Page 5 of Return to Me Always

"I hate to do this," he said, "but I really have to get going."

"Oh, right. Sorry. Didn't mean to hold you up." His abruptness kind of surprised me.

"No problem, love," he said, getting up. "I hope you're feeling better."

"I am. Thanks."

Actually, I did feel better I realized as I gulped down some more hot chocolate and stood up too.

"Hey, what are you doing later?" he asked.

"Um, I'm not sure exactly." I was pretty much open and free to do anything.

"Well, maybe we could get together again. Can I give you my number?"

I liked the idea of having one friend here, and I figured a police officer might be a good person to know. "Sure," I finally said.

We quickly exchanged numbers then said our goodbyes. And as I watched him leave, I snuck over to the counter to order that big, fat brownie that was just asking to be devoured.

Chapter Two

After a full day of sightseeing on my own, I was exhausted and hungry. So when Malcolm called and asked if I wanted to meet him at a nearby pub, I didn't hesitate.

The pub was everything I had anticipated. Just like I imagined, it was cozy and dark with deep brown wooden panels lining one wall and exposed brick on the others. People filled up the front of the bar, which was stocked with beers on tap, as they stood entranced by a soccer match on TV.

By comparison, the rest of the pub was quiet with only a few tables occupied by couples. Malcolm led us to a corner, more out of the way, and I was excited to have the best view in the place.

"This is so cool. A real British pub. It's just so... classic?" I struggled for the right word. "I don't know. But I love it."

Malcolm smiled as he handed me a menu. "This one's my favorite."

Glancing down at the food options, it felt strange and foreign, filled with unfamiliar words, even though it was in English. But I already knew what I wanted to eat.

"Do you need any help with the menu?" Malcolm asked as if reading my mind.

"Nope," I answered quickly. "I have to try fish and chips, right? I haven't had any yet, and I feel like it's a must-have."

Malcolm chuckled while nodding. "Absolutely."

He put down his own menu, and we chatted about my day, Malcolm interested to hear about all the places I'd visited.

When our drinks arrived, Malcolm made a toast. "To discovering the magic of London and a new life."

As I sipped my cider and listened to Malcolm talk about some ofhisfavorite places in London, that strange feeling about him rose up in my gut again, spiraling into my chest.

It wasn't anything he said exactly. Just the way he was looking at me. Staring at me almost. Even when I was glancing around the pub, I could sense him watching me and not in a good way like dream man had been at the coffee shop.

By the time the meal arrived, I just wanted it to be over, my nerves making me jumpy about every little noise. Anxiety pumped through me, and I was ready to say goodbye to Malcolm and be back on my own, safe in my hotel room.

I wolfed down the fish and chips and didn't really care how they tasted. I was done.

"Excuse me," I said. "I just need the restroom real quick."

"Sure." His voice was casual, but he gave me an odd look as I stood up and walked away.

What was going on with me?

In the bathroom, I stared at myself in the mirror. My eyes were dilated with my strange panic, and my flushed cheeks were a bright pink.

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