Page 35 of Pretty Please Me
“No, I’m not homeless. Do you think you could stop shining your flashlight in my face?”
“Oh, sorry.” The kid moves the beam to the ground, and my eyes nearly cry in relief.
“Do you see my phone?” I pat around the grass and then stand up to look around the trunk.
“No. I didn’t take it… I swear… I just came over here to check on you.” The kid holds up his hands and shakes his head.
“I can’t find my purse either… it was just here.” My heart starts to race as panic rises in my chest.
“Sorry, lady, all I saw was the book in your hand, but maybe it’ll turn up?” He shrugs and then points behind him. “I’ve got to go. My mom doesn’t like me talking to strangers.” He takes off on his bike toward two other boys.
“Wait! Do you know what time it is?” I call after him.
“Eight-thirty!” he yells back as he speeds off with his friends.
I press my fingers on the bridge of my nose. Shit. Did I really just get mugged while sleeping? In public?
I sweep the area one more time before finally giving up and making my walk of shame back to Sam’s.
I’ve barely made it outside the park when a black car shrieks to a stop, and a very angry Sam jumps out.
“What the fuck, Maggie!” He pulls me into him and wraps me in a hug, his body and face communicating completely opposite emotions.
“Where have you been? I’ve been driving around for two hours looking for you! You didn’t answer your phone, and you weren’t anywhere you said you’d be today!” There’s a slight tremble in his hands as he pulls back, gripping me firmly by the arms.
“I’m so sorry, Sam. I was in the park.” I gesture behind me and hold up my book. “I fell asleep reading.”
He crushes me to his chest again and squeezes, and I can feel his heart beating violently as he smoothes my hair with a gentle brush of his fingers. “You didn’t answer your phone. I called you about a hundred times. Everyone’s out looking for you.” He pulls out his phone and dials a number. “Hey, yeah, I found her. Can you tell everyone for me? Yeah, she’s safe, said she fell asleep reading in the park. I know. Thanks, man.”
He ends the call, then grabs my hand and leads me to the back of the car.
“Sam, I’m so sorry. I feel terrible. I–”
“Where’s your purse?” He glances behind me, and I let out a sigh.
“I think I got robbed while I was sleeping…” I suck in a wince and scrunch my nose as I wait for it to register.
Sam’s jaw flexes, and his nostrils flare. “You what?” he growls.
“I’m sorry. I–”
“The Submissive will not put herself in harm’s way or behave negligently…” he recites through gritted teeth. “I don’t think I have to tell you what could’ve happened today.”
“I know, and I feel so stupid. I promise it was an accident. I’ll be more careful from now on. Please don’t be angry. I feel horrible that everyone was looking for me…” My voice shakes as I try to fight back the tears.
Sam’s warm hand covers my cheek, and he brushes a stray tear away with his thumb. “I’m sorry. The important thing is that you’re safe. Are you hungry?”
“Not really, I–”
“Let me rephrase that. What would you like to eat?” He squeezes my shoulder, then threads his fingers through mine, holding my hand like he’s afraid I’ll float away.
“I could go for a gyro and some hummus?”
He kisses my hand. “Anything you want.” He pulls out his phone and places an online order.
“So, are we good?”
“We’re good.” He ruffles my hair playfully, and I lay my head on his shoulder, relieved that he’s not mad at me.
