Page 30 of Keep Me Safe

We don’t typically get that many customers this early, so I start by stocking some of the shelves. It’s relaxing. I like being by myself, and the predictability of the task is comforting. I lose myself in it, letting my brain wander.

My phone rings in my pocket, and I pull it out to see Maddie’s name on the screen. We have plans to hang out later today, and I know I shouldn’t answer at work, but what if it’s important?

I roll my eyes and smile as I swipe, Maddie’s face filling the screen.

“Hey girl!”

Her blonde hair is styled up in a messy bun, and it looks like she just rolled out of bed. I’m jealous.

“Hey, I’m at work right now, so I can’t really talk.”

I set the phone on the shelf as I continue organizing the candy section.

“Is it just you there?”

“Yeah, until ten,” I answer.

“You’re fine, then,” she laughs.

My mouth drops open at her audacity as we both devolve into giggles. She’s probably right; no one will be in for another hour, and this is no different than listening to music.

“What is it you called to tell me, then?” I ask, feigning annoyance.

“I just wanted to talk to you,” she says. “And I may have met a girl last night, and I was too excited to wait to talk to you until later.”

“Oh my god, tell me about hernow,” I squeal.

“She’s tall and pretty and confident. I’m almost one hundred percent sure she likes girls, but it’s always hard to tell, you know?”

I can’t say I do, but I reassure her anyway.

“I bet she does.”

The door jingles before I know it, and Lexi walks in carrying her purse and coffee.

“Gotta go,” I mutter to Maddie as I tap the red end-call button and shove my phone back into my pocket.

Lexi gives me a wave before heading to the back to punch in. That was close. I finish putting away the chocolate bars I’ve been working on and head to the register.

It’s almost time for me to leave when I glance out the window onto the street and see Jake walking toward the store with a group of his friends. It looks like it’s him, some tall blond dude,and…my heart stops.

Not him, it can’t be him. I thought he left town. But he’s there. Zach is on his way into the store. I haven’t seen him since—Suddenly, I’m back there. That night. It plays in my head like a fucking movie. I try to control my breathing, my heart racing.

“Uh, Lexi, can you watch the register?” I ask, my voice shaking.

She looks shocked, maybe worried. I don’t care. I need to get away. Where am I going to go? The back room, that’s it. I rush to the door, slamming it shut behind me. I lock it, sliding to sit on the floor. I try to take deep breaths.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Asob racks my chest, and I try to hold back the tears. I’m okay.I’m safe.I hear them enter the store. Loud voices, laughing. I hearhim,and bile rises in my throat. I focus on my breathing, but the memories still come.Zach throws me over his shoulder and then onto the bed. Where is Jared? What is happening?

A soft voice from the other side of the door coaxes me back to reality. How long have I been here?

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