Page 97 of With Us

“Think it over,” he said.

I nodded, doubting I’d be able to think of anything else.

We both were lost in our own heads for the rest of the drive, only speaking when Theo pulled up to Java Brew. “Text me when you’re almost done.”

“I will.” Giving him a kiss, I got out, though he didn’t pull away until I was in the building.

Flicking on all the lights, I started the opening routine, a weird ache growing in my gut as I did the same things I’d done nearly every day for more than three years.

Maybe Theo is right.

???

The bell above the door rang, letting me know two things. The obvious was someone had entered the café.

The other was I was an idiot for not locking up after the pastry delivery.

Coming out from the back, I looked around and found the place empty. I wondered if I’d imagined the noise until I glanced to the side and saw someone staring at a painting.

For the second time in the short span, I cursed myself as I felt my pocket only to find it empty. My cell was sitting in my hoodie pocket in the back. Java Brew had a phone line, but the only handset was at the end of the counter closest to the man.

Keeping my eyes on him, I stepped backward.

Before I could take another one, the man called out, “Do you sell the paintings here?”

“We aren’t open for another hour,” I said instead of answering.

“I rather like this one.” There was a familiarity to his voice that I couldn’t place.

“You need to leave. Now.” I shifted, preparing to run to the back when he turned around.

Senator Larson held up his arms, palms out. “Sorry. The door was unlocked, I assumed you were open.” He flashed his plastic smile. “You’re up early after such a late night, Dahlia.”

“I’m not going to repeat myself. You need to leave. Now.”

His plastic smile changed into something more genuine. More sinister. It reminded me of the smirk Theo got when he negotiated. Only instead of sexy, Larson’s creeped me out. “Fair enough. Would you happen to know where I could find your boyfriend?”

“Try his office.”

“It was empty.”

Maybe he went to one of the other businesses. Or to take care of something with Luc.

I shrugged. “His receptionist is very helpful, maybe you could call her during business hours.”

“Veryhelpful. But he doesn’t really seem to keep business hours, does he? Always coming and going, all hours of the day and night. You’d think it’d make him easier to find if he’s working that much.” He gave his own shrug as he walked. I braced until he changed his path and headed for the exit. “Luckily he always knows where to find you, huh?”

“What—”

Before I could finish my question, Senator Larson opened the door. “Bye, Dahlia.”

I hurried over and flipped the lock before going to grab my cell from the back. My heart was pounding, a nasty tension tightening my chest. There was an insinuation in the senator’s phrasing, as if Rosa was helping Theo with more than work. The idea was laughable. Even so, I was left feeling on edge, my stomach churning with unease.

I opened my messenger app and starting typing to Theo.

Wait. If I tell Theo, he’ll want to come here and see for himself I’m fine.

It’s all nonsense and the senator is a political weirdo.

---