Page 1 of Ozzie

CHAPTER 1

Piper Moreau

As soon as I set my keys down, I grab my phone and turn on the music. I have the house to myself for a few days since my cousin, Durango, is on an assignment. He does not like my music, but when he’s gone, I’m playing it. But not too loud. We live in a typical row house in Brooklyn, which means we share the side walls with neighbors.

Once I get the music going, I can’t help but move to the beat. Something I’ve always loved to do.

“I see you still like to dance,” a familiar voice says.

I spin around and lock eyes with the man I’d hoped never to see again. My ex. He swore he’d find me no matter where I went. It’s been over a year, and I’d hoped he’d moved on with someone else.

“Surprised to see me, love?”

His nickname for me causes my stomach to roll. I run to the sink and vomit.

“Not the welcome I was hoping for,” he says. “I’ve been watching you, and you are never alone. Until now.”

I turn back and take him in. Instead of his usual kempt appearance, his dark hair is greasy and his clothes are rumpled.

“Not for long. My roommate will be home soon, and I have a friend coming over.”

He laughs. “You’re a shit liar. I watched your cousin leave with a bag.”

I wipe my mouth with a towel. He knows I live with my cousin. What else has he observed? Taking in his clothes and hair, I wonder how long he’s been watching me.

“Why are you here? How did you find me?”

He leans against the counter. “You know why I’m here. I told you. I’m the only man for you. But I’m not so sure you’re as loyal.”

Loyal? I’ve been too scared to be with anyone else. It’s one of the reasons I’ve put Ozzie off. But this weekend, we are finally going to talk about dating and talking to Durango. I’m ready. I really thought I would never see John again.

“Who is this?” He holds up a photo of Ozzie and me standing outside the building’s front door, laughing. It’s from last week. John’s been watching me, so he’s likely aware my cousin won’t be returning anytime soon.

“That’s one of my cousin’s coworkers.”

“Is this the friend who’s coming over?”

“Yes.”

John grabs my phone and then holds it out to me. “Cancel your plans.” He moves behind me and watches from over my shoulder.

I open my text string with Ozzie. How can I clue him in that I need him with John right behind me? Ozzie will be mad if I cancel. If I’m brief, he’ll want answers and hopefully will come over, demanding some.

Piper:Have to cancel our plans. Maybe next time.

I wince before sending it. After everything we talked about yesterday, he has to know I wouldn’t send this message. I hope he gets the clue I’m sending. Over the past year, we’ve grown to be close friends. But I want so much more than that from him. But after what happened with John, I haven’t been ready to go there yet.

John takes my phone and puts it into his pocket. It vibrates several times, and if I had to guess, Ozzie is asking questions.

“Sit,” he says as he nods to a stool next to the counter.

I sit. Maybe if I can get him talking, he won’t hit me. “How long have you been watching me?”

“Long enough to know you don’t belong here. Here’s what going to happen. You’re going to pack a bag, then leave a short note for your cousin telling him you’re moving back to Montana.”

“I don’t want to move back to Montana.”

I don’t see it coming. He smacks me hard, and I cup my cheek.

---