by Kari Chaplin
“Coming up,” he said as he stepped away.
“Noah’s really cute. You should ask him out, Ves.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
“Why so?”
“He’s cute annnnd….” she lowered her voice. “He was looking at you.”
“You’re hilarious.” I laughed lacking emotion. “Since you think he’s so cute then maybe you should ask him out,” I suggested.
“Vessi, are you ever going to tell me what’s going on? Why do you feel stalked?” Myra whined. She knew I was a sucker when it came to whining.
“We’re back to this.” I audibly exhaled. ”It’s nothing. You know I have an active imagination.” I blew it off, hoping she’d drop it.
“Ever since your dad died,” she commented with an edge to her tone.
I ignored it. “After lunch are we going across the street to the dress shop?” I tried, as a last desperate attempt, to change the subject.
“Yes. I hope it’s on sale,” she squealed. I was relieved at my success. Once Myra was on a mission, it was hard to sway her away from it. “I can’t wait for you to see it. It’s so freakin’ awesome.” Her eyes turned into a dreaming teenager.
“Have you had a chance to decide?” Noah said as he approached the table, startling me a little.
“I haven't looked at the menu. Myra, do you know what you want?”
“I can give you more time.”
“It's okay. I know what I want.” Myra kept her eyes on the menu to help her make a fast decision.
”Great. I'm ready.” His eyes did seem particularly glued to mine. Maybe Myra was right for once.
“I’ll have the artichoke pasta,” Myra answered, not not taking her eyes off the menu. If she had, the teasing would be brutal.
“I’ll have the daily special.” I quickly added, ripping the menu away from Myra to hand them over quickly before she noticed.
He made me feel uneasy. So much so that I was tempted to ask for another waiter. I decided against it. Myra would never drop the subject. It wasn’t anything, anyway. Boys can’t help themselves when it comes to pretty girls, not that I was pretty or anything. They just can’t help themselves, period.
After lunch, it was straight to the clothing shop. The dress in the window was black, sleek and super short.
“Is that the dress?” I asked, pointing to the window. By her description, it had to be.
“Yep, that’s it. Isn’t it super cute?” She squeaked.
“It sure is, Myra.”
“It’ll make me three times the cost in tips just tonight. The guys will go crazy.” Her eyes lit up like a firework show.
“I’m sure it will.”
She grabbed the dress and headed straight to the fitting room. “What do you think?”
I had to admit, it was cute. It had spaghetti straps; the waist ran along her curves as if the dress had been painted on her. The bottom flared out just enough to give the skirt some swaying power. Her already supermodel-long legs appeared even longer.
“I love it.”
Our sales lady, Monique, helped Myra pick out a pair of black heels. I was a little jealous she could wear shoes like that. I couldn’t wear anything higher than flats. I was clumsy enough with bare feet.
“You like?” Myra asked me.
“I do. I didn’t think your legs could get any longer. I stand corrected.”
She giggled. “I know.”
After picking out jewelry, an extra pair of shoes, and a completely different outfit, Monique over-graciously thanked Myra for her business. I guess she was extra grateful since Myra probably just paid the girl’s mortgage.
“Well, let’s get back to town before we’re late for work,” I suggested while heading for the door before she could be roped into buying more.
I couldn’t wait to get out of there. My uncomfortable feeling was getting more powerful by the second. I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched. Something, someone, caught my eye from across the street. I stopped mid-stride. Our waiter from the restaurant was watching us. He wasn’t just looking at us. He was sitting at a table sipping coffee, with a smug look on his face, staring straight at me.
Maybe I’m wrong, I thought to myself. Deciding to test my theory, I gradually moved to the other side of the double entry doors. Not only did his eyes move with me, but so did his head. He was making it obvious. I moved back to my original position, and his eyes followed. I knew I hadn’t imagined that.
“Um, Myra let’s go… Now!” I said through clenched teeth.
“What the crap?”
