Page 30 of Done Waiting

I’m about ready to turn off the news when the reporter gravely announces the mayor of Falls Creek is missing.

Ugh. What the hell is going on?

Shivering, I turn it off, not wanting to hear anymore.

13

MADISON

Brisky crossing the parking lot of the bookstore after work, I hurry toward my car, my eyes narrowing when I spot something on my windshield. As I get closer, I realize it’s a dozen red roses.

Lifting my windshield wiper, I spot a note. Pulling it out, it simply reads, “Soon.” Raising it closer to my face, I squint, trying to determine if the letters look the same as the previous notes I received. But I can’t tell. And I don’t have them on me for comparison since I tucked them inside the nightstand of my childhood bedroom.

Looking around the parking lot, I don’t see anyone. My gaze moves across the street, but it’s empty.

Hmmm. Weird.

I’m unsettled by this note, which isn’t worded the same as the sweet notes my stalker sent me previously. Is it him? Or someone else?

The breeze blows, lifting my hair, feeling like the slight brush of a hand over my skin. Goosebumps erupt over my neck.

Hurriedly unlocking my car door, I slide behind the wheel, locking the door. Tossing the roses on the passenger seat, alongwith the note, my hands shake as I start my car. I peel out of the parking lot, forgetting to text Ben and head for the coffee shop.

By the time I pulled into the parking lot of the coffee shop, I felt foolish for overreacting. Glancing down at the roses on my seat, I grin. There’s nothing threatening about them. And that note? Well, yeah, it’s slightly foreboding, but maybe my stalker is communicating he’ll make an appearance soon. It’s ridiculous how much time I’ve spent thinking of him, sadness enveloping me that I haven’t seen him. But I felt eyes boring into me, indicating he was around.

My heart rate speeds up and I lick my lips. I can no longer deny that I’m attracted to him, despite not knowing a damn thing about him.

Pulling into a space, I leave my car running as I text Ben, letting him know I’ve arrived at the coffee shop. He texts back almost immediately.

Ben: I thought I told you to text me when you left work.

Me: I was distracted and forgot. I’m anxious to write. I made it here safely. Isn’t that the important thing?

Ben: I’m glad you made it there safely, but you clearly don’t know how to follow instructions!

Me: WTF? You’re seriously pissed off that I didn’t text when I left? I figured you’d be too busy with Chloe to worry about me. And I have no problems following instructions.

Ben: WTF is that supposed to mean? Too busy with Chloe? You need to explain yourself.

Me: No, I don’t. I need to get inside and start writing. We’ll talk about this later.

Ben: Dammit, Maddie, I need to focus on this project. I can’t afford to get a bad grade on it.

Me: Then focus. I’m not stopping you. I’m going inside to write now. I’ll talk to you later.

My gaze moves to the flowers and the note. Grabbing the roses, I twist around, laying them on the floor behind my passenger seat. I grab my backpack with my laptop from the backseat, checking to make sure my wallet is inside. I shove the note inside my backpack, then open my door, stepping into the cool air. I shiver, wishing I would have worn a jacket.

Locking my car, I sling my backpack over my shoulder, hurrying toward the coffee shop. I sigh with relief when I step inside, the warmth wrapping around me as the scent of java fills my nostrils. Sniffing appreciatively, I head toward the counter, placing my order.

Grabbing my coffee and pastry, I head toward a small table in the corner. Feeling like someone is staring at me, my head lifts and I make eye contact with a guy wearing a baseball cap. I give him a brief smile, then slide into the seat, facing him. He smiles back, continuing to stare at me.

Pulling my laptop from my bag, I set it on the table, and open it. Setting my phone on the table, I feel his gaze on me. When I look up, the guy in the ball cap several tables over still hasn’t averted his eyes.

Glaring at him, my attention is diverted as I hear my phone beep. It’s another text from Ben. And then it beeps again.

With a sigh, I look at my phone, white-hot anger surging through me as I read the texts.

Ben: We will talk about this later!

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