Page 28 of Done Waiting

“The bar on Sixteenth Street. Henry’s.”

“Be there in ten.”

Hanging up, I start my truck, disappointment swelling inside my chest. My eyes lock on the bookstore.It’s not our time right now, baby girl. But soon.

As I drive away, heading to meet Jason, my hands shake from anticipation.

Soon, it will be time for more bloodshed.

12

MADISON

One week has passed and my patience is wearing thin. Ben has insisted on following me to work or home from work around his class and work schedule. He asks me to text him anytime I go anywhere. I’m feeling smothered. I know he means well and is looking out for me, but I’m not a student at Falls Creek College, and I rarely step foot on campus, so I don’t feel I’m in any immediate danger.

As I’m driving to work, Ben and Chloe are behind me. Every time I look in the rearview mirror, the two of them are laughing. I have the oddest sensation they are laughing at me. My hands clench around my steering wheel, white knuckled, as they look at one another. Chloe cocks her head, flipping her hair over her shoulder, and I grit my teeth. Slamming my foot on the accelerator as soon as the light turns green, I have the strongest urge to just keep driving, blow off work, and go for a drive through the mountains.

But I can’t let Daya down. She’s the best boss I’ve ever had.

I feel guilty when Ben gets out of his car, comes over to mine to give me a hug, then kisses me softly. His lips become demanding, and I push against him, breaking the kiss.

Pulling back, his brows knit in confusion. “Are you mad at me?”

I give him a soft smile, shaking my head. “No, I’m just… I was working on writing last night, and I’m still frustrated that the story isn’t going the way I wanted it to. I just… Hate it.”

His hand comes up, stroking my cheek. “I’m happy to read over it and offer feedback if you’d like.”

Immediately shaking my head no, I look at him in horror. “I don’t want anyone to see the ghastly words I typed. It’s awful.”

He chuckles, raising his hand in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. I was just offering.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Ben’s face grows serious. “Are you sure you’ll be okay tonight? I have to meet my group at the library after work. We’re falling behind on our project since Katie…” his voice trails off.

“I’ll be fine, Ben. Don’t worry.” Giving his arm a gentle squeeze, I say, “I’m going to leave here and do some writing at the coffee shop.”

He nods. “Text me when you leave, then again when you get to the coffee shop, so I know you’re safe.”

Giving him a smile, I hope my annoyance isn’t evident as I cheerfully force out, “Will do.”Stop smothering me.

He leans in and gives me a soft kiss. Pulling back, he says, “I’ll see you later.”

“Ben, we have to go or we’re gonna be late,” Chloe hollers from the open passenger window. I glance over at her, my hands clenching into fists.I’d like to punch her in the face.

Ben gives me a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry. I’ve gotta go.”

“No worries.” I force a bright smile on my face. “Have a great day.”

“You, too. I’ll see you later.”

I nod, then hitching my strap over my shoulder, I make my way into the bookstore, huffing once I slam the door. Daya looks up at me, alarmed. “Rough morning?”

Shrugging, I try to lose my attitude. Giving her a fake smile, I say, “Oh you know. The usual teenage angst.”

She chuckles. “I dimly recall those days. After being up half the night due to a screaming baby, I’d trade you that for some teenage angst.”

Laughing, I wave my hands in front of me. “No, thanks. I’m terrified of babies; afraid I’d drop and break them. I also have a vomit phobia. And the idea of dirty diapers…” I wrinkle my nose. “Not at this stage in my life. Hence, my IUD.”

---