Page 96 of Dangerous Pursuit

“Maybe…” I’m still undecided on that. I’ve been wondering recently whether I could really see Jeff as more than a friend or if I’m just using him as a distraction.

“All right. Well, don’t be surprised if I check in now and then. I just want you to be happy, Mia. Have you decided if you’re going to use your real name here?”

“Yeah, I think it would be easier and more natural.”

“I’m glad. I think that’s a good decision, mija.”

“I hope they give us the okay to call people soon. It would be nice to wish the family a Merry Christmas next week. Plus, I’m dying to call Walker.”

“I bet it’ll be any day now. Fingers crossed.” She makes the gesture.

“I better change for my run so I have time to get ready for work. Love you.”

Running has turned into a lifesaver for me. It’s the best time to dive into my thoughts and figure out what the heck I’m doing. This past week was rough, making such a big decision and second-guessing myself every five minutes. I can’t wait to fill Walker in on everything and be able to talk like we used to. He always has the best advice.

I’ve had plenty of time to move on, so why haven’t I been able to? Maybe this decision is what I need to make that happen. Jeff has been patient in coaxing me out of my shell, but if it’s so difficult, maybe it’s not meant to be. Time will tell, I suppose, and since I have an infinite amount of that now, perhaps I need to move forward and find out.

Saturdays are generally busier in the coffee shop, making it the only day Jeff and I both work instead of passing during shift changes. We do well together, as he tends to take the register, leaving me to stay busy making the drinks. I love working, having my mind quiet down, too occupied with the task at hand. Also, Jeff would agree that I make better drinks. I’ve developed a cult following for my lattes, with perfect temperatures, flavor, and just the right amount of foam.

We’ve been slammed all afternoon because it’s one of the last shopping days before Christmas, but we just got our first reprieve of the day. I’m sore from the number of coffees I’ve made and stretching my neck as I wipe the counters.

“Here, you’ve been a madwoman today. Let me help.” He comes up behind me and begins massaging my shoulders.

“Oh my God, that feels sooo good. I think that’s a record for the most drinks I’ve made in a day.” He continues massaging while I stand there and melt. He’s good. “How did I not know you could do this? Wow, I’d be paying you after each shift had I known.”

“You’d never have to pay me to put my hands on you, Mary. I’ll happily do this every day for free.” Hearing my name from his mouth reminds me that I haven’t told him anything yet. I don’t think that’s a conversation to have at work, though, so maybe I should suggest we do something.

“Keep going and I might hold you to that.” Unfortunately, a customer comes in, and I groan at having to stop, making him laugh.

“There’s more where that came from, don’t worry.” He rubs up and down each arm before going to the register.

“What do you think about hanging out next Friday after my shift? We could grab dinner or something… unless you’ll still have family in town. Then we can do it another time,” I ask when we’re alone again.

He picks up my hand and starts massaging my forearm. “Seriously, wow.” I moan as my head slumps down.

“If I’d know this was all it would’ve taken to get you to go out with me, I would’ve been doing this all along. I must be good if you’re askingmeout now.”

I playfully shove his shoulder. “It’s not the massage. I was going to see if you wanted to do something anyway. I figured it was my turn after last time. I know you’ve had family in town, so I was waiting.”

“I would love to have dinner with you next Friday. It’s a date.” He kisses my hand before switching to the other arm.

Is that what it is? Did I seriously just ask him out on a date?

My head turns toward the door at the sound of another customer coming in when something out the window catchesmy eye. Not something, but someone. Across the street, between two buildings, I see two men walking away. The movement from the corner of my eye was of them turning before going down the alley.

My heart is thumping like crazy. Am I manifesting him because of what I just did, or was seeing Jackson’s doppelgänger the universe trying, yet again, to tell me something?

Jackson

I was frozen, unable to move my feet, when the agent escorting me to see Mia physically turned my body and pushed me down the alley.

“Sorry, buddy, time’s up. You saw what you needed to and almost blew it in the process.”

I’m numb. No words can describe the despair at seeing someone else’s hands on her. The banter between them, the way she smiled at him… it was like a knife in my heart. I needed this, though, to be sure they were telling the truth. I wouldn’t have taken anyone’s word without seeing it firsthand.

But now that I have…

TRUTHS

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