I nod.
“You’ve met the guy on the patio here before, once or twice. I remember the one time for sure because it was the same time you lost your cell phone.”
“Ah. You found it in the bathroom, right?”
She nods.
I have a feeling that had something to do with Kobra. I don’t know what, but it can’t be a coincidence that I lostmy phone when I was with him and now he’s tracking me. Unless it is.
Before we step outside, I ask Max, “Am I just being a conspiracy nut, or…”
“Nope. People have evolved to believe in conspiracies because they exist. Natural selection favors people who avoid threats that might result in reproductive loss and harm, like conspiracies. Your ability to see potential conspiracies is evidence that your brain is perfect.”
Is Max hitting on me? “Not as good as your brain, Max,” I say in a semiseductive voice, then add with complete sincerity, “Thank God I hired a scientist.”
“I’m a neuroscientist, Mia, not a Geek Squad guy, if you’re thinking about the phone issue.”
I point out the obvious. “A guy named Kobra who thinks he can charm snakes figured out how to hack my phone in a few minutes. I’m sure you can, too.”
The back patio, which I didn’t notice on our last visit, is a beautiful brick courtyard with bistro tables and big umbrellas. It feels very European, though the palm trees lining the square sort of ruin the vibe. I spot Kobra immediately, and he sees me too. He’s wearing an unbuttoned shirt and his snake tattoo covers his whole torso. I feel sexually harassed just being in his presence.
“Hi, Kobra.” I try to act as natural as a person can while saying hi to a guy named Kobra. I don’t want this asshole to know that I don’t remember anything before Tuesday, that I’m vulnerable. Even if he was the one who sent me to thehospital, he doesn’t have to know he knocked all the brains out of me. #gameon.
Max dramatically pulls out a chair for me and I say, “Thank you.”
“Of course.”
I can’t see Kobra’s eyes through his shades. “Who’s this? You bring security today? Or is he your new boyfriend?”
“None of your concern,” Max says. His voice has a hard edge that I haven’t heard before.
“I don’t think Mr. French Billionaire would like that very much.” Kobra gives me a nod of approval. “Nice dude, by the way. He’s so smooth. I don’t normally like Europeans, even the girls—I just can’t do body hair. Can’t charm my snake if your bush looks like it could talk back.”
I cringe as he laughs at his own joke, if that’s what it was. “Gross,” I say.
“Tell me about it.”
“I meant you.”
He laughs. “Mmm. I always did like you. Feisty!”
“What do you want from me?” I ask. “How’d you know I was going to be here?”
“Good guess.” He smiles, all superior.
What a snake. “Don’t play with me,” I say. “You messed with my phone.”
He chuckles. “Of course I messed with your phone. I do that to everyone, sweetheart. It’s just good business to keep tabs on some people.”
I shake my head. “That’s not how I do business. It’s over.”
“Well, if you don’t like it, just turn it off. I activated Find My Friends.” When I pull up the app, I see his name. It says my “friend” Kobra is following me. A stupid picture of him smiles back at me.
“See, it wasn’t a secret.”
I deactivate the app. “If you ever track me again, I’m calling the cops.”
He chuckles like that’s the best news he’s heard all day. “I don’t know how you keep your hands off her, man. She’sreallyfeisty.”
