Page 81 of Fall

“Thank you for meeting me here, Evelyn. I thought we could use a change in scenery.” Dr. Lewis greets me warmly as I walk into a delicatessen just outside of town.

The place is old with peeling wallpaper and cracked tile. “Yeah, it’s certainly different,” I reply.

We sit at a small booth, and an elderly waitress takes our orders. I’ve already eaten today, so I just order an afternoon latte. We chat about remedial things like the weather and how classes are going, which leaves me confused as to why we’re actually here.

“So what’s with the impromptu session, doc?” I ask her.

At first, she looks offended by my question. “Can’t we just be two friends having coffee on a lazy afternoon?”

I cross my arms over my chest and tilt my head. “But we’re not friends. You’re my university-appointed therapist.”

She drops her shoulders with a sigh. “Would you believe me if I told you that I’d like to be?”

“Even if I did, it wouldn’t matter,” I say, unsure of where this conversation is going. “You’re a requirement to attend school. It’s not like you and I are gonna go drinking at the club or go trolling for one-night stands.”

She leans back and crosses her arms, mimicking me. “That’s not exactly the definition of friendship.”

“True. So you’re telling me that you have a desire to share a mutually affectionate relationship with me?” I snort. “Friendships go both ways, Dr. Lewis, and I sincerely doubt that you have the ability to give as much as you are trying to take.”

“I’m not trying to take anything, Evelyn. I’m just trying to provide you with a safe space. I’d like to be the person you can confide in so that you don’t have to carry your burdens on your own.”

I take a sip of my latte, processing what she’s just said, before speaking. “You mean, you want to know all my secrets. Sorry to disappoint you, but there really isn’t anything that you’d want to know.”

She straightens her spine, and I get the feeling that she’s about to disclose why we really here.

“I need you to be honest with me. Do you think you can do that?” She asks.

I raise an eyebrow at her. “I’m always honest.”

At my reply, she raises her eyebrow, making me adjust what I just said. “Fine. It depends on what you’re asking. Better?”

Dr. Lewis brushes imaginary dust off her blazer, places her forearms on the table, and leans in closer. Before speaking, she discreetly looks around, checking for prying ears.

“Have you received anything suspicious lately? Maybe a strange note or an unwanted gift? Anything that feels off to you?”

I cool my features as my entire body goes stiff. Outwardly, I show no signs of understanding or fear. I am a damn good poker player, or so I’ve been told. Inwardly, my anxiety steadily rises. How could she possibly know? My mind runs a mile a minute, trying to piece together everything that I know about this woman.

Does she know about the emails? All the photos? The blue dress?She can’t possibly… can she?

She has to be fishing. It’s either that or she has some ties to whoever the hell keeps fucking with me, threatening me with my past. I’m hoping for the former, but as the universe so clearly hates me, maybe it is the latter. Either way, I make a mental note to look further into Dr. Lewis.

I start to lie and tell her that there’s been nothing out of the ordinary when the door to the delicatessen chimes to announce another patron walking into this desolate place. As soon as I see who it is, I roll my eyes.

Caleb fucking Astor casually enters with Taylor and Justin at his side.Jesus, can they be any more obvious?They almost look comical as they try to blend into the scene.

Dr. Lewis turns to see who I’m rolling my eyes at and is taken aback. “Oh, I wasn’t aware that students traveled this far out. I’m so sorry, Evelyn. We can certainly go.”

“It’s all right, doc. They won’t bother us.”

She turns around, concern written all over her face. “How can you be so sure? Those aren’t just Stratham students. They’re members of the elite,” she says with a frown.

I look over her shoulder, examining the three guys, and I can’t help but snort. I can buy Caleb and Justin being a part of the elite, since the former is the senator’s son and the latter is the heir of this town, but Taylor—not a chance. Come to think of it, I don’t really know much about Taylor’s pedigree. That conversation just hasn’t come up.

My attention adjusts back to the doctor, who’s fidgeting and picking at her nails, refusing to look at me.

“What?” I snap much harder than I intended, and she startles.

“I’m… I’m just surprised. I thought you didn’t get along with the elite.”

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