Page 9 of Hurts So Good

CHAPTER SIX

Lakelynn

Itake the bus to work, as I do every day. But today, my heart beats faster and my legs jostle with anxiety.

I peer around for the millionth time. I don’t see him, but I can feel him. He’s watching me. Always.

It has me craving more: a touch, a caress, a sweet affirmation of love. Anything to bring us closer.

The nearest bus stop to my job is still half a block away. I get off and walk.

I can see him now. He saunters several steps behind me with a white mask, black jeans, and a hoodie. Whenever I stop, he stops.

I wonder if he’d run.

I turn around and take a step toward him. He subtly shakes his head. A smile forms on my lips. Before, when I couldn’t see him, his presence was like a shadow. But after seeing him, exchanging a few words...it’s like...he’s kind of a friend now. It’s kind of fun.

He taps the back of his wrist with a gloved finger.

Crap. I’m going to be late if I don’t quit messing around.

With a roll of my eyes, I turn around and continue toward work. He no longer feels the need to hide from me, it seems, but he keeps his distance.

Is it thrilling to him? Is that why he watches me?

Now that I know he’s around, will he get bored of me and leave? I don’t want that. I like having him around.

Sirens wail in the distance. I don’t realize they’re coming from the bar until I reach the back door and yank it open. A police officer stands in my path.

Confused, I glance around.

Where did he go?

“Miss, you can’t come in here,” the cop says.

“Uh.” I swallow to wet my dry throat. “What’s happening? I’m supposed to clock in.”

“And you are?”

“Lakelynn Albright. I’m a waitress here.” I spot Kathy and wave to get her attention. “She knows me.”

Kathy makes a beeline toward me. She grabs my arm and pulls me back outside. “Let’s talk out here.”

The door closes behind us, leaving us alone.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

Lowering her voice, Kathy says, “Keith is dead. The cook found him an hour ago. It’s bad, Lakelynn. Oh, my God. If they find out what I said yesterday about him…”

“Breathe.” I pat her hand that’s still gripping my arm tightly. “We were the only ones in the lounge when you said that stuff, and I’m not going to say anything about it. I know you didn’t kill him.”

But I have an idea who did.

I peer around again for my stalker.

Did he really kill someone? For me?

Kathy pulls me closer. “Thank you, but there’s something else. Tammy told the police you were the last to leave.”

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