Page 47 of Unmasking Secrets
It’s been a long and boring night while they were away. When everyone got back and went straight to bed, I thought it would continue to be a boring and peaceful evening.
Matt took over the security office when they returned. He told me Tabitha needed to talk to me. I don’t know what I was expecting when I walked to her room, but it wasn’t this. Maybe another meet up was being planned soon. I didn’t think she would want to go home, not yet.
I lean against the wall in the small hallway. “It’s ultimately your decision.”
There’s no point in telling her I’d feel better not being back at her place. Then again, since my team improved everything, there haven’t been any more attempted break-ins. I also think that’s because her ex knows she’s not there. He doesn’t know where she’s been.
“Yes, but I want your input. Can you come inside for a minute so we can talk privately?” She opens her door and waits for me to follow.
Once we’re both inside her room, she closes the door and continues. “I value your input on my safety. I know you’re only looking out for me. So, if there’s something we can improve, let me know.”
“Your house is secure and armed, if needed. I think it comes down to the front gate. The neighborhood security is shit when it comes to your ex. There’s also the matter of the woods your neighborhood is backed up to. It’s not well lit on that back fence. I put up cameras, but I’m only one guy. If we can have someone specifically keep an eye on the extra cameras, that should work.” I sigh. “Until we get him.”
Tabitha nods. “Okay. We’ve got more work tomorrow and then I’m going to request a change of flights for the following morning.” She yawns.
“Okay.” I hesitate. “Did you have fun tonight?”
Her eyes grow. “Yeah. I did, thanks.”
She opens her mouth and then quickly closes it. Was she going to say something else? I hesitate, and then she steps toward me, throwing her arms around my middle.
My arms wrap around her, and I hug her back. I don’t let go, not until she does. It feels more like I’m holding her than hugging her.
“Everything okay?” I break the silence.
She nods against my chest. “I appreciate you. I hope you know that.”
I grin.
She slowly pulls back and looks up at me. Her eyes dip to my lips and then back up to my eyes. “Good night, Arch.”
I hesitate too long, and she steps back. My arms fall to my sides.
“Night, Tab.”
Was that something? Should I have done something? I start to open my mouth, then think better of it. It was probably nothing. I smile then leave her room.
Matt is standing in the doorway of the security office when I approach. “Dude, call it a night. You can pick it up in the morning. I got this.” He turns and closes the door on me.
I dropher bag near her door before moving further down the hall. We haven’t spoken more than a few words to each other since the night before last, when she told me she was ready to go home.
Now, we’re here.
Matt is updating the camera software and encrypting something so they can have access to it at the main office. It’s the only thing I could think of adding since she wanted to come back. It’s notlike we can take over her home. I hope we never have a reason to again.
Tyler is responding to more requests and filtering in job opportunities for our small group. We should probably add one or two more, but we can’t easily trust just anyone. This will take some time.
I head back to the security office and hear Tabitha laugh from her office. I pause and peek inside. She’s facing her computer screen. A pink headset with bunny ears resting on her head.
Not wanting to eavesdrop, I turn and walk back over to the office. My eyes periodically scan over to the screen that shows her office. She’s playing a game with friends. I didn’t notice if she had set up her camera to record. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her play any games. There was one time I thought someone had snuck in because I heard voices, but she was just streaming with some of her cosplay friends.
She’s definitely in her own little world. Different from mine. I saw her this weekend with friends, in her element. Regardless if they were just work friends, they have more in common with her than I do.
Even if I thought I could change things, what do I have to offer her? What future could I possibly give her when I don’t know what to do with the rest of my life?
I don’t even know what I’m doing here anymore. When I initially claimed this assignment, it was for selfish reasons. I wanted to be closer to her after all the years have kept us apart. There were things happening in her life that I should’ve known. Things I should’ve been able to fucking prevent if I made it a point to be around. Then—we got close—or started too. But I fuckingpushed her away—or maybe she pushed me. Either way, I let her get away again.
The only problem is now I know the truth. My feelings aren’t one sided. They never were. Maybe it was always just the timing or me not being able to get my head out my own ass.
