Page 83 of Safe With Me

“Everything okay, Lila? You seem tired.” Mary eyed me as she poured the coffee into a plastic cup over ice.

I stifled a laugh, almost warmed by Mary’s picking for gossip. It was odd to not only be unbothered by her usual scrutiny but wish she were my neighbor because of it.

If she’d ever caught sight of Ted lurking around my apartment, she’d notice every detail better than any doorbell camera, and I’d never have to worry about him again.

She lived across town, but her proximity to my office brought a weird but palpable comfort.

“Fine, just the end-of-day crash. Could you throw in an extra espresso shot before the cream?” I asked her on a yawn. “Please.”

“I hear you. I just asked her for two.”

Amber sat on one of the stools next to me as I waited for my coffee.

“Oh hey, Amber. I don’t know about two. I need to wake up, not never sleep again.”

“I have two finals tomorrow, so I’ll be up for most of the night. What’s wrong? Haven’t been able to sleep?”

Amber studied my face as she slurped her coffee.

“Been a long couple of days. Listen, I’m actually glad you’re here. I wanted to explain that night at the bar when you walked me out. You must have thought I was crazy.”

“No, not at all. I’ve had a panic attack or two. They come out of nowhere. I was just concerned if you were okay to go home before Mike got there.”

“I told you about my ex and how he wouldn’t let go once we broke up. He’d…wait for me. After work, during nights out with my friends, or just watch me without approaching at all, but let me know later he’d been there.”

I cringed when Amber searched my gaze with wide eyes. This would never be a story I’d feel good about telling.

“And he’d threaten my friends. It still can mess with me a little. Especially if I’m alone at night. Sorry you had to see that.”

“So, he stalked you? That’s awful. I had no idea, but it makes sense. Why Mike stuck so close to you at the festival and came to get you that night.”

“Yes, and until then, he was the only one who’d seen me freak out. It’s something I have to unlearn.”

And that would be a whole lot easier if I could only stop having more reasons to panic.

“There you are.”

I jumped when Mike came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have another hour?”

“I worked through lunch so I could leave early and head home to shower and change. Dad told me you were here. Mary, one more iced coffee, please.”

“Hot date?” Amber asked, smiling as she looked between us.

“If only,” Mike said with a groan. “We’re having dinner with my mother tonight.” Mike rested his chin on my shoulder as he spoke to Amber. “You know if I showed up in my uniform, it would set her off early.”

“I do,” Amber said with a slow nod, still looking between us. “When did she fly in?”

“Last night. I didn’t see her text until this morning, and Lila graciously agreed to come with me to a very uncomfortable dinner before we went to work.” Mike kissed my cheek. “Sorry in advance, sweetheart.”

“Don’t be sorry,” I said, patting the top of his hand. “I haven’t been outside of Kelly Lakes since I came here. I’m there for you and the adventure.”

“Have fun, you two,” Amber said as she climbed off the stool. “I have a long night ahead of me, and I guess you do too. Oh, sorry about your car.” She cringed as she scooped her empty iced coffee off the counter. “The kids around here can be pretty mean.”

“It’s okay,” I said, trying for a relaxed smile. “Thanks to Aaron, you can’t even tell it was there.”

“Still, readingwhoreacross your car door had to be a little jarring. Hopefully the cops gave them hell for it.”

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