Escaping Parker - F.T. Zele Page 0,48
blue plain T-shirt. But now he has on this striking blue button up short-sleeve shirt, showing me he is really trying and making an effort. This will be a normal night out. Almost like a date. The word date makes my head spin, and I’m not sure how I feel about that word so soon. It feels right inside, but I’m still not sure this is the right thing to be doing.
“Let’s head out. I found this great little cantina that has local bands playing there. I thought it would be a fun place to go, and something not so . . .”
“Serious.” I finish his sentence.
He nods once and holds out his arm for me to loop mine through. When we reach the car, he opens the door for me, something he has never done, but even just the small gesture makes me smile.
Before I know it, we’re pulling up to the restaurant. Live music thunders even out in the parking lot. People file in and out of the place, and I start to get excited. It’s been forever since I have been out, especially with such good company.
We sit silently in the booth. I hate that the nerves have gotten to both of us. I don’t want to make this more than it is, and I’m sure he’s still preoccupied with keeping me safe.
I finally get sick of pretending I’m interested in the music and break the silence. “So, have you decided what you’re going to get?” I skim the menu. “I think I’m going with the chicken nachos.”
“Yeah, I think I know what I want.” He gazes over the top of the menu and locks eyes with me. I’m not sure if he means the food, but I get the feeling we aren’t.
“Oh-kay.”
“So tell me . . . how horrible has this trip been so far for you?”
“It’s been a rollercoaster, to be honest. Some days I wake up feeling like I can do anything, and like there is an end to this that I can almost reach. Other days, I feel defeated, alone, and ready to give up. Just let him come and find me so I can stop this running.”
His head juts back. “Why would you want that?”
“Because I want this to end.” I groan. “Being told that this will be a long process and actually living it are two different things. I want to settle and live without constantly looking over my shoulder. Even though I’m having a really nice time tonight, I still catch myself scanning the crowd, scared that at any moment Steven is going to jump out at me, and win.” I place my hand on the table.
“Keeping you safe is my job, so you shouldn’t worry about him getting to you. I wouldn’t have taken you out if I thought for one second you were being watched or in danger.”
“I know that. It’s just something I have done for the past couple years. Everywhere I went, I was constantly being watched or followed, and I can’t turn it off.”
Our waiter delivers our food, giving us a much needed break from this heavy topic.
“How is your food?” I ask, eyeing his plate.
“It’s good, want to try some?” He holds out a forkful of his chicken enchilada.
“Sure.” I take a bite. “That is good.”
After dinner, we walk through the growing crowd and place ourselves next to the stage, enjoying the music. My body sways to the beat, and he stands behind me, placing his hands on my hips, moving with me. It’s innocent, until he moves his hand up my back and drags a finger down my arm, setting everything he touches on fire.
The warmth of his touch and the heat of crowd is too much, with all these unknown people around, I still have the fear I’m being watched by someone. I finally have to say, “I’m so hot. Ok if we leave now?”
His brows pull together. “You sure?”
“Yes.”
“Alright, let’s go,” he says and we make our way out.
Pulling up to the house, I get a second wind. I jump out of the car and yell “Last one to the lake is a rotten egg!” in my most mature voice, while running and giggling the whole way there.
Rig’s shoes crunch through the grass and leaves behind me. As I get closer, I take off my shirt and skirt, tossing them to the side. I jump in and start splashing around.
“I won!” I laugh.
Rig jumps in right behind me, playing along, keeping