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I try my hardest not to look their way again as I go about my shift, but I fail miserably. Every time I try to sneak a peek, Hunter’s eyes are already on me, as if he knows what I’m thinking and searches for me at the same time I search for him.
When he and his friend finally get up and leave, I wait until they are out the door before I clear their table. Collecting the payment for their meal, I notice that I’ve been well overpaid—by five hundred dollars. I snatch up the money and run out the door after them.
Hunter is about to slide into a black Charger when I call out, “Hey, stop!”
He pauses and turns, a smile spreading across his face that makes me stop in my tracks. The guy he is with continues getting into the car as Hunter approaches me. “Is everything all right, miss?”
My words get lodged in my throat. “Uh ...” I hold out the five hundred dollars to give back.
Instead of taking it, he walks closer and closes my hand around the hundred-dollar bills. “They’re yours. You’ll need them when you finally decide to look at the papers I’ve given you.”
I bite my lip. “I really think you must have me mistaken for someone else. I’m no one of importance to you or your family.”
His eyes widen, and he steps closer to me. His woodsy cologne wraps around me, causing butterflies to stir in my stomach. “What do you know of my family, Red?”
Why is he calling me that? I step away from him, trying to break the spell he seems to be putting on me.
My brows furrow. “Nothing I guess.”
Again, he moves closer. “Red, there’s so much you don’t understand. There’s a whole new world waiting for someone who doesn’t know their worth. Someone who is the greatest threat to my family.” His lip curls.
“Then why are you bothering with me? Like I said, I’m no one of importance.”
Hunter leans into me, his breath on my neck. “You’re someone who can change so much. Trust me.” He pulls back and holds my gaze like his eyes are trying to burn something into my soul.
Now, I’m more confused. “What are you talking about?”
Just as Hunter’s mouth opens, the diner door opens. “Aelina, you’re about to lose your job if you don’t come in here and get back to what I pay you to do. Work,” my boss yells, her face turning a different shade of red.
Damn, I better go.
But I have so many questions. This guy is talking in riddles.
“Yes, sorry. I was just returning something to this customer.” I don’t turn and look at my boss. I want to stay here and delve into the world that I apparently don’t know.
“Well, hurry up, or you’ll have no job at the end of your shift,” she barks out and disappears back inside.
“Please tell me what you know,” I beg, desperately wanting to know what he meant. “And why are you calling me Red?”
He pushes his hand into his suit pants pocket. “That’s your name.”
“What does that even mean? My name is Aelina. Stop playing these games with me, Mr. Wolfe.”
He chuckles. “Don’t worry, Aelina. Your answers will come soon.”
I release a frustrated breath. It’s obvious I’m not going to get the answers I want, so I turn and head back inside to finish my shift.
Only now, I’m left with so many unanswered questions.
* * *
When I arrive home close to ten p.m., all I want to do is find that box with the original piece of paper in it. So I go to my closet and push boxes aside on the top shelf. There, sitting behind everything, is the small box I put the note in. Reaching up on my tiptoes, I lean in and grab it.
Walking through my apartment, I take in everything I’ve done for myself with the money that was thrown in my lap. I live a simple life. Everything I own is secondhand. Never once have I owned anything brand new. Thrift shops are my best friends. My couch is cheap leather, and my body sticks to it in the hot months. It’s not a pleasant feeling. But I’ve tried to make it my own. I have colorful cushions on the couch and throw blankets I’ve found at the thrift store to bring some life in here.
I pull out the piece of paper given to me tonight from my little handbag. Then I sit on my couch while my heart pounds as I stare at the box that contains secrets. I could easily put the new addition into the box and walk away, forgetting what Hunter said tonight.
Am I ready to go down the rabbit hole?
