It doesn’t. Not until I turn onto my street. There, it doesn’t follow.
I drive extra slowly, because if they’re stalking me, I don’t want them to see my house. I even drive past my place, then turn around and drive the opposite direction. I don’t see anyone or anything suspicious, so I turn around once more and stop at my driveway.
My hands shake as I lower my window to punch in the gate code. What if someone jumps out at me from the shadows?
The code goes through and the gate swings open.
I roll my window up immediately and start driving.
No one sneaks past the gate after me, which is a relief. As soon as it shuts behind me, I speed down the drive. Should I call someone? The police? They’ll think I’m paranoid. Probably because I am paranoid. Although after an attempted burglary only last week, paranoia is understandable, isn’t it?
No police. I know exactly who to call.
I pick up my phone and dial Damiano.
He doesn’t answer. He’s probably still busy with his emergency.
Seth works with him, though. I dial Seth next.
He answers immediately. “Madison?”
“Yeah. Sorry to bug you, it’s just that there was this car following me, and I got freaked out, and I tried to call Damiano but he didn’t answer. It’s just…I don’t think the police will care about this at all. But I wanted to tell someone, so…”
“Is the car still there?”
“No, it disappeared when I turned onto my street. I’m not convinced it’s gone, though.”
“Hang on.”
His end of the call goes silent. I pull in a deep breath. I already feel a hundred times better, just from hearing Seth’s voice. His no-nonsense tone says he’ll get to the bottom of whatever thing is bothering me. Kyle was like that, too. Ready to solve any problem or issue. He wasn’t as controlled and commanding as Seth, but maybe he would’ve grown into that.
It breaks my heart that I’ll never know Kyle as a fully mature adult man.
Seth comes back on the line. “Those were our guys, Madison. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
“I—what?” My relief is mixed with confusion. “They’re your guys? Following me?”
“Yes. Damiano put a security detail on you?—”
“No. Fuck no. I did not consent to that. In fact, he told me he was done having me followed. This is such an invasion of my privacy. Call them off, Seth.”
He sighs. “Look, I can do that, Madison, but after last week, are you sure?—”
“Yes, I’m sure.” I’m so mad, I could hit something. Instead I channel my anger into unloading my groceries. “Tell them to go home. I don’t need them or want them here.”
To think I was scared shitless about someone following me—for no freaking good reason. It’s Damiano’s fault that I was hyperventilating on the way home.
“Okay.” Seth sounds resigned. “I’ve texted them. It’s done. They’re leaving now.”
“Thank you.” My voice is icy, which isn’t fair—Seth isn’t the one who called those guys to watch me.
We say a quick goodbye and I finish putting away groceries. Next, I call Damiano. He still doesn’t answer, so I leave a message. “I can’t believe you kept a security detail on me after we talked about it and you said you wouldn’t. Don’t call me for a while, Damiano. I need some space.”
I toss my phone on the counter and exhale slowly. This was supposed to be a chill, relaxing evening, albeit a lonely one. Cheese, bread, wine, and a zombie show. What more could a single, friendless girl ask for?
Well, it isn’t too late for my relaxing evening.
I’ve just assembled all of my goodies and gotten myself under my softest blanket when my phone rings.
