Page 207 of Love Me in the Dark
Who is this guy, really?
The waitress pulled out a chair for me. I glanced around, looking for my date.
‘’Where is he?’’ I queried.
‘’He’ll join you shortly.’’
Hot lava builded up in my chest at the thought of having to wait for him. I didn’t say anything else to her. I took my seat, nervously tapping at the floor with my heels. I had never liked having to wait for someone, and the fact that I had to wait for him was beginning to shrink my excitement for the date. In most cases, one would end up being stood up and I didn’t want that for myself.
My phone beeped with a text. It was from Chiara.
Sisterly
Hope you are having fun?
I was tempted to tell her that I might be getting stood up, but I knew my best friend, so I fired her a text in response that I was doing okay.
The waitress returned again, and this time, I was already irritated.
‘’What would you like to order, ma’am?’’ she still had that sickenly perfect smile on her face. It was starting to grate my nerves.
“Nothing,” I said curtly. “My date is not here yet.”
“Mr. Romano wouldn't be pleased if I left you unentertained.” Her expression shifted.
My eyes narrowed on her. “Well, he isn't here now, is he?” It took me a while to realise that I had snapped at her.
I sighed. “Fine. I'll have a glass of water.”
Her face brightened. She nodded and spun around. The waitress returned with a glass of water in no time. Once I had a sip, I couldn't let go. It was refreshing, and I didn't know when I knocked back the rest of the glass.
I glanced at the time again, worried that it was thirty minutes in and nowhere to be found.
It started with a little dizziness, then I grew lightheaded, feeling like a feather on my seat. A slow, weird sensation crawled within my skin, leaving me in a haze of confusion.
What is happening?
The blonde waitress showed up again, and this time, she walked towards me and stopped before me.
“Don't fight it,” she whispered. “It'll feel good. I promise.”
“What is…what is happening to me?” my voice faded. I could barely hear myself.
“Shhh,” she crooned.
I grabbed onto her shoulder, digging my fingernails into them as an anchor. My eyelids began getting heavier, my breathing slowing.
What is wrong with me.
I felt strong arms lift me, skimming my thighs.
“Be careful. The boss wants her untouched and unharmed.”
That was the last thing I heard before I gave in to the darkness.
I was alive,barely. Maybe. I didn't know.
My limbs felt heavy as I stirred awake. I couldn't even move my bones if I tried. But the paralysis was momentary because it soon started coming back to me.
