This time he has hurt me more than he did with his hands.
I don’t even know where I’m going. I take the 405 westbound and continue aimlessly. As soon as I see the exit to Malibu, my heart starts beating madly.
I leave the state road and drive toward the seafront.
I park the car and decide to walk. However, my lungs seem to refuse to work. I set off on the beach toward the water. The closer I get, the calmer I become.
I sit on the sand and close my eyes, breathing deeply.
I feel something cold on my arm. As soon as I turn around, I see a beautiful Doberman coming into my arms.
“Hello, angel. What’s your name?” I ask, petting the dog, finding the tag engraved with “Zoë” on it. That’s impossible! Isn’t it?
“Zoë, come here, now!” he says, running. As soon as he gets close, he whistles. The dog doesn’t move, she snuggles in my arms with her head on my shoulder, and I hug her.
“Zoë! I’m really sorry, I’ve never seen her behave like this.” He’s behind me, and I hear from his voice that he feels guilty.
“No problem, Danny, she’s lovely,” I say, turning toward him.
“Hailey? Hi, I didn’t know you came here.”
I laugh nervously. “It wasn’t planned, and I don’t really know how I got here, but here I am.”
“I texted you this morning, but you didn’t answer me. I thought you were working.”
He sits across from me, and I try to avoid looking at him.
“Hailey.” He lifts my chin, and at that moment, our eyes lock. I get goosebumps at his touch, and he immediately retracts his hand. “Is everything alright?”
“Everything’s fine. Thanks, Danny,” I say, looking down and hugging Zoë.
“That’s bullshit. You were crying. What happened?”
“Nothing you need to worry about, but thanks for your concern.” I let go of Zoë, who stands up and starts licking my face, making me laugh.
“When you want to talk about it, I’ll be here,” he says, standing up and holding out his hand to help me stand up too.
“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” I take his hands and get up. Then I feel another jolt and reach down to caress Zoë. “It was nice to meet you, baby girl.”
“I’d better go. Otherwise, I’ll be home late. Danny, it was really nice to see you. If, by chance, you pass by Long Beach, let me know.”
“Sure, will do,” he replies, looking at me.
We walk toward the parking lot in awkward silence.
“I’m sorry I came here without warning. While driving, I was lost in thought, so I have no idea how I got here.”
“It was a surprise. A nice one!” He smiles. “Which one’s yours?” he asks, pointing at the cars.
“Let’s see if you guess right.” I walk backward, opening my arms. Zoë hops around me.
He laughs, shaking his head. “Based on what little I know of you, I’m undecided between the Camaro, the F-Type, and the Tesla Model S. Hell, what a car!”
I smile. “You’re almost there, it’s one of those three.”
“F-type and Model S. It’s hard to choose.”
“Here!” I throw my phone at him. He looks at me, amazed.
