Reluctantly, I stand, smoothing the wrinkles from the comforter. I hitch my backpack over my shoulders and give Mr. Pickles two more treats for being so good.
Then I gaze around the room, my blood humming from being in Drew’s room.
“Drew and I are meant to be together, Mr. Pickles.”
The cat just stares at me with soft eyes.
“I’ll see you soon.”
Then I force myself to head back the way I came, ensuring nothing is disturbed.
After I exit, I carefully close the door behind me, leaving everything exactly the way I found it.
No one will ever know I was there.
Well, maybe Drew if he notices his shirt is missing.
I exit and reset the alarm, making sure I change the footage so it appears there is no lapse in time.
My lips curl as I move along the shrubs, making my way back toward the woods.
Drew will figure out I was here. Eventually.
He’s smart. Observant. More aware than he gives himself credit for. It’s one of my favorite things about him. I just need to give him time to catch up.
Right as I reach the tree line, I turn and look back at Drew’s bedroom window.
A shadowy black figure sits on his nightstand.
I lift my hand and wave at Mr. Pickles.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Pickles. I’ll be seeing you again very soon.”
I don’t usuallygrocery shop at this time of day, but some things require a little flexibility.
With my eyes locked on Drew’s back, I push my cart, keeping a safe distance. For now.
When he moves toward the produce aisle, I smile.
It’s time to make my move.
Once I’m in place, I guide my cart slowly down the aisle, pausing near the apples as I pretend to inspect them. I pick up an apple, turning it over in my hand as I wait.
Drew stands across the aisle from me.
Timing matters. Too soon, and it feels intentional. Too late, and I miss the moment.
He moves.
And... action.
I set the apple back down and continue forward, rounding the corner just as he steps into the aisle.
We nearly collide.
“Oh—” I stop short, blinking up at him like I didn’t see him coming. “Hi, Drew.”
“Violet.” His surprise is immediate, but it softens just as quickly into something warmer. “Hey.”
