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ChapterFour
Two shots and another drink later, I wonder if he’ll loosen up; unfortunately, he seems to be handling the liquor pretty well. I was hoping the fact that I’m only drinking beer and he’s been downing Gin and Tonics would lead to him being more intoxicated, and therefore more willing to let some information slip. I’ve also been taking my beer bottles back to the bar with me when I get another, despite them only being half-empty.
He gets up to go to the bathroom, leaving me with time to sit and think about how I can get some information out of him. He’s good at side-stepping any questions I have, but I guess I can’t expect him to come out and say,yeah, I stalk women in my spare time, and kill them when I’m done with them.Because nothing could get me to admit to what I’ve done. Though, I feel like I had good reasons. Does he think he does too?
“Hey! I never see you out. What’re you up to?”
I look up and find Willow Bixby in front of my table. She’s the receptionist of the landscaping company I work at. She’s the pretty face people see when they first come in, and the sultry voice they hear when they call to schedule work. She’s probably the nicest person I’ve met in this town, which is saying a lot, because this town is ripe with do-gooders. It’s weird.
“Just having a drink,” I reply, holding up my beer.
“I guess that makes sense,” she says with a laugh, her cheeks pinking up slightly as she tucks a curly lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m surprised to see you.” Her eyes dance over as much of my body as she can see. “I only ever see you in coveralls before you head out to perfect the lawns of our community.”
I grin. “That’s better than calling me a grass cutter.”
“Oh stop. It’s more than that and you know it. To design the layout of people’s yards, trim the trees and shrubbery, and…” She trails off, perhaps realizing it doesn’t sound glamorous at all. “Well, it may not sound like much, but you get things to grow. You bring life to people’s homes and public spaces, and you make it look so beautiful.”
Too bad bringing plants to life isn’t as thrilling as taking a life. Guess I can’t say that, though.
“I do my best,” I say with a smile. “You here with anyone?”
She turns and jerks her thumb over her shoulder. “My friends are back there somewhere. I guess I should get back to them.”
I nod. “Okay. I’ll see you on Monday.”
“Yep,” she replies with a smile before turning away and disappearing into a small group of women.
“Brought you another beer,” Kaspian says, appearing out of nowhere shortly after Willow left.
“Thanks. Did you get another drink, too?” Because it appears he’s trying to get me drunk.
“I took a shot at the bar.”
Don’t believe that.
“So, where do you live?” I ask.
His brow lifts and a flirty smile crosses his face. “Want me to take you home, or what?”
I level him with a look. “No, that’s not what I mean. Just a question.”
“Not really, though. If you want to get to know me, you might ask what my favorite food is, or my favorite sports team. You’d ask about my family or—”
“Family. That’s a good one,” I cut in.
He stiffens slightly before he says, “What do you want to know?”
I shrug. “Anything. Do you come from a normal family or a dysfunctional one? Are your parents married still? Siblings?”
“Feels like we’re dating,” he says with a smirk.
“Look, you asked me to hang out. I’m trying to fill the silence. I could just go home.”
“Okay, okay. Fine. You’re so hostile, Ezra.”
I begin to shift out of the bench seat but his voice stops me.
“Parents are still married. It’s been about thirty-five years now. They’re sickeningly happy and in love after all this time. My sister is older than me by two years but acts like it’s ten.”
