Page 141 of Deliverance

“Do you want me to go with you?”

“No. I’ll be fine.” She quiets for a second as the car turns a corner and hits the portion of the road crammed full of vehicles and jaywalkers. Either side of the street is lined with small colored tents, their vendors shouting invitations to check out their products. Flowers. Fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s been a long time since I visited a farmers market.

“I need to do this right,” Drew finally breaks the silence. “I don’t want things to be messier than they already are.”

“They won’t.” I pull her to my chest. “And I’ll be there whenever you need me.”

She doesn’t respond but buries her head in the crook of my neck and we continue to drive until I finally find the courage to ask her what I’ve been wanting to ask since the moment we woke up today, “Do you want to come over and stay at my place for a weekend?”

Drew remains still, but I sense her apprehension.

“You’re not trying to play bodyguard or anything?” She huffs seconds later, burrowing her chin into the spot right below my collarbone.

“No.” I am. I’m terrified her ex will find a way to get into her loft since he was able to get into two invitation-only events, but I gave her a promise not to treat her like a damsel in distress, so I stick to my guns and lie. A little white lie with a lick of truth. “I’ve seen your place. I want to show you mine. There’s a killer ocean view, and thankfully, my mother is gone, so it’ll just be the two of us.”

“Mmmm… Sounds tempting.”

“Please.”

“Okay. You make a strong case, Zander Shaw.” I feel the smile in her words and my heart skips a beat.

“Just tell me when.”

“I’ll call you tonight once I speak to Miranda and get my head straight.”

Twenty minutes later, the car pulls up to the back entrance of the gallery.

Drew untangles herself from me and presses a soft kiss to my lips. “I had a really good time last night with you.” Her eyes meet mine, setting my blood on fire. “Thank you.” Then she slips from the car and disappears behind the massive door.

Later that night, I meet up with Avery and his cousin, Cole, at the pub off Pacific Coast Highway that the two apparently like to frequent, because the bartender seems to be awfully cozy with them when I arrive.

“Hey, man.” Avery slaps my back, then introduces his cousin. “This is Cole.”

“Hey.” I extend my hand and Cole shakes it. It’s a firm grip.

I like it.

“Zander.” He tips his clean-shaved chin lightly.

“Nice to finally put a face to the name.”

“I only told the good stories.” Avery barks out a laugh and reaches for his Budweiser.

“You want anything?” Cole asks me. “We’re waiting for a table. Should be ready any second.”

I forgot it’s the weekend, and the place is packed. “Beer is fine.”

Avery signals for the bartender to get us another drink. As soon as he brings me the bottle, a hostess comes over to escort us to a booth in the main dining room.

We’re seated against a brick wall. The light here is dim and the patrons are loud. Several flat screen TVs are mounted in the corners near the ceiling and there’s a game on, which, unlike my companions, I ignore.

My mind is racing in millions of different directions right now and part of me feels guilty for doing this behind Drew’s back. Yes, she made it clear her independence is important to her. Yes, she doesn’t want to be stifled by my hovering. But I can no longer sit by and watch while some piece of shit who doesn’t deserve to live destroys her life.

“Cuz mentioned you had some questions?” Cole says when the waitress leaves after bringing a plate of appetizers.

He's younger than I expected him to be. In his mid-thirties. Average height and build. Short hair, cropped almost to his scalp. He’s wearing a plain blue jersey and jeans. Just a regular guy out with his boys. His eyes are what gives him away. They’re sharp and cunning, and I’d bet my right arm, he’s already profiled each and every person in this place.

“Yeah.” I nod, ignoring the food in front of me. “This girl I’m seeing has someone following her.”

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