Page 28 of I'm Not in Love (I Promise)

“The only car you’ll ever get in again will be mine. No one else carries my precious cargo.”

His fists ball at his side as he backs away to leave the room. I’m left stunned on his bed, wondering who the hell this man thinks he is to talk to me that way.

After my namelessmasked lunatic drops me off, I spend at least thirty minutes soaking in the shower. His scent is all over me and it’s messing with my head. Once I’ve scrubbed him away, I can start to put yesterday out of my mind.

Mischa’s still not home. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her since before I left for the gala. It isn’t unlike her to leave town on a whim though. At least according to Brennan.

The house feels cold and empty without my brother. I miss his laugh, and the way he always teases me. He’s the only one who makes me feel safe and loved. Except for Falin, but it’s different with her. I have no idea where in the world Brennan is but I grab my phone and text him anyway.

Me: Hey, it’s been a bit. Just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing? Love and miss you!

I don’t expect a fast reply. Even when Brennan’s home, he’s never the best at answering messages. He’s more of a “randomly call you at 8 AM” type person. While I have my phone in hand, I scan through all the messages and emails I missed while sleeping the day away. I should have been studying for my tests at the end of the week, but now it’s late and I’m mentally drained. I send off a text to Ethan to see how he’s doing. I still have no idea what happened or why he was taken by ambulance. My guess is it had something to do with the pills. Thank God that worker interrupted him in the hallway when he did. He was acting super off.

After throwing on some comfy pajamas, I check the fridge for anything edible but shockingly it’s bare. Instead, I grab a box of the gluten free crackers I bought the other day and go back tomy room. Let’s just hope none of my future patients ask me for nutritional advice. Crackers and water… The ultimate struggle meal.

I flop on my bed, scrolling social media. Ethan’s mom posted a few photos from the gala. Of course, I’m not in any of them. I never expected to be. There’s a staged photo of a few of the board members with Ethan and his parents. Where was I when this was taken? Thinking of the gala brings me back to everything that happened afterwards.

I Google the number for the Willowbrook non-emergency police line and stare at it. There’s no reason for me to be hesitating, yet I am. Their names and faces may be a mystery, but I know the color of his car and maybe I could lead them to the apartment?

Swiping the Google search away, I open Maps and attempt to figure out a possible address for the place. It was dark both times and I was conveniently distracted. Let’s say I don’t call. The worst thing that can happen is I walk away slightly traumatized but weirdly exhilarated. I wouldn’t be implicated in a breaking and entering for Dr. Porter’s office and I’ll have successfully worked on my first gunshot wound.

Groaning, I close the apps. Who am I kidding? I knew all along that I wouldn’t call. Whatever trouble those guys are in, I don’t want to add to it. Despite the whole kidnapping and criminal behavior situation, they seemed like nice enough guys. Kind of goofy if I’m being honest. Which is probably why one of them ended up shot.

And Freddy, or whatever his name is, thinking he’s all tough and domineering. Like he knows me so well. He doesn’t. There’s no way someone I’ve never met can claim to know me.

My phone vibrates and I pick it up. There’s a text from an unknown number.

845-555-0912: Check your front door.

A wave of panic twists my gut. After last night, there’s no way I’m going to unlock the door for anyone.

Me: Who is this?

I force myself to head down the hall and peek out the window. It’s too dark to see anything, but it doesn’t look like anyone’s there. My pulse is erratic as I wait for a response.

845-555-0912: Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me already?

I read over the message as a gif of a Ghostface mask is sent.

845-555-0912: If you’re going to call me a horror movie character, I’d much rather Ghostface than Freddy. Wink emoji.

What the hell? This man is unhinged, but for some reason I’m grinning like a fool. I go to the front door and crack it open. There’s no sign of him or his car, but there’s a paper bag, closed with a piece of string. I grab it quickly, then shut and lock the door.

I’m afraid to look inside the bag. Flashes from the movieSevencreep into my mind. Brad Pitt hysterically yelling, “What’s in the box?” It could be body parts for all I know.

Taking a deep breath, I pull the string and peek inside. No body parts. There’s a few different takeout containers, a hard seltzer, an organic juice blend, and a card. Whatever’s in the containers smells amazing, but I’m sure I won’t be able to eat it. I’m almost convinced Freddy wouldn’t poison me the old fashioned way, but he wouldn’t know about my allergies.

I open the card first. There’s a watercolor night sky on the front. He’s written a note on the inside.

I wish I could be with you enjoying this meal, but I have some work to do tonight. Before you ask, everything is from an allergy friendly restaurant. Leaf and Ladle. It’s a few towns over. Wheat, soy, nut, and dairy-free.

Sweet dreams, Angel. I’ll be seeing you soon.

I’m absolutely floored. No one, not even my own family has ever taken this much care about my food. How did he know? My stomach growls as I open each container. There’s a grilled chicken over quinoa dish with veggies. It smells garlicky and delicious. The next container has some sort of hummus with pita and sliced veggies. I pull off a piece of the pita and dip it before stuffing it into my mouth. It’s freaking amazing. I never get to eat bread products because of my wheat allergy. The last one has an incredible looking chocolate brownie in it.

I’m so touched I could actually cry. I carry each container over to the barely used dining room table and crack open the seltzer. Before I dig in, I text him back.

Me: I don’t even know what to say except thank you. This looks so good.

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