Page 12 of Unmasking You

My hands itch to open the door, jump out, and ask for one of those hugs.

I watch them walk past me and I crack up when I read the back of his hoodie…“If you piss me off, I’ll fry your...”There’s a picture of a peach instead of the word arse. I’m sure it’s what would happen to me if I requested a hug.

When they head into the park, disappearing from view, I jump out of the car to follow.

They’re going to spend the next half hour going around the park so the little lady can do her business.

I should be scared, knowing so much about him without having spent a second with him. My behaviour is downright stalkerish.

This time, not even his no violence policy would stop him from frying my arse. So I just need to be careful and not get caught.

His walk around the park will give me time to get settled and pretend I’m just there for a coffee, not waiting for him.

The inside of the coffee shop is painted green. Plants hang from the ceiling, making the place look like a forest.

I head to the counter and spend the next couple of minutes chatting with the server, Andy.

“I’ll have a chai latte. Regular.” It’s one of my favourite drinks and I’m always on the lookout for new places to try it.

“Take away?”

“No, stay in,” I reply, and then I pull out my card.

“Three pounds eighty-five, please,” says Andy, and points at the machine for me to pay.

While I wait for my transaction to go through, I look around for a table that will give me a full view of the door but will also keep me partially hidden.

I spot a good one, half hidden by a plant with big green leaves, and head there once my payment is complete, confirming with Andy that he’ll bring the latte over when it’s ready. I don’t want to be caught by Jamie when I get up to grab it from the counter.

Once I’m seated, I glance around the space. I love what they did here. It’s all dark furniture and light green walls, giving it a comfy, bookish atmosphere. There are shelves on the walls with small cactus plants and books. I could see myself coming here often to take a break from my life.

I count the seconds, and every time the bell over the door rings, my heart gives a thump like it’s trying to jump into my throat, and butterflies flutter inside my stomach. It’s like I’m sixteen again, waiting at the usual place for Jamie to arrive.

Before I can lose myself in the memories, the door chime rings again, and this time a white dog leads the way. I watch in awe as the man I’m waiting for makes an appearance.

Afraid of being spotted even before I take my fill of him, I grab an abandoned newspaper from the corner of the table and quickly open it. I watch Jamie from around the edge of the newspaper, seeing without being seen.

“Hey Jamie,” Andy says as soon as Jamie enters.

Jealousy unfurls inside my body at the sight of Jamie’s beautiful smile being directed at another man. A jealousy I’m not allowed to experience, but my mind and heart don’t care.

I want to stand up, go over to them, and claim him. I wish I had the right to do that, but he’d probably kick my arse if I attempted something like that.

I inhale, trying to push the foolish feeling deep inside. I have some grovelling to do if I want him to at least talk to me. Losing my shit because I’m jealous of him talking to other people won’t win me any points.

I let go of the cup’s handle and try to relax my body and my face. I don’t want him to see this side of me.

While Jamie speaks with Andy, someone else focuses her attention on me.

“How’s Lizzie today?” Andy says. I love Jamie’s smile, but I don’t like it when it’s meant for someone who isn’t me.

The dog doesn’t turn to Andy as all her attention is on me, but the two men are too involved in their conversation to notice.

“Queen Lizzie is good. We had a wonderful walk today.”

“That’s great. How’s work?”

“Argh. Let’s not go there. I should be in my office instead of walking around, but I couldn’t say no to Lizzie when she came running with her leash in her mouth.” Jamie giggles, and I love the sound.

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