Page 72 of No Need to Hide

I take off.

By the time I reach the next aisle, I've lost my appetite for anything healthy. I ditch the healthy food for a pack of Oreos, then head to the checkout line.

The cashier hasn’t seen him, either. When she stares at his photo and says she’d love to see him walk through the store, I have to restrain myself from jumping over the counter and pulling her hair out.

I stiffly pay, then head for the exit.

Well, that was a bust.

But there’s always the gym.

I shove an Oreo into my mouth in the locker room as I change into leggings and a tank top.

He’ll probably be here. It’s the gym, after all. Roman looks like he practically lives in one.

I shove another Oreo in my mouth. The fit chick at the front desk gave me a weird look when I walked in with a duffel bag and a container of Oreos. When I told her I wanted a trial membership, she stared at the cookies for a few beats before finally helping me.

Judgmental bitch.

I throw my things in a locker—including the Oreos—then hurry to the mirror to make sure I don’t have cookie crumbs stuck in my teeth.

I’m good.

I rush out of the locker room, anxious to find my man.

I scan the gym, but there’s no sign of Roman.

Yet.

I’m probably too early.

I evaluate the treadmills, choosing the one that will give me the best vantage point when he arrives.

An hour and fifteen minutes later, and he still isn’t here.

My legs are getting sore from walking, and the treadmill stopped after sixty minutes, so I had to restart it.

Okay. I’m done.