I take a few more orders as Jenson lingers across the shop. He chose a chair that keeps me in his direct line of sight. Movement draws my eyes from the customer I’m helping, and Jenson pulls his phone out of his pants pocket. He frowns down at the screen before typing something, then he stands and throws his cup away, and without even a quick glance in my direction, he walks out the door.
As relieved as I was to see him drive away, the unsettled feeling his visit caused doesn’t leave me until long after he does. The urge to tell Ian everything has been brewing since we got back together. Besides wanting to continue this relationship on a foundation of truth, I’m also desperate to have someone who’s unquestionably there for me. And I know Ian is that person.
I just have to muster the courage to confess all my sins and hope that he still wants to be with me after he knows the kind of person I really am and the danger that surrounds me.
Ella: Hey girl! Are you still coming tonight?
I sink downonto my couch. I haven’t seen Ian for two days because he’s been busy with work, and I’ve really missed him. Ella texted yesterday and asked me to come over fordinner. I wanted to ask if Ian was going to be there but resisted. I could call or text Ian, but again, I hold back. I know he’s busy with work, and he works so hard. I don’t want to annoy him. We’ve talked, but it’s been short and sporadic.
I drop my head to the back of the couch and stare at the ceiling for a few minutes. Picking up my phone, I open my texts with Ella.
Me: Yes! I’ll be there. Can I bring anything?
Ella: Yay! Nope, we have everything covered.
Rolling my shoulders to alleviate some tension, I stand to go take a shower. I don’t want to show up at Jack and Ella’s smelling like coffee, even if it is my favorite scent.
Well, besides Ian.
Twenty minutes later, I wrap a towel around my body and walk back into the living room to get my phone. Excitement rolls through my body when I see the name on my phone.
Ian: I miss you. I’m sorry I have been busy these last couple of days.
I walk into the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee.
Me: That’s okay. I understand how hard you work. Are you going to Jack and Ella’s for dinner tonight?
Ian: I am. Ella said you’re coming. I would offer to come pick you up, but I think I’ll get out of this event late and don’t want to make you have to show up even later.
Happiness that he’ll be there warms me almost as much as the cup of coffee.
Me: I can drive myself. I’m glad you’re going to be there.
Ian: Pack a bag. You’re coming over. I don’t want to spend another night away from you.
I bite my bottom lip. Being with Ian tonight will make up for the fact that Jenson showed up at work.
Me: I can’t wait to spend the night with you.
Ian: Don’t plan on staying at Jack and Ella’s for long.
Exciting zings settle in my core, thinking about going home with Ian.
Me: You won’t get an argument from me.
Ian: See you soon, beautiful.
I set my phone on my nightstand and finish getting ready, more eager than ever to get to Ella’s.
As I lay out my outfit on my bed, I hear my phone vibrate. I circle the bed, expecting it to be Ella or Ian. I stare at my phone for a moment, not recognizing the number. It’s a Chicago area code. Worried it might be something about the trial, maybe the prosecutor, even though they don’t normally call me directly. I answer it with a trembling hand.
“Hello?”
“Maggie, how are you, old friend?”
My legs immediately give out. I would be on the floor if Iweren’t standing next to my bed. I press a hand to my chest to calm my racing heart.
“David.”
