Chapter 46: Chapter Forty-Six

Aubrey

I am finally back in my apartment after a week. Thankfully, there has been no sign of Benji. I am still nervous. Just because he hasn’t been around, it doesn’t mean he won’t return. If he does show up, I have to call Everett. He is staying in his apartment in the city, not too far from mine, in case I need him. I hope that doesn’t happen. I need space. I need time away from Everett. I ended up staying with him most of the nights away from my place. It was awkward after our kiss, but we managed through it. I am sure Everett is as happy as I am that we are not constantly around one another. It also takes the temptation away. It still isn’t easy to resist him.

I return to work tomorrow, something I am looking forward to. I’ve been experiencing cabin fever recently because I haven’t been doing much. I haven’t been out much. I am still afraid to go out alone in case I run into Benji. But today, I am going to be brave. I plan to go to a café near my apartment for lunch. I will be on edge the entire time, but I lived in fear for so long because of him. I refuse to continue to do so, especially since we aren’t even together. I won’t be out long. It is something I need to do for myself.

I slip on my shades and a hat, hoping that if Benji is around, he won’t notice me. I hesitantly leave my building, glancing around to make sure he isn’t around. He doesn’t seem to be anywhere in sight. I rush down the street to the café, relaxing once I reach it. I take off my hat and shades and go to find a seat, one out of view of the window and door. I order a coffee to start, then take a look at the menu.

As I glance over, a familiar laugh rings in my ear. No, please, no. I peek over the menu and spot Everett at one of the tables. He isn’t alone. He has a stunning, dark-haired woman with him. They are sitting close, touching, and flirting. Who is she? I haven’t seen her around. Then again, he has so many women in his life, it is hard to keep up. I don’t know how he manages to keep up. A churning arises in my stomach as I watch them. He looks relaxed with her. Does he like her? Like really like her. With the way he is smiling, I can’t help but wonder. I hate the jealous feeling taking over me. I have no right to be jealous. He isn’t mine. I ended things with him.

I should leave. I can’t be here. I can’t sit here and watch them. It is too much. I lay cash out on the table to cover my coffee and silently pray I can get out of here without Everett seeing me. Thank God I haven’t ordered my food. I would feel terrible if I needed to cancel my food once they had already started it. I quickly put my hat and shades back on, keeping my head down as I head for the door—bad idea. Since I am not paying as much attention as I should be, I soon walk straight into someone’s chest with enough force, and I stumble back and fall on my ass. No! This can’t be happening. Haven’t I been through enough this week?

I glance up, embarrassed, and the man in front of me doesn’t look happy.

“Watch where you are going,” he hisses with a raised voice.

“I am sorry, it was an accident,” I whisper. I hate it when anyone raises their voice.

“Stupid bitch.”

Before I have a chance to say a word, a figure appears in front of me.

“Don’t you fucking dare raise your voice at her. It was an accident.” Everett’s angry voice says.

“Maybe she shouldn’t have been looking at the ground.”

I watch as Everett’s fists ball at his sides. His entire body tenses. “Maybe you shouldn’t be so fucking rude.”

The man steps closer to him, which is not a good idea. Everett isn’t going to back down. “What has it got to do with you?”

Everett takes a few steps closer, and they are nose to nose. “It has everything to do with me. Don’t be so disrespectful. You have no right raising your voice to a woman, and especially one you don’t know.” Every word Everett says is through gritted teeth.

I quickly jump to my feet. I don’t want them to end up fighting. I rest my hand on Everett’s back. “Everett, don’t, he isn’t worth it.” I whimper.

“You should listen to the clumsy bitch.” The stranger laughs, which is one of the worst things he could do. Everett hates it.

Next thing I know, Everett’s fist connects with the stranger’s face, and he falls to the floor. “Stay down there where you belong.”

Everett takes my hand, leading us out of the café, leaving his date behind without a second thought. When we are outside, he turns to face me. “Are you okay?”

“I am fine. You shouldn’t have hit him, Everett.”

“No, probably not, but he deserved it. Were you sneaking out because I was there?”

My eyes fall to the ground. “Yes. You should probably get back to your date. Thank you for saving me once again.”

He seems to be saving me one way or another every other day.

I turn to walk away, but he doesn’t let me. He grasps my hips from behind, pulling me back to him and brings me around to face him. “She isn’t important. Come on, I will walk you home.”

Sighing, I shake my head. “Everett, I will be okay. You should go back to your date. You looked like you were having a good time. You looked comfortable with her. I am not your problem.” I whisper, forcing myself from his hold.

I rush off before he has a chance to stop me or say another word. It would be better if he went back to his date. She is a good distraction for him. If he is with her, then he can forget about me. It would be good for both of us. I know I shouldn’t have left the house. I should have known something would happen.

I hurry home and inside, locking up behind me and rest against the door. I will need to order food for delivery. I don’t have much in the house, and I am not going back out. I can’t deal with anything else going wrong. I should have stayed in bed today. I was going too, but changed my mind. I didn’t want to be lazy. I regret my choice of not staying in it now.