Cora turns toward me and brings the comforter to her chin. "Why do you have so many things I like in your apartment?"
My cheek twitches as I try to hide my smile. "What do you mean?"
"Well," she begins, her eyes darting away like she's recalling a memory. "I'm pretty sure everything in the fridge and pantry is something I've eaten and loved, or something I might enjoy. The closet is full of clothes that fit me, and the bathroom is stocked." Cora reaches behind her without looking and reveals a stuffed bear. "And this? Where did you get this?"
I pinch my lips together. I knew this day would come, the day when she would ask the questions I wouldn't want to give her answers to. And still, I'm no less prepared for them than I was the day I began my pursuit of her.
Cora brings the bear to her chest and nestles it. "I do love Mr. Snuggles, though."
"Is that his name?" I ask, clearly avoiding the previous request for information.
"Just admit it." She looks directly into my eyes.
"What?"
"That you've been stalking me."
"And what if I have?"
Cora breathes in deeply and exhales into the bear. "Tell me the truth, Miller, please."
The truth...where do I even begin?
"The truth is..."I reposition my elbow and adjust the way my head was resting on my hand. "Yes, I have been stalking you."
"For how long?"
"A year…maybe closer to two."
"Have you broken into my parents’ house?"
"Yes."
"How many times?"
"A few."
"Define a few," she says, her expression unreadable.
"Six times."
"Have you followed me?"
"On occasion."
"Is there anything you don't already know about me?"
I recall everything I've learned and the surface-level things that are on display for anyone who is paying attention. I've deduced things based on other facts, but there are plenty of details I don't have, like the freckle on her collarbone that I must have overlooked until now.
"This." I poke the darkened spot. "I didn't know you had a freckle here."
"Do you have any freckles?"
"A few."
A grin creeps across her face. "Like six?"
"Maybe."
