Page 31 of Mine to Keep

He’d sat on my couch with a drink and listened as I told the tale of my life with a possibly unhinged stalker. I was so drained by the end of it all, he’d told me to take Monday off and if Camie was cool with it he’d drive to the Saints’ house for JJ’s session.

I’d felt horrible doing that to them, but in the end it had been the best idea. After Darnell left I’d dawdled around, my mind in the clouds, all scenarios running amuck.

Darnell’s return late in the afternoon relaxed me. When had I become so unnerved, even in my own home?

“How’d it go?” I asked as he dropped his PT bag on the ground.

“Good. His range of motion is getting there. I kept it simple today, told him some arm exercises he could do because he was curious. Other than that, easy.”

“Did JJ ask about me?”

“Of course he did, Matt. He cares—a lot of people do.” He sat on the couch, and I joined him.

“I called Officer Mendez. He said he got access to the garage cameras easily and saw someone, but there wasn’t any way to tell who it was.”

“Well, I can stay with you for a while. Hopefully they’ll catch this person, whoever they are, in a few days.”

“I hope so.”

“Okay, food, I’m starving.”

I chuckled and walked to the kitchen. “I can make something, or we can order pizza.”

“Pizza, I want that in my face.”

With a laugh, I pulled up the app and ordered.

The followingday there was nothing, and by Wednesday I thought it was silly to keep Darnell here when he had his own apartment he paid rent for.

“I’m headed to JJ’s. Look, it’s been quiet the last couple of days—head home.”

“Are you sure?” Darnell tied his sneakers; he had a client this morning as well.

“I am. If I freak out, I’ll call you.”

“I don’t mind staying.”

I reached out and pulled him into a hug. “I know, you’re the greatest.”

We pulled away and smiled. “Just not boyfriend material.”

“Too brotherly.” I snickered and moved away at his attempt to slap my arm. “Have a good day. Hang on to the key I gave you.”

“Sure. Call me when you get home, at least?”

“I will.”

I walked out of the apartment and to the elevator. James was grabbing his mail, but he saw me.

“Matt, good morning.”

“Morning.”

“You have a guest over, huh?”

Were all landlords as nosy as him and Nicole? “My friend, yeah, he’s headed back today.”

He nodded. “Have a nice visit?”

---