Page 157 of Texting Dr. Stalker

And as long as I never made a mistake like the one I almost did, she would never have to know.

I could attempt to make her like me without the mask.

This could bereal.

Hope bolted through me.

Before I could stop myself, I grabbed my keys, shot out the door, and headed to buy a second burner phone, all so I could message her as Zander instead of her stalker.

* 37 *

Sailor

Movies Aren’t Fun

“SAILS? OH MY GOD, I CAN’T BELIEVE I’m about to do this, but…I have to stand you up.”

I jammed my phone between my ear and shoulder, paying for my bucket of popcorn and cola. “We’re doing great at this, aren’t we?” I laughed. “First, we both forgot we’d planned to go to dinner and the movies tonight and then when we remember and agree to just do the movie, you have the audacity to stand me up.”

“I know. I know. I’m a terrible friend.” Lily groaned, long and dramatic. “I have no excuse for forgetting dinner but then on the way to join you at the movies, the office called. There’s an issue with one of the house contracts, and I need to go solve it because the buyer is panicking and the seller is threatening to call his lawyer to stop the sale, and…yeah, it’s gonna be a long night.”

“It’s fine.” Moving out of the line, I juggled my drink, food, and phone, and headed deeper into the cinema complex. “Super sorry to hear about the issues.”

“Can we do the flick another night?” She moaned again. “I feel so bad. I’m also gutted I’m going to miss out on all your gossip.”

“Honestly, I have no gossip, and I’m actually already here. I just found my seat and have an unhealthy amount of popcorn to eat by myself so I’m good.”

“Argh, that just makes me feel extra guilty! If this wasn’t a huge commission, I’d tell them to shove it. It’s a Monday night. Who works at eight o’clock on a Monday night?”

“You do because you’re on track to retire when you’re forty, so go. Make that moolah. We’ll talk later and—”

“Sails, hang on. Are you…are you doing okay being out at night on your own? I know how hard the market was for you to begin with. I can’t believe I invited you out and then bailed when you’re finally ready to start socialising again.”

I warmed with affection for my best friend. “Honestly, Lils, I’m good. I won’t lie that driving here wasn’t all that easy and being hemmed in with the ticket line pushed a few buttons but…each time I put myself out there is another step out of the jail he tried to put me in. I’m growing my wings, remember?”

“You’re so brave, and I’m so proud of you.”

“And I’ll be proud of you when you make those millions and shout me a trip to Bali.”

“Done. That’s definitely happening.”

“Alright then. Go work hard. I’m fine. I’m gonna watch this, and then I’ll spoil it for you because you know that’s how I roll.”

“I still curse you for spoiling that Sailor Moon episode all these years later.”

“You’re welcome.” I laughed. “Okay gotta go. Credits are starting. Byeeeee.” I hung up and quickly turned my phone on silent despite the fact that people still drifted into the cinema and the movie hadn’t started yet.

I wasn’t really one to go to the movies on my own. And if I’d known Lily wouldn’t be coming, no way would I have fought through my mini panic attack at going into public at night, but now that I was here…oh well.

I was safe.

I was around lots of people who I could scream for help if needed.

I’d been brave enough to get here, and…to be honest, it was kinda fun. I’d never done anything like this, even before Milton tried to murder me. It felt healing in a way. A date by myself. Self-care and all that.

I’m fine.

Completely fine.

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