“Let’s go, Myra.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ll tell you when we are safely driving away from this town.”
“Stop, Vanessa.” She threw up a hand. “What’s your major malfunction? You’ve been acting weird all day.”
“Look…” I turned my head toward her. “Look at the restaurant. Now look to the right of the door and three tables over. Anyone look familiar?”
“No,” her words were slow and inquisitive.
“Our waiter is watching us.”
“I don’t see anyone,Vanessa.”
I turned my head back to the restaurant. I didn’t see anyone either. “He was there, sitting in that seat.” I pointed to the chair on the left side of the table, which was still slightly pulled out.
“Well, I don’t see anyone. Maybe he was taking a break and just noticed us over here. Maybe he wasn’t looking at us at all. He could’ve just been looking in this direction, mindlessly.” She paused. “Maybe you’re being paranoid.”
“I’m not paranoid, Myra.”
“You’ve been…” Her words were slow and careful.
“What, Myra?” I crossed my arms over my chest. “What have I been?”
“Honestly?”
I nodded. “Spit it out.”
“You’ve been kinda paranoid lately.”
“Hmph.” I wasn’t surprised to hear her accuse me of paranoia. Weird things were amidst. “Let’s get out of here.”
Seven
That night was one of those nights that I wished business was slow. I only reserved that particular wish for desperate times because I always greatly needed money, but tonight my mind was everywhere else. The thought of the weird guy that seemed to be stalking me and the waiter spying on us at the dress shop wouldn’t leave my thoughts. I wasn’t concentrating on my job.
As I rounded the corner toward the bar, my skirt was grabbed by a customer. “Ma’am?”
“Yes?” I replied in a sour tone as I turned around, not appreciating the grab at my skirt.
“I ordered a scotch and water over ten minutes ago.”
“Damn, I’m sorry. I’ll be back in a flash.” I rushed to the bar and spilled out my list of orders, including the scotch and water.
“Ves, are you okay?” Brad asked. “You seem frazzled.”
“I’m okay.” I knew he didn’t buy it. Brad knew me way too well.
“Well, you should learn to take the time off you’re given. I remember Joe saying you have the night off.”
“I know,” I huffed.
“Let the girls have their tables back and sit at the bar, have a drink.” His eyes locked onto mine. “Relax. You rarely get time off,” he urged, patting the bar seductively. “Come on, sit. I don’t bite… Or do I?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
A tiny smile escaped. “Okay, well, let me drop this off first.”
“Have you met the new bar back?” Myra swept in beside me.
“I haven’t had time to do anything but take orders,” I responded.
“He’s really cute. I can’t wait to formally introduce myself.” Her voice turned slow and sexy.
Myra was gorgeous, and she knew it. She had long, brown hair with just enough waves to provide a lot of sass. Deep, green eyes complemented her mocha complexion perfectly. She was about 5’9” before
the high heels. Her body was lean and muscular. The thing was she didn’t work out, like, ever. I dragged her to the gym so I didn’t have to go alone.
“Well, that’s nice.” I grabbed my drinks and left.
“What’s going on with her?” I overheard Brad ask Myra. I didn’t hear her response, but I was positive she told him all about our admirer from the restaurant.
“So, what brings you out tonight?” Brad teased in his flirty, bartender's voice as I slipped into a bar stool. He handed me a Cherry Dr. Pepper.
“I didn’t want to hang with my sister tonight.” I purposely didn’t mention Jake.
He stopped what he was doing and gave me his full attention. “Shannon’s back in town?” I nodded. His eyes narrowed. He and Shannon used to be serious. They were engaged before she took off. “When did this happen?”
“She was at my house when I got home last night.”
He thought for a moment. “That’s a good thing, right?”
“I don’t know. She wants to make amends with me.” I rolled my eyes.
“Well, maybe you should mend your relationship.”
I let out a dry laugh.
