I don’t dare turn as he stalks closer, herding me against the door with an oily smile I’d love to rip right off his face.
I can see his reflection in the glass door. Still just as tall and handsome as ever with that coppery hair brushed back off his forehead and those laser-green eyes. Still wearing his trademark mustache, this ridiculous thing from the 1900s that’s shaped and waxed until it’s almost wider than his face.
I thought that facial hair made him fun and easygoing once. Now, it’s never made me feel more like I’m being hunted.
It takes me back to when I was a teenager, young and impressionable.
Back when I thought he wasn’t a terrible guy.
Back when I would have doneanythingfor him.
Back when I was a ginormous idiot.
Now, the only thing I want to do is run at him full force and throw him through the door.
But my lungs tremble, and I can feel my heart skipping dangerously.
A smirk flits across his face, telling me he can see my confusion and maybe my fear too.
I’ve never hated another person like I hate him.
But he just stands there, watching it pass over my face without caring in the slightest. Why hasn’t he come closer yet? At least then I could kick him in the balls.
It’s a real shame physical violence is frowned on in service jobs.
He folds his arms and leans against the wall like he owns the place.
He’s shameless arrogance stuffed in a suit.
I won’t be falling for it again.
“Harry,” I bite off, mustering the courage to finally turn and face him.
“Small world, LeeLee.” His smirk looks carnivorous. “Nice seeing each other, huh?”
No. If I never saw you again before I died, it would be too soon.
It’s only respect for Dr. Ezzie that keeps me from saying it.
And knowing I have bills waiting. Plus, I love my job. Even more than I hate him.
In a way, it’s nice knowing he isn’t the biggest force in my life right now. Even if it feels like it in the moment, standing face-to-face with a monster.
When I don’t say anything else, the smile slowly melts off his face. That mustache tilts down like a pitchfork with his frown.
Then he pushes off the wall in one quick movement.
“Cat must’ve ripped that little tongue right out. Pity, there’s so much to catch up on,” he mutters. “Be like that, baby doll. We won’t have to meet again if your boss is as smart as she looks.”
Without another word, he brushes past me and slams both hands on the back door, throwing it open.
I hold my breath, shaking like a little girl with a mountain lion stalking past.
Then I collapse against the wall in a heap, the box of gauze I was holding clattering to the floor.
What the hell is going on?
Why was he talking to Dr. Ezzie?
