“I haven’t caught sight of a tail, and this may take a while, so I’m going to pull over.” His turn signal is already on as he glides into the middle lane to turn into a 7-Eleven.
As much as I would like to sit and listen to his call, I would rather he not worry about me so he can speak freely. “I’m going to run in. Would you like anything?”
Boone looks around as if he’s searching for the killer in the cars parked next to us. “I can go in with you when I’m done,” he offers.
“I’m fine, and besides, I need to use the bathroom again, and I draw the line at you listening to me pee.”
“Try to stay where I can see you,” he concedes.
“Before or after I pee?”
That makes him crack a smile. “Since you were the one to draw the line, I suppose I will have to accept it for now.”
“Right on. Want anything?”
“No thanks.” He’s already concentrating on his phone, so I take it as my cue to leave.
The moment I close the car door and shut myself away from Boone, the same old intrusive thoughts that have been my life since losing Hayzel return with a vengeance. I glance over my shoulder then scan the parking lot for the mystery man I’m convinced I would sense if he were near, and I find everyone going about their business, ignoring me.
A sensor at the door chimes as I enter the convenience store. The aroma of coffee and fried foods fills the air, and even though I’m not hungry, a snack suddenly sounds appealing. It only takes a moment to scan the ceiling area for the sign that points to the restrooms. The clerk doesn’t even look in my direction as I pass in front of the counter, choosing to stare down at his phone instead.
When I reach the hallway, I contemplate just standing here for a minute to make it seem like I used the bathroom instead of actually opening the door. In my experience, convenience store restrooms are only an emergency use situation. The problem is, now that I’ve been thinking about going, I need to.
I spend so much time deciding what to do, I miss my chance when a woman walks up and says, “Are you waiting?”
“Oh, go ahead.” I motion for her to enter before me. When I hear the click of the lock behind her, I realize it’s a single use. By the time she comes out, I’m swaying from side to side. She gives me a funny look when she finds me still waiting in the hall,but I ignore her and hold my breath as I enter the tiny room. As quickly as I can, I use the bathroom and wash my hands, keeping a hold of the paper towel to open the door.
Boone’s hand is raised to knock just as I exit. I blush profusely and blurt, “I had to wait to get in.”
“I couldn’t see you.”
“I was just waiting.”
“Are you done?” I’m not imagining the fact that his tone is tighter.
“Yeah.”
He guides me to the entrance and shoves the door open, holding it long enough so I can walk out behind him, then he leads me back to the car. This time, I feel a little disgruntled when he opens the door for me because it feels like it’s for a completely different reason.
“I didn’t know you were in a hurry,” I say when he starts the car.
“I’m not in a hurry, but I thought you understood I need to have eyes on you.”
“There was nobody inside other than the worker and the lady who walked in.”
“Yeah, and she came in after you and left before you.” He spares me a glance before turning out of the lot.
“I was working up the nerve to go into the bathroom,” I confess, feeling dumb for having to admit it out loud.
“Working up the nerve,” he scoffs.
“Yeah, it’s a bit different for a girl. We can’t just avoid all the nastiness by getting to stand. There are strategies and desperation involved. I thought you’d understand that since you have sisters.” I’m snippy for no other reason than I’m embarrassed and I’m reacting to his colder demeanor.
“I overreacted,” he eventually says as the guard shack for the condo comes into view.
“It’s fine. I’m crabby.” I make note that neither of us apologizes. What I don’t know is if it’s because it was not needed or we’re both too stubborn. I do give him credit for saying something first though.
“This guy…” Boone mutters under his breath while powering down the window.
