“I will become super clingy. I’m going to want to know where you are, all the time. I’m going to start calling and messaging—a lot—whenever you’re not with me. Ever since my parents died, I’ve been like this. I can’t let go.”
“Okay.” I shrug. I don’t see what the problem is. “Hayley, you have a right to know where your boyfriend is.”
“This is why I’m single. Because I’ve scared away every guy I’ve ever tried to date. I’ve done things I’m not very proud of,” she whispers.
“Like?”
“Like once, I broke into an ex-boyfriend’s house after he dumped me and slept in his closet because I needed to know when he came home. I needed to know he was there,” she says. “I didn’t even particularly like the guy, but I had this insane need to know where he was.”
“Are you still fixated on these other guys, Hayley?” I ask her. Obsessing over me? No problem. But obsessing over someone else? Yeah, that’s not gonna fly.
She shakes her head. “I’ve been single for two years, because it’s easier to not get attached.” She sighs. “But now, with you, it’s starting again, August.” Her words are meant to sound like a warning.
“Wait here.” I walk into my closet and pull two air tags from my luggage. “Pass me your phone.”
I hold out a hand. After installing the tracking program, I turn the air tag on and tuck it into my wallet.
“I will carry this on me at all times. You won’t ever have to worry or stress about where I am, because you can log into here and see for yourself,” I tell her. “I don’t have anything to hide, Hayley. I don’t care how much you call or message me. I don’t care if you follow me around 24/7. In fact, I’d probably love that.” I grin before passing her the second tag. “This one is for you. I want you to keep this on you, so I know where you are too.”
Hayley pulls off her little silver necklace, threads the air tag on it, and clips it back in place before tucking the chain into her dress. “You’re not worried?” she asks me.
“No. I’m not worried,” I say. “If it ever feels like it’s too much to handle, I want you to tell me. We can talk about it.” I wrap my arms around her and pull her against my chest.
“You’re supposed to be scary, a devil. A monster,” she mumbles.
“To everyone else, I am.” I laugh.
“Don’t worry, I told Jade to admit me to the hospital again if I get too cray-cray.”
“What do you mean again?” I ask. “And like fuck am I letting anyone shove you into a fucking hospital. There’s nothing wrong with you, Hayley.”
“I… I think we should just take it one day at a time,” she says. “And we really should go to this thing of yours.”
“Let’s go. You got everything you need?”
“Mhmm.” She nods her head.
“Holy shitballs, Hayles, babe, you look smokin.” Colton’s mouth drops open when we walk out into the foyer, where he’s waiting for us.
“Colton,” I growl.
“Sorry, boss, but she does.” He shrugs.
“Thanks, Colton. You don’t scrub up too bad yourself,” Hayley tells him. “You do need a haircut, though. I could do it. Well, not now, but if you stop by the salon tomorrow or something.”
“You’re not touching his hair,” I grunt.
“I can show you my portfolio. You do know I have my own salon?” She looks up at me.
“I know, but I’m not letting him get that close to you,” I clarify. “You can cut mine no problem.”
Hayley combs her fingers through the front of my hair. “Okay, but I like yours the way it is.”
“You two are sickeningly sweet. I think I just got a cavity.” Colton presses the button to call the elevator.
“That would be from the bowl full of sugar you ate,” I tell him.
“Cereal is good for you,” Hayley counters.
