I add more sugar to the cup this time than last and the spoon clinks against the ceramic edge of the mug as my phone vibrates.
No worries. You leave for any reason in particular?
I chew on the inside of my cheek at his message.
Just had to go. But I wanted to come back and try that beer. I don’t even remember what the hell the beer was called, but then I add, I’d love to take pictures of the place too if that’s okay?
I purse my lips and tap my thumb against my phone before finally sending the message.
Pictures? That’s all he answers.
I send him a link to my Instagram and then text, Your place gives me so much inspiration.
NICE!
Even if he’s only being polite, I appreciate it. Thanks!
He writes, Seriously, these are beautiful. You should try selling them.
I do. It’s what I do for a living and I’d love to take some pics in your bar. The whole place gives me a ton of inspiration. Maybe we can chat too?
He takes a moment and then another to respond. Each second makes my heart beat a little faster and I find myself picking at my nails. You come by looking for him?
Him? I play coy.
I thought maybe you knew Daniel? he asks me although it’s a statement.
I did, but I haven’t seen him in years. I send the message without checking it. Maybe I gave away too much.
You should stay away, Jake warns me and although I know he’s right, it pisses me off. All the kids at school told me that about Tyler too—well, more about his family than him specifically, and he was the only good thing I’ve ever had in my life. And I really don’t like people telling me what to do.
I didn’t go to your bar looking for an old friend. I pause before adding, I’m here to make new ones.
It feels like a hand’s squeezing my heart in my chest as an anxious feeling comes over me. The only sense I can gather from it all is that I know I’m only doing this to piss Daniel off. And that’s something I shouldn’t do; I’ve done it once before and the memory makes me feel weak.
You can come by anytime. What’s your number? he asks me and although it’s forward, I send it over. Jake knows Daniel. So maybe I can get some intel at the very least.
Daniel was always the possessive type. Even if he hated me, he hated anyone who showed me any attention more. So maybe finding out Jake has my number will piss him off. I can only hope.
I feel petty as I walk away from the phone, listening to it vibrate in time with the ticking of the clock.
As I peek out of the sheer white curtains and down onto the street below me, an eerie feeling washes through me. It slowly pricks along my skin until the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
It’s a feeling like someone’s watching me. I’m slow as I turn so I’m facing my living room. There’s no one else here in my studio apartment. Not a soul.
My hand wraps around the hot mug and I pull the curtains shut. It’s only the memory of Tyler that’s brought this back.
I couldn’t go anywhere without feeling him there. Watching me. A shudder runs down my spine as I remember each day. Each photo I took as I whipped around, expecting to find someone lurking in the shadows. There was never anyone there. It was only my shame that followed me.
I hate Daniel even more in this moment.
It took me years to get to where I was days ago. And with one look, I’ve gone back to being the girl I was trying to leave behind.
Chapter Six
Daniel
“It’s been long enough, hasn’t it?” my brother’s voice asks on the other end of the phone.
My eyes close as I try to push down the irritation. Madison Street is busy today in the quiet town. Cars pass and I can hear the hums and rumbles with the windows opened in the diner as I lean back in the booth. The vinyl coverings protest as I lean forward and wave the waitress away before she can offer me another cup of coffee.
“We go through this every few months, Carter.” I close my eyes again as I continue, “Do you really want to have the same conversation again?”
Across the street is a coffee shop. And inside it, Addison. She’s hunched over in the corner with her laptop on a small circular table as she sits cross-legged in a chair. Some things never change.
I watch her from a distance in the safety of the diner. I’m within view; she could see me if she wanted to. But that’s the thing about Addison. She never wanted to see me.
“How long are you going to keep this up?” Carter asks me. He’s older than me by a year, almost on the dot. Irish twins, so to speak. I don’t bother answering him and instead I remember the details of her address that Marcus gave me.
Funny how he can’t show up to deliver the package from the Romanos. But one encrypted message from me to him with Addison’s license plate number sparks enough interest for him to respond.
I suppose he hasn’t forgotten. Marcus has a good memory.
“Whatever, I just need the package.” Carter sighs on the other end of the phone. “I need to know what we’re getting into before we decide…”
He doesn’t continue, but I know what he’s getting at. It’s best not to speak those things where others can hear.
“He’ll show. You know how he is.”
“He’s a pain in my ass.”
The corner of my lip kicks up at his comment. “So many things are a pain in your ass, Carter. It’s hard to believe you can sit down without wincing,” I joke as I watch Addison take a large drink from her coffee cup. It’s the tallest size the shop has and it looks like she’s almost done.
“You’re fucking hilarious, you know that?” I laugh at Carter’s comment even though he says it with disdain. He runs the family business now. What started as a way for my father to make extra cash became an empire formed from ruthless and cutthroat tactics. Carter’s the head, but I do his bidding more from a vague obligation that we’re blood than anything else.
“Are you coming home after this? As soon as this package arrives? There’s no reason for you to stay away and we need you here.”
Her name is on the tip of my tongue. Addison. I may deal in addiction, but she’s the only addiction I’ve ever had and the only one I desire.
“Well?” he presses.
“I’m curious about something,” I answer my brother.
“What’s that?”
“Something of personal interest,” I mutter and the words come out lower than I intend them to. He’s quiet for a long moment. And my focus is momentarily distracted. A man in a thin leather jacket walks past the coffee shop slowly, but his gaze is on Addison.
My eyes narrow as he stops in his tracks and glances inside the place. I shake off the possessive feelings. I’m only projecting.
Carter’s voice brings my attention back to him. “With that shit your friend Dean pulled, there’s too much heat around you.” He ignores my earlier comment and I decide it’s for the best. There’s no need for anyone to know what I’m doing.
I’m quick to answer him. “Which is exactly why I need to stay. Leaving would raise suspicion.”
A line of cars pass on the street in front of me, temporarily blocking Addison from my view. At their movement, she peeks up through the large glass windows of the shop.