Page 69 of Whispers of Obsession

Slater and I share a knowing look before he gently tugs on my hand, leading me away from the chaos and toward a quieter side street.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“I’m walking you home. Any time you’re on the closing shift, I’ll be walking you back. The streets aren’t safe at night.”

“But what if we’re not on the same shift pattern?” I ask.

“Trust me, we will be,” he mutters before adding more loudly, “I’ll come meet you anyway.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I protest.

“Don’t argue with me, Cora. I’m doing it, and that’s that.”

“Okay,” I stammer, surprised by how adamant he’s being over this.

“Good girl.”

The words make me flush, and a knowing glint seems to gleam in Slater’s eye.

He takes my hand in his and pulls me along with him. As we walk in comfortable silence, the tension that had built up between us dissipates into the night air.

29

CORA

Things feel easier now. I'm getting into a routine. I'm starting to believe that everything might really be okay.

I’m walking with Steph to the coffee shop as she chatters away, but my mind is elsewhere. I do try to stay focused on her words. That is, until we’re interrupted.

“Hey Cora,” a masculine voice says, and I look up. My first thought is of Slater, but instead it’s some guy from one of my classes. When all I do is stare at him, he grins. “ItisCora, right?”

“Um yeah.” I look at Steph, hoping she knows why this guy stepped into our path and interrupted her mid-sentence, but her expression is as blank as mine.

“I’m in your Psych 101 class. Derek.” He offers his hand for me to shake and I take it absent-mindedly.

“Okay,” I say, making him grin even more.

Is this guy alright? What’s his damage? No sane person walks around grinning like that. Why is he so damn cheery?

“I was wondering if you wanted to go see a movie with me tonight?” he asks, glancing at Steph, then back to me.

“I'm working tonight.” I shake my head, ready to step around him and continue on our mission to procure coffee.

Dylan? Devin? Whatever his name is, doesn't seem to be willing to give up so easily.

“Tomorrow night?”

“Working,” I reply blankly, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Where do you work?”

“A bar.” No way I’m telling David where I work.

“The one just off campus?” Shit. I didn’t expect him to guess it so easily.

“Sorry we have to go,” I say instead of answering, and this time when I step around him, I don’t let him block my path.

“Maybe I’ll see you tonight!” he calls out as I drag Steph away.

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