Tayler,
You were wearing those jeans today that make your ass look so damn good. Are you wearing those for me? Can you feel me nearby, watching you? I don’t like the way you’re flirting with that kid from your psych class. Is there something going on with you two?
Dylan.
Well,that one was fucking creepy. But the more we read, the more surreal they get.
Tayler,
My woman. My future wife. I can’t take it any longer. You need to know where I stand. I can’t believe what a fool I was to think anyone else could compare to you. But listen to me clearly. I’ve learned my lesson. I even told my mom that I’ll do whatever it takes to make you see that we belong together forever. Anything.
No worries, sweet Tayler. I’ll be patient because no matter what, I know we’ll always be together.
Yours, Dylan.
The last sentenceis the one that makes my skin crawl. I can’t believe he didn’t follow it up with “If I can’t have you, nobody will,” because that’s the kind of stalker bullshit this guy was spewing.
“Tayler, you should consider getting a protective order against Dylan. Each letter seems to get progressively more obsessive. Have you noticed him following you?”
“Following me?” She shakes her head. “Not really. I saw him every once in a while, on campus, but he’s never approached me. I mean, he’s taking classes too.” Her voice is shaky. It’s obvious this is getting to her. Not only that, her skin is ghostly pale.
Moving around the circle, I step behind her and place one hand on her shoulder, shifting close enough for her to feel my presence.
“It’s apparent from his statements that he’s been watching you on campus, at the store, and possibly other places.”
I’m nodding as Gage speaks, but Tayler’s shaking her head.
“Tayler,” Gage scoots so he’s on the edge of his seat. “This is serious. It’s escalating. A protective over is the way to go.”
“No. Our parents are friends. They wouldn’t understand. It would make things awkward for them.”
Fuck awkward.
My mouth is agape. Yep, I’m slack-jawed. “Honey.” I squeeze her shoulder. “The guy is unstable….”
“Girl, you need a protective order,” Quinn chimes in. “At least that will give Dylan the warning he needs to know he’s crossed a line.”
Tayler sighs as her shoulders slump. I can feel how defeated she is through my fingers. “Okay.” Tayler sighs. “I’ll call home.”
“Okay?” I bend down so I can see her face. “You’re going to get the protective order?” Please say yes.
“As soon as I talk to my folks. It’s probably time, though.” Tayler turns to Quinn and points a finger at her. “And you don’t have any room to talk. You didn’t want one on Kara the psycho.”
“That was different.”
“How?” Gage asks.
“She’s a girl.”
I release a short laugh. “Women are just as dangerous as men, Quinn. Don’t be stupid.”
“I’m not stupid.” She gives me a thumbs-down. “You suck, Luke.” Looking back at Gage, she adds, “She was asmallgirl.”
Gage shakes that one off too. “She can drive a car. Look what she did to your scooter.”
Quinn nods. “True dat.”
Addressing Quinn, he adds softly, “I was going to call you today to let you know… it appears she’s planning on moving back into her apartment.”
