Page 89 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

I bet Jennifer realized that as well. I don’t respond out loud to Alice. Our entrées arrive, and I focus on eating. I try to remain unaffected by the fact that they left together, but I’m failing miserably. After a few more minutes of silence, Alice leans over and asks me what dessert I’m going to try. My response is a shrug. The waiter clears our plates and puts Keaton’s in a carry out container. I wonder if he’s returning or having someone deliver it to him.

Trent pays for our bill and we all make our way back to the limo. Once the doors close, the music is turned on and one of my friends takes a champagne flute with sparkling water. “Here’s to our girl that’s about to conquer the world!”

I laugh and accept a glass. She’s right. I am about to conquer the world. I’m going to become my own person. This internship is going to lead to a successful life in the business world. Why am I seriously getting hung up on a guy that’s not even mine? I don’t need a guy. I’ve been with a man twice my age who wanted to cheat on his wife with me, a social climbing phony, and I’m hung up on a guy that can’t make up his mind about us being together. And there may or may not be a drug lord psychopath after me. Moot point.

I laugh at myself. I’m a mess. No—I used to be a mess. I’m not going to worry about silly gossip. I no longer care about what everyone thinks, and I especially don’t care what Keaton thinks.

The limo comes to a complete stop and I’m the last to get out.

“Denise! Over here! Tell us what you’re wearing?” Samantha, holds her phone up as though she’s paparazzi. I laugh and strike a pose, but still don’t reveal the designer of my dress.

“Denise! Is it true you’re going to work for a major company!” Alice asks in a ridiculously low voice.

A few more of my friends have their phones out taking photos, so I strike a few more dramatic poses.

“Denise! Denise!” Trent calls out. “Is it true you came here to actually go inside?”

We all laugh as my brother puts his arm around me and drags me inside the bar, through the scattered tables and over to a big circular booth.

“Charlee is here,” Samantha snarls.

I look past them to find Charlee walking by with a guy, about the size of a linebacker, following behind her. She spots me and grins. I offer a smirk in return. She and macho man must take that as an invitation because they begin walking toward our booth.

“Denise, how are you doing? I’m surprised to see you.” Puzzled, I look up at her. She clarifies for me. “Your little breakdown.” She wears a not so sincere smile. Sighing and feigning sympathy, she continues, “Good thing you have a doctor handy.” Does she know about Roland? Or does she mean Amira?

The mountain of a man next to her scoffs. “Lucky? More like convenient.”

My heart stops, and my blood runs cold. Trent waves their comments off. “We appreciate your concerns, but if you’ll excuse us…”

They take the hint and walk away. Noah leans across the table and whispers, “Don’t let them ruin your night. She’s probably jealous that Amira is helping you, and Keaton is hung up on you.”

He’s still speaking, but I’m not hearing him. I keep hearing him. That voice. “Come on out, princess.” It was the same voice. “Lucky? More like convenient.”

“Hey! Hey, are you okay?” Alice is squeezing my hand. “Denise, what’s wrong?”

My lower lip trembles as I continue to watch the back of Charlee’s guy casually strolling a few feet away. My shoulders tense so much so that the muscles begin to hurt. My heart’s throbbing, and it feels like it’s going to pop out of my chest. My body is hot and I feel as though I’m crawling out of my skin. I’m not sure what to do. Call the cops? Tell Trent? Scream to everyone in the bar that there’s a madman here?

I can’t breathe and everyone feels too close to me. I’m crowded. The bar is too crowded. I need air. I need air.

“Please.” I wave my hands trying to communicate that I need out. “Move. Please.”

“Are you okay?”

Charlee and the guy are watching us. Does he suspect that I recognize him? I let out a shaky laugh. “No, I’m about to pee myself! I’ve got to get to the bathroom. Give me a minute. I-I’ll be right back.”

I scurry off to the bathroom. I rush through a stall door and sit down. I practice my breathing. Then close my eyes and keep chanting. You’re okay. You’re okay. Everything is going to be okay. Breathe. Breathe. Just breathe. In. And out. In. And out. He’s here with Charlee. Charlee. I narrow my eyes and purse my lips. Did she send him after me? Are Keaton and Wyatt innocent? I need a pill. I need a pill. Maybe someone here has some? Is she Seven? I thought Seven was a man, but what if he is a she?

I need help. In more ways than one. Any other time, Keaton would be here, but he’s not. I know he isn’t here because I pushed him away. He left with my supposed friend. I feel myself calming. Refocusing my energy on being angry at Keaton is helping my anxiety. At least I’m not feeling overwhelming fear anymore. I swipe the screen on my cell and send a text to Keaton.

Me: Thnx for offerin’ a ride to Jenn. I assume she’s returning the favor.

This is not the time to be petty, but I can’t help it. My breathing is finally returning to normal. Huh. This could work.

Alice: You ok in there?

Me: Yeah, just had to empty my bladder! Coming now!

I go over to the sink and wet some paper towels. I dab the back of my neck and chest. The cold water feels amazing. I smooth down my hair and take a few more deep breaths, then hurry back to the booth and take my seat. My phone dings.

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