Page 72 of The Mastermind

“Next time you have a death wish, don’t do it on my time!” an annoyed woman shouted from the window, reversed, and drove off.

“Where’s the fire?” A woman with a sunflower jacket shouted at the mean woman driving away.

I pushed myself up and glanced at the scratches on my hands. They weren’t that bad, given the situation. The pleasant woman came to my aid with a silver-haired man.

He asked, “Are you all right, miss?”

“I’m okay, thank you.”

His wife checked me over the way a mother would. The sweet man gathered up my crushed shopping bags and handed them to me.

“You bought the entire shopping center, didn’t you?”

“Almost,” I said with a small smile, still a bit shaken at how close I had come to death.

“It was probably a teenager rushing somewhere and shoving people aside. These young folks can be so rude these days. They almost knocked me down a few times. Just be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like this. I don’t understand why everyone is in such a rush. That woman who almost hit you didn’t even stop to check on you. Rude.” She shook her head and patted my arm gently. “You sure, you’re okay?”

“Just shocked, but I’m fine. Thank you for stopping and helping me.”

“Kindness and compassion are missing virtues these days. You take care, sweetie.” She and the man walked off.

I took a moment to gather myself and be grateful I was still standing in one piece. Someone had just pushed me into oncoming traffic. Why? Had it been an accident? Was it a stupid kid who had no consideration for anyone’s safety?

Relief settled in me when my ride pulled up. I just wanted to get back to the hotel.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

AUDRI

After checking some work emails,I played with marketing ideas for Epiphanii, wrote a haiku, and took a hot shower. When I got out, it was eight in the evening. Wearing a cotton T-shirt with matching loose pants for extra comfort, I ordered spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad for dinner. When the meal was delivered, I didn’t have an appetite. Remi could have it when he returned.

The daunting ordeal from earlier had unsettled me more than I realized. With that, doubts surfaced too. Being with Remi made me feel safe and happy, so I didn’t dare look beyond the present moment. Whenever I felt fear flicker, he was the water that doused it.

I probably didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I viewed it like my desire to create my own jewelry line, Epiphanii, a dream birthed a long time ago. When I took that first step, it was frightening, but I took it anyway. Why? Because giving it up would be more terrifying.

Though Remi was a dark mystery, I sensed the spark in him. He ignited something in me I didn’t understand yet. All I knew was that being with him made me feel more whole than I’d felt in a long time.

I went out to the balcony and snuggled into the daybed with lots of pillows. I could sleep out here gazing at the stars. The event from earlier reminded me of the incident with Lawrence and Teresa. Pulling my knees up, I wrapped my arms around them, and let out a heavy sigh.

“Why so sad?” Remi stepped into view.

Uncurling my legs, I hopped down from the bed, and leaped into his arms. “When did you get back? I didn’t hear you come in.” I inhaled the scent of him, loving the way his powerful arms held me.

“Just a few minutes ago. I was admiring you. You seemed so contemplative.”

Heat bloomed on my cheeks. It was so good to see him. “Just stuff that happened today.”

“I want to hear all about it. I see that you’ve ordered dinner. Did you eat?”

“Not yet.”

“Why not?” He took my hand and led me back inside. “Were you waiting for me? You shouldn’t have.”

“I was waiting for you, but I don’t have an appetite.”

“What happened?” He placed a hand on each side of my shoulders and bore those irresistible aqua eyes into me.

“Someone shoved me into oncoming traffic. I was seconds from being hit, Remi.”

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