“I think it’s federal…”
“Let’s not talk about all that ugliness. Can we please just share a nice meal and talk about the future? The past is behind us. There’s no point in dredging it up again.”
She unlocked the car and climbed into the driver’s seat. After resisting the urge to accelerate away from him, she waited for him to climb into the passenger seat. She knew him too well. Now that he was here, he wasn’t going to give up easily. She had to play along or she’d make it worse for herself. But her brain was actively trying to come up with a way to shake him off for good that wouldn’t involve prison time for her.
“What do you feel like eating?” she asked.
“We could just go back to your place, order in…” he suggested.
Did he think she was stupid? He probably did. She’d acted like a fool for most of their relationship by not breaking things off every time he showed her who he was. She’d been too tenderhearted, too concerned about his fragile mental health. He’d change, he just needed help — that’s what she told herself over and over. And now, look where that had gotten her.
“I’ve got no food at my little condo, and besides, it’s a long drive,” she lied. He probably wouldn’t fall for it, but she had to try to divert him away from the truth. The last thing she wanted was to feel afraid every time she walked into her house.
She couldn’t read his response — he simply smirked. Did that mean he already knew where she lived and wasn’t buying it?
“How about Applebee’s?” she asked. The restaurant was close by and usually pretty packed, which meant more witnesses in case he tried anything.
“Sounds good.”
They made small talk as they drove. She asked about his family. He shared very little, reverting back to his usual morose self. So instead, she chatted cheerfully, hoping to keep him distracted while her mind spun in circles.
At the restaurant, she excused herself to make a phone call, walked to the back of the restaurant, and called Tyler. They were supposed to have dinner here this evening, and she had to tell him she couldn’t make it. She still wasn’t exactly sure what to say. She didn’t want to upset him or potentially cause a conflict between him and Hilton. But at the same time, she wanted so badly for him to come and rescue her from this situation.
She’d handled Hilton many times before. And this whole situation was so embarrassing. She’d rather Tyler didn’t know about it. She’d eat with him, be cordial, then do her best to get away from him. Hopefully, he’d be happy with that and go home, and life could return to normal.
“Hey, Tyler. It’s Jess.”
She could almost hear Tyler’s smile through the phone line. “Hey, I was about to come and pick you up. Everything okay?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling very well. It’s been a long day, and I think I’m coming down with something. I’m going to have to take a rain check. Is that okay?”
He hesitated. “Uh… I guess. I hope you feel better soon. I thought I heard someone say ‘Welcome to Applebee’s’ in the background there.”
Her cheeks flamed. “Uh, yeah, I thought I’d stop by the restaurant but once I got here, I realised I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I was really looking forward to seeing you, but I just don’t think I should push myself. Plus, I don’t want to get you sick.”
“That’s nice of you. Okay, we can try again soon. I’ll call you.”
As she hung up the phone, her heart ached. She wanted him here. But she couldn’t risk putting him in danger. This was her issue. And she understood him well enough to know he’d get involved if he knew Hilton was there. She didn’t want to escalate things. She’d find out what he wanted, be polite, and then send him on his way. It was all going to be okay.
She let her eyes drift shut, drew a deep breath, and then with a forced smile returned to the table.
“Everything okay?” Hilton asked.
“Yup, just canceling my plans for this evening.”
“You’re dating?” he asked, his eyes narrowed.
“No, it’s not like that. I’m making friends. It’s a new place…”
He grunted. “Because cheating isn’t an attractive look, Jessie.”
“Cheating? We’re not together anymore, Hil. You know that. We’ve spoken about it multiple times.”
He waved her off. “We’ve had a few fights, but I’m willing to overlook that and take you back. You should be grateful. Not many men would.”
“I don’t want to get back together. I’ve moved on. I have a whole new life now. You’re just going to have to accept that.”
He smiled at her. A narrow, sly smile. “Don’t worry, Jess. I don’t give up so easily. You and I are meant to be together.”