“You two will be sisters for the rest of your lives.” He clicked his tongue as he moved down to help a few customers. The click of his tongue meant this subject was not closed, which was okay because Shannon would be at the bar sooner rather than later to rub salt into his wounds. She really crushed him when she left like she did, not saying bye to anyone. Two weeks after she left, he received her ring in the mail.
I sat at the bar, bored, sipping my drink. I’d go home, but I was Myra’s ride.
“May I have a seat?” he purred.
I instantly recognized that deep, sultry voice. My body warmed. A huge smile spread across my face. I turned around before I could take back control of my reaction. “Sure.” Great, I sounded like a gushing teenager. I frowned.
“What are you doing sitting all alone in a bar? Don’t you know what kind of guys you might attract?”
I contemplated how to answer. His tone was flirty, but his body was rigid. He was warning me. “Why do you ask?”
“I get concerned when I notice a beautiful, young lady at a bar by herself. You just might attract a person who is malevolent.” His pale green eyes were threatening. Pale green was different.
“Yes, I know. I work here, remember?”
He audibly exhaled. “I wish you didn’t.”
“What does that mean?” I laughed. “Besides, who would I attract that would make a difference?”
His eyes darkened to black. My body tensed. “Me.”
He scared me, but I wouldn’t let him know that. I allowed a controlled smirk. “I can take care of myself,” I retorted, taking a drink from my glass.
“I’m not arguing.” He raised his hands, surrendering. I watched his eyes lighten from black to amber and then back to green. Weird.
“What brings you out tonight?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
“You,” he replied, very matter-of-fact.
“Yeah, right,” I laughed. “How did you know I’d be here?” I eyed him suspiciously. He couldn’t have known where I’d be.
“Let’s call it a lucky guess. Besides, as you mentioned before, you work here; seems like a logical place to find you.” His eyes all but said he had more precise ways of knowing for sure.
“What do you want from me?” I asked in contempt.
He let out a rough breath. “Let’s just say the verdict is still out.”
“What?” I was more than a little confused by his answer. “What kind of answer is that?” I worked hard at sounding flirtatious, instead of showing the frustration that boiled within.
“Vanessa,” said a small voice.
“Yeah,” I responded, but it didn’t seem like they could hear me. The voice continued to call my name.
“Aren’t you going to wake up and answer her?” he asked.
“What?” What kind of question is that? I’m at the bar. I’m not asleep.”
“Ves, wake up, honey.” This time I recognized the voice; it was Myra.
Having never fallen asleep in public, her words confused me. I could see Myra standing in front of me. I was awake. Couldn’t she see that?
“Myra,” I yelled. “What.” I was a little more than agitated. I could see them, and they could see me, awake. Couldn’t they? I felt my frown deepen. I was staring straight into Myra’s eyes. Why couldn’t she see that?
“It’s time for me to go. Do me a favor,” his softly purred in my ear.
My breath hitched. “What favor?” My words were weak.
“Wake up and answer them,” he said, softly running his thumb down my cheek.
“I’m not asleep,” I whispered.
“Look around.”
“I don’t fall asleep very easily and definitely not in public,” I advised him in a clear, angry tone.
His eyes were motioning toward the bar. I followed suit and noticed my body hunched over the bar. “I don’t understand.”
“Hmm. I do bring out the worst in people.” The words were a frightening warning, but his cocky expression melted my organs. I craved his touch. What was he doing to me?
“You… you did this,” I demanded. I was completely appalled. “I don’t know what’s happening to me, but it’s you.”
“How can you possibly blame this on me? How could I possibly make you fall asleep?” His smile was confident and knowing, but mocking at the same time.
I looked down at my drink trying to think of a snarky reply. When I raised my head to look at him, he was gone.
I found myself back in my seat at the bar with a half empty glass in front of me. “I wasn’t asleep,” I said to Myra’s voice.
“Yes, yes, you were.”
“No. It’s not possible,” I argued.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Go finish closing so we can leave.”
