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“Guess we need to wait in line,” Fred says, gesturing to the line of people who are waiting for cabs.
“We can walk,” I say quickly. “These shoes aren’t as bad as I thought.”
He studies me again, obviously aware something’s wrong. “Okay, if you’re sure.”
I grab his arm and pull him along. When I focus in front of me, I see Tommy and Jian standing near the entrance of the curved driveway. Tommy’s got a cigarette between his forefinger and thumb, bringing the butt to his lips while his eyes are laser-focused on me. Jian’s hands are in his slacks, his gaze intense.
I come to a halt and Fred follows my sightline. “What’s happening? Do you know those guys?”
“No.”
Jian lifts his hand and waves, a smirk on his lips.
“Not really. I’ve seen them once or twice here in the hotel,” I lie.
I’m too afraid to move closer to them, though. But I can’t go back inside. I’m trapped between a rock and hard place, and I’ve pulled Fred into my mess by accident.
“Go get in line for a cab,” I tell him. “I’ll walk home.”
“No,” he says immediately. “Are you in danger?”
I shake my head, unsure how to tell him thathemay be. “They’re not going to hurt me.” As soon as the words leave my lips, I realize I don’t believe them.
A new cab drives in, ready to wait in line behind the three already there. I run to the back door and open it, sliding in.
“Hey,” the driver says, aware that I’m breaking the rules.
“Please,” I say. “Someone’s following us.” I gesture to Fred to get in because he’s still standing outside, looking confused. “Please, sir. I’ll pay extra.”
He huffs. “Fine.”
I wave Fred in. “Hurry.”
Listening, he slides in next to me and I turn to look out the window, watching as Tommy angrily throws his cigarette to the ground, stomping on it as Jian pulls his phone from his pocket.
Once we’re on the street, I close my eyes and sigh in relief as I rest my head on the seatback.
Fred tells the driver where to go and then he remains silent the entire way.
I pay the driver forty more than necessary before we get out and head toward our building’s front door.
Inside, Fred turns to me and asks, “Are you going to tell me what’s happening now?”
I sigh. “It’s really nothing. I don’t want to involve you. Just some ex-boyfriend problems.”
“Did you date them both?” he asks, making me release a humorless laugh. “No. They’re uhh…friends with him. I guess maybe they think I’m with you, and they’re ready to relay the information. I’m sorry you got sucked into this. I’ll make sure they know we’re not dating.”
At the elevator, I press the button to go up and turn to face Fred. “I’ll get you that beer another time. Promise.”
He remains quiet, his expression letting me know he’s still unsure if he believes me. “You’re sure you’re gonna be okay?”
I nod and force a smile. “Yes.” The elevator arrives and the doors open. “See you later.”
He lifts his hand just as the doors close.
When I get upstairs, I close my door behind me and drop my purse while slinking down to the floor.
Why would he be so mad? Because I was there with another guy? That’s outrageous. He was done with me. Besides the deposit into my account, I’ve had no communication from him, and it’s not like he even told me he sent it. Once I left his place, it was like he disappeared, and now he’s mad that I was talking to someone? Men and their egos, I swear.
