Page 12 of Creep

Slowly, I walked up the steps leading to the front porch, where he stood, his hands tucked inside his pockets.

Leonardo Briggs was a distinguished man. Although he was my father’s age, there was always something so strong and secure about him, as if he was capable of taking on anything and protecting me from everything bad in this world.

He was also my father’s best friend.

“Is something wrong, Lia?” he asked.

Of course he would think that. I had called him in a panic, which felt kind of silly now that I was standing in front of him.

My cheeks warmed.

Was I making a big deal out of something that was probably nothing?

I didn’t know, but it was better to be safe than not, right?

“Can we talk inside?” I asked.

He stepped aside for me to enter his house. “Of course.”

I walked in, looking around at the familiar house I had probably been in as many times as I had been in my father’s house.

We went to his office. I barely took note of my surroundings, trying to think of how I would go about approaching the subject. A part of me still doubted that there was a stalker, only because… how could it be happening to me?

I was… ordinary.

There was nothing special about me that could attract the attention of anyone, and though my family had money, it wasn’t the kind of money that pushed us into the spotlight. Once inside, I sat down on the couch and watched as Leo walked over to the small makeshift bar in the corner, pouring himself a shot of something gold.

Scotch, his favorite.

He indicated at the second glass, and I shook my head. I was still recovering from all the alcohol I’d consumed the night before. Just the thought of the taste of scotch on my tongue was enough to make me feel sick.

He walked over with his glass in hand and took a seat next to me on the couch, taking a small sip.

“What’s this about?” he asked.

I licked my suddenly dry lips. “I… I don’t know.”

He frowned.

I shook my head. I wasn’t making any sense.

“Can we keep this between us?” I asked.

“Are you in some sort of trouble, Lia?”

I looked at him expectantly.

He let out a small sigh. “If I don’t think it’s necessary to involve your father. But you know I don’t like to keep things from him. Especially when it comes to you.”

Fair enough. “I think I have a stalker.”

He tensed beside me.

I looked away from him for a beat before bringing my gaze back, shifting nervously in my seat.

“Why do you think that?”

“I-I’ve been getting the feeling that someone’s been watching me. I know it sounds crazy, but… I can’t shake it. But I don’t want to go to the police if I’m not completely sure, but I’m… I’m scared.”

---