Page 31 of Marc

I know I should do something, but I’m frozen in my spot and unable to move as she continues giving me a play-by-play.

“Now he’s walking towards Marc, looking like he’s ready to fight. His fists are by his sides. Marc is just standing by his car looking as cool as a cucumber.”

Nothing good will come from Marc and Jared confronting one another in the middle of my street.

Not now.

Not ever.

I need to get over there to de-escalate things, but I need to finish this photo shoot. I might have enough to call it a day, but I’ll have to edit all the pictures tonight or later this weekend.

“Miss Edith, are they fighting or just arguing?”

“Oh, they aren’t fighting, but it doesn’t look like they are arguing, either. Should I call the cops?”

“No!” I yell before apologizing. “I’m sorry. Please don’t call the police. I have to finish up a few things here at the studio, but I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“I’ll be watching from my front window. If Marc scares Jared away, I’ll bring him in for a cup of tea.”

I hang up the call and start breaking down the equipment.

Kat walks towards me. “Is everything alright? Did I hear correctly that Marc is at your house and so is Jared?”

“Yeah, I need to get over there before either of them does something stupid and get the police called on them.”

“So,” Kat pauses, and I know exactly what she wants to know.

“Yes, I’ll eventually tell you everything.”

She scoffs and I debate leaving it at that, but I know she will only keep pestering me until I tell her what’s going on.

“Marc and I just started dating and you will probably see us together a lot more, especially since Jared is coming around. I need to check on them and check on my elderly neighbor because she will probably take Marc hostage.”

Kat lets out a small chuckle. “Well, do you blame her if she does? She’s a lonely woman and Marc is a young, hot guy.”

I roll my eyes.

I wish I could joke about this and only think about how hot Marc is, but the truth is, I’m terrified.

Terrified of Jared coming back for me.

Terrified of Jared hurting Marc.

And terrified of Marc realizing how fucked up my life is and deciding he doesn’t want to be a part of it- even as a friend.

Pressing my fingers to my temple, I say, “Her holding Marc hostage is the least of my worries.”

I finish packing up the camera and grab my purse. “Do you mind locking up and setting the alarm when you two are done?”

Kat smirks. “Not at all. Call me if you need anything. I’ll knock some teeth in.”

I laugh because she’s not lying. She’s the one that would start a bar brawl just because there isn’t anything to do in our small town.

After waving goodbye, I head to the back door.

I throw my bags in the back seat before getting into the driver’s seat. Without waiting for the air conditioner to cool the air in my car, I start driving towards my house.

The only thought on my mind is getting home before Jared does something to Marc.

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