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“Sounds like you’ve got a story, mystery lady.”
“Doesn’t everyone?” Shelley asked, and David laughed again.
“Most do, yes. I’ll call you Mystery for now. Tell me about yourself, Mystery.”
Shelley made a face. She hated talking about herself. “There’s not much to say.”
“Sure there is. Where do you work?”
“In a coffee shop. What about you?” Shelley asked politely.
“I work in finance. It can be quite an exciting job,” David said.
“I imagine so, excuse me—”
“Don’t leave, Mystery. It’s taken me some courage to sit next to you. I’ve seen you a couple of times in here, but you seemed so sad and troubled. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“Well, I’m recovering from a bad car crash. I guess that’s what you picked up on, and then I had a second accident, which left me with a head injury,” Shelley replied.
“Damn! That’s a lot to deal with. Was all that recent?” David asked.
Shelley noted a look in his eyes that sent tingles down her spine. This wasn’t as casual as David was making out. He was taking note of everything.
“Last few months, yes.”
“Tragic. I hope you’re okay now?”
“Perfectly well, thank you.”
“Let’s change the subject. What do you like to read?”
Shelley frowned. David made it sound as if they were on a date. “I have to get to work. I really don’t have time for this; I’m sorry.”
“Okay, Shel… Mystery. Take care of yourself,” David recovered smoothly, but Shelley caught his slip. David knew exactly who she was.
“Goodbye,” Shelley stated quickly, rising to her feet.
“Can I have your phone number?” Davis asked.
“No. I don’t give it to strangers.”
“But how will we become friends if we can’t chat?” David pressed.
“That’s kind of you, but I’ve got enough friends. Have a nice day,” Shelley said and grabbed her coffee, heading for the door. As she neared it, she peered in the mirror on the wall. David observed her with a predatory look on his face. Shelley almost ran out but just managed to control the urge. David was more than he seemed.
???
“Well, good to see you again, Mystery,” David said to Shelley two days later as she sat with her morning coffee. Shelley’s heart sank as she offered a weak smile. Before she could say anything, David had pulled a chair out and sat. Shelley just about held back the frown she was feeling.
“Hello.”
“How are you? Busy at work?” David asked, leaning back and relaxing.
“Yes, very and you?”
“The same. I had some early-morning meetings over the last two days. I was a bear with a sore head because I hadn’t had my coffee fix. The office serves swill; nobody drinks it unless they’re desperate.”
“That’s a shame.”
