Page 100 of Dare You to See Me
I reach out and lay my hand on his. His face lights up and I see the way his eyes glisten.
“My actions were never meant to deceive you. I felt like you were untouchable. The mother of my student. A widow who, what I assumed, was still in love with her husband who had passed. A woman who turned heads with every step and could have her pick of any man. Then I saw you that day on my bike. The way you looked at me, I took it as a way I could get to know you as King because I didn’t think Malik stood a chance.”
“But Malik,” I pull back and knot my fingers in my lap. “The things we did as King and Sunny…that was something I’d never done before. And now I feel like it was a trick.”
“Not a trick, a selfish act by a man who thought it was the only way I could have you. It was wrong, I know that now. At the time, I thought it was just some fun that we’d have until you said stop. And when you did, I was perfectly okay because by that time I had you.”
“You’ve damaged my trust.”
“I know. Believe me I do. I wish I could turn back the hands of time and just be me. Although, it was me you were thinking about when you were with King.” My eyes go wide and I’m sure he can see the nervousness that lies in them. “I heard you whisper my name a couple of times.”
I groan, embarrassed and cover my face with my hands. He tugs them away and lifts my chin.
“There’s nothing to feel ashamed about. If anything, it only drove me to try harder.”
“But Malik, what about following me and watching? Who does that?”
“Me, apparently. I told myself it was just to make sure you and Dahlia were safe. I had this need to know what you were doing and where you were at all times. I can’t explain beyond that. It’s not the answer you want, but it’s all I’ve got.”
He continues to talk to me about things I didn’t know, some of them frightened me. Like checking my gates to make sure that they were secure, and following me to the stores because he was worried Wesley would either hurt me or convince me that Malik wasn’t the man for me.
When he’s done talking I stay silent, letting it all sink in. This is a lot to process, and I’m sure how I feel.
“I need some time to think about all of this. It’s…a lot.”
“I understand.” His words don’t hold conviction and he probably thinks he lost me again.
He ushers me to the door and I remember something I was told to give him immediately. “Oh. I almost forgot. This is for you.”
I open my purse and pull out a folded piece of paper. He takes it cautiously and unfolds it. The smile I see is the one I remember; warm and wide and genuine. Just like him.
“It’s from Dahlia.”
His eyes wander over the picture and he laughs. “Is that a cake?”
He turns the photo around and points at it. Three people stand in the middle of a grassy field. A large tree, a sun with a smiley face, and a banner that readshappy birthdayand seems to just float in the air. The woman and the little girl –presumably me and Dahlia– hold hands and stand with smiles and cone shaped party hats. The man –Malik– has a matching party hat, but in his hand holds a large brown pile with a candle sitting on top.
“I think those are supposed to be brownies.” I cringe, looking at what appears to be and not what it really is.
“It looks like shit.” We laugh and I can only agree. “It’s the best present I’ve ever received. Thank you.”
I rise on my toes, balancing with my hands on his shoulders, and kiss his cheek. It’s gentle and I hear him inhale a longing breath.
“I’ll walk you out.”
“No,” I tell him. “You go enjoy your friends. For me, please?” He looks sad but he nods. “Bye Malik.”
“G’bye my Sunny Girl.”
He holds my hand, our arms stretching as I get further away until only our fingertips touch, and then I’m gone.
But maybe not for good.
FORTY-TWO
MALIK
Me: Good morning, my Sunny Girl. Thank you for coming last night. You made my day. Hell, you made my entire year.
