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What if she’s hiding from the police? Doubtful.
I need to stop watching crime documentaries.
I focus on my breathing, keeping my eyes glued in front of me, and let every thought melt away.
Beginning with the one talking me into paying a woman to pose as my girlfriend.
2
Tristan
“The creeper’s back.” Sage arches a brow from behind the counter when I walk into the coffee shop.
After not accomplishing much yesterday, I’m hoping today will be a better workday. I’m eager to read a message from a friend sitting in my inbox. He promised to send over contact information for someone he worked with in the past who could be helpful in establishing my non-profit.
“Fancy seeing you again.”
“Considering I work here, it can’t be that much of a surprise. Black coffee again?” She lifts her eyebrows, and her lips press together to hide her smile.
Her palms are flat on the counter. Instead of beaker earrings, today she’s wearing pink cassette tapes, definitely a throwback.
The quirk makes me smile. I guess she’s a fan of funky earrings.
“Yup, and an egg wrap, please.” I pull out some cash and hand it to her.
“So, how are you liking the job?” I smile at her, making small talk.
“It’s good. People have been nice, and they’re always entertaining.” She glances up at me while serving my coffee. Her eyes have a golden ring around the outside of the iris that I didn’t notice yesterday, but the same piercing gaze strikes me.
“Are you from Hartville?” My eyes roam across her face, taking in her features.
Her brown eyes are set in a heart-shaped face. My eyes catch on her full lips, admiring the bow shape.
“Yeah, from across town.” She interrupts my observation to hand me the cup.
My eyes snap to hers, unsure if she caught me staring.
“That’s cool.”
I don’t think I’ve seen her before, but she seems to be around my age. Hartville isn’t a tiny town, so it’s possible I don’t know everyone, but I don’t recall her from school.
“It’s not that cool.” Her face remains impassive.
“I…it was an expression.” I look at her with pinched brows as I stumble to find the right words.
Sage laughs and shakes her head.
“That was a joke. You should’ve seen your reaction.” Her laughter is a sweet melody, and I chuckle along with her.
“You got me.”
“I’ll bring your wrap to you once it’s ready.”
“Thanks.” I nod and sit at a table closer to the counter this time.
Opening my laptop, I check my email first. One near the top catches my eye, and my heart lurches before I read the first few lines. A combination of nerves and excitement roll through me like thunder in summer.
“Yes!” I fist pump the air when I see that my friend’s contact is willing to speak to me.