“Okay. I’ll hurry.”
I couldn’t wait to get home. I decided I’d ask Joe if we can skip the meeting. As I stood, vertigo struck hard, forcing me back on the seat. His sultry laugh filled my mind. After I felt better, I slowly stood. I found Joe in his office. “Hey Joe, can Myra and I skip the meeting tonight? I’ve had a long day.”
“Sure, kid, thanks for working so hard. You and Myra take the next week off. I mean it. Don't come in except for Sunday morning to set up.”
I waved at him as I turned to leave.
“I mean it, Vanessa. Don't come in until Sunday. You work too much.”
“Yeah, I got it... Sunday morning. No earlier or you’ll spank me.” I spilled out quickly as I exited. I heard him chuckle, loudly.
I found Myra flirting with the new hire. “Hey, this is Corey,” she said as I approached them.
He held out his hand to shake mine. I returned the gesture and said hello. “Myra, I talked to Joe. He said we could go ahead and get out of here.”
“Okay, give me a minute. I’ll meet you in the car.” She turned back to Corey.
I headed out to the car to wait in the hopes that it would only be a minute. Myra tended to lose track of time when she was talking to the opposite sex.
I slowly eased into my car and pressed play on the CD player. The erotic strumming of the opening bars to ‘Glycerin’ from Bush, featuring Gwen Stefani, filled the silence. Locked safely inside my car, I took in my surroundings. Through the darkened trees, I became aware of a silhouette leaning against a tree. The figure was inhumanly still. The shape appeared to be facing in my direction. But as murky as the area was and the fact that the figure was just a shadow, left me wondering if I was paranoid. Nonetheless, I wondered if I should take a chance and run back inside or sit in the car with the doors locked, pretending not to notice. Considering the recent chain of admirers, I could only guess who it was. Of course, there was still a chance that I may have been imagining the figure in the night. It was, after all, too dark to be sure.
I looked dow
n at my small collection of CDs’ as a method of distraction. I didn’t want this probably imaginary figure to get any miscommunication regarding my staring back. As I shuffled through the cases in my hand, I realized that my music collection really could use an upgrade. The cases were cracked and the discs appeared badly scuffed.
Looking up to check on the dark figure, I noticed, to my relief, there was no-one leaning against the tree. My eyes darted to the right to make sure the figure was gone. Then my eyes looked left. My heart stopped. The dark figure stood under the streetlamp still a shadow despite the light, except now with blood red eyes. The thing was headed toward my car. I quickly calculated my chances of getting out of my car and safely inside the building. I had no hope of that turning out successfully. It was running toward me at ample speed. My heart stopped. I closed my eyes as I pressed three on my phone’s keypad, which automatically dialed Myra’s cell phone. As the phone began to ring, I heard a tapping on my window. I jumped out of my seat. Realizing Myra stood beside the car, I unlocked the door. As soon as she had the door cracked open, I immediately locked it back.
“Hurry up. Shut the door!” I wailed. “Hurry, hurry!”
Myra barely cleared the door before slamming it shut. “What’s wrong?” she asked, without seeming to pick up on the panic that I was clearly expressing.
Not bothering to answer, I looked around to see the figure was no longer in sight.
“What?” Myra asked, again.
“Nothing… It’s nothing,” I stated, shaking my head.
“You look stressed. What’s going on?”
“Do you want to stay with me tonight?” I was starting to feel a little too weird to be by myself. I didn’t consider my sister and Jake to be the most comforting company. “Joe said we need to take the next few days off. I think he will consider a police escort if we don’t start listening to him.”
“Yea, he told me. Are you okay? You’ve been acting funny all day.”
“I’m fine. I just thought it’d be fun to have an old-fashioned slumber party.” I hoped to conceal any worry lingering in my voice. “We haven’t done that in a while,” I giggled.
“Hey, yeah, that’s awesome. Since we have a couple of days, do you wanna go on a road trip?”