Escaping Parker - F.T. Zele Page 0,60

tonight. See you tomorrow.”

Once Mindy leaves I search the desk for anything that says her full name on it. Finding a fax cover sheet, I jot it down on a Post-it note and put it in my pocket for later.

Gathering my things to head out, I make sure the paper still is in my pocket, and start my walk home. Rig didn’t want me to walk and offered to pick me up at night, but I reassured him that this is what I had to do, and that it would be fine this way. But now after my latest discovery, I’m checking behind me every five seconds.

Rig is on the phone in his room when I arrive, but I burst in anyway.

“I’ll have to call you back,” he tells whoever is on the other end of the phone, and tosses it on the bed. “What’s up?”

I told out the paper with her name on it. “That’s what’s going on.”

“I don’t understand.” He squints at it and his brows knit. “Who is Melissa Jensen?”

“I don’t know, but I saw a picture on her desk today. The guy she was standing with, I know him,” I blurt, feeling paranoid.

“How do you know him?” He takes the paper and types a message on his phone.

“He used to work with Steven, but at the real estate office, not the other thing, to my knowledge.”

“Well, I’m checking it out. Until I know more, you aren’t walking to work anymore, and I need you to check in with me throughout the day,” he insists.

As much as I would love to argue, protest how this is not helping in my journey to independence, I would feel a lot more comfortable.

“Ok. That will work,” I agree.

“Where is the argument? This isn’t like you,” he says, confusion written all over his face.

I’m too scared to admit how freaked out I really am, how I can’t tell him how much I really need him. Afraid it’ll make it easier for him to leave when the time comes, I tread lightly, constantly thinking of ways to get him to stay with me. Mostly, how much I need him, this, us, how complete I feel when I’m with him. It’s like I’m scared to be the little bit of me that I have rediscovered, not wanting to be needy or overbearing.

“No argument, just want to know why this is happening, especially right now since everything was falling into place. Do you think it’s a sign?” I ask.

“Honestly, it could all just be a huge coincidence. Let’s not get all worked up until we know everything. I’ll get an answer to this all later tonight. Anyway, how was work today?” he asks, patting the spot next him on the bed.

“It was good, nothing new, nothing exciting. It’s actually nice feeling normal for once. Mindy invited me out, but I passed.”

“You know, you can go out. You’re building this new life here, and she seems really nice, from what you’ve told me.”

“I know.” I sigh. “I just was tired, and I’m still adjusting to everything. No biggie, I told her I would next time.”

“Well, I hope you take her up on that offer sometime. How about dinner?” he asks.

“You know what . . . let me cook you dinner tonight. You always do, let me,” I offer.

“I won’t argue with that. Let me know if I can help.”

I search the fridge. Rig usually does the shopping while I’m at work to lighten the load for me. I assemble my ingredients, take out a pot, and flick on the old radio tucked back on the counter. My hips swing to the beat while I chop veggies.

This place is starting to feel like home, not completely, but it’s a work in progress like I am. I get in the cooking zone, having fun doing something so many people dread and take for granted.

As things cook on the stove, I clean up with my back towards the entrance of the kitchen. Still dancing away, not paying much attention to anything but the food and the music, when hands lightly grab my hips. I glance over my shoulder and Rig flashes me a sexy smile.

“This is the happiest I have seen you in a long time, if ever. This smile,” he says, dragging his finger across my lip, “it brightens your eyes. Your shoulders.” He massages them lightly. “You stand with incredible confidence now. I always knew you would find peace within yourself. You’re beautiful, just perfect. I