Nick, Sawyer.”
“Good to meet you, man,” Nick says, reaching his hand across the table.
“Likewise,” Sawyer replies, shaking Nick’s hand.
“Kitty tells me you’re a Marine?” I swallow nervously as I wait for Sawyer to answer.
“Yeah, on leave right now, and Hallie has kindly lent me her spare room for a few weeks.” He turns and smiles at me before turning back to Nick. “What about you? What do you do?”
“Investment banker. Not quite as exciting as a Marine.” Sawyer and Nick’s conversation fades into the background as my eyes track around the restaurant. I can’t help but wonder if Matt is out there somewhere, watching me, laughing at how his escape has transported me back to the scared thirteen-year-old girl I was when he last saw me. Despite it being warm, I shiver.
“You okay, Hallie?” Kitty asks from across the table.
Sawyer’s head flicks around to me, his eyes filled with concern. “Hallie?” he asks.
I force a smile. “I’m good. Shall we order?” He holds my gaze, knowing I’m full of shit. My eyes plead with him to drop it, and eventually, he does, his eyes going from me to his menu.
Kitty is watching us both, a smile pulling on her lips. It’s obvious she thinks his concern is something more than it is. I force myself not to roll my eyes at her, instead concentrating on what I want to eat. My stomach churns, and I’m not sure how much of anything I’ll be able to eat right now. I knew coming out tonight was a bad idea.
Ten minutes later, the food is ordered, and I have a vodka lemonade in my hand. Kitty has been grilling Sawyer ever since the waitress left with our order. Despite my initial apprehension about our cover story, Sawyer is answering all her questions. Even I’m beginning to believe he’s a Marine.
When she’s finally satisfied with all of his answers, she turns to me. “How are you doing, Hallie? I’m guessing it’s been a pretty shitty week?” I reach for my drink, swallowing a mouthful.
