Maya
Since it was nice out, I decided to leave the office for lunch. I don’t plan on going far, a café at the bottom of the road. I ensured I had everything, letting Meredith know I would be out of the office for my break, but I had my cell in case she needed anything. Hopefully, she won’t bother me, and I can have a peaceful lunch. I brought lunch with me, but I can take it home and have it later or tomorrow.
I exit the building and stroll down the hill, smiling to myself. I still feel really good after my weekend with Conrad. He has been texting me more than usual today for some reason. I have no idea why. I don’t mind, though. I like when he texts me to see how my day is going. I just need to be careful texting at work in case I get caught. I do not need to give Meredith an excuse to yell at me.
My smile soon fades when an uneasy feeling suddenly takes over. I have a horrible feeling that someone is watching me. I glance around to see if I can see anyone I know or a stranger staring, but there is no one. I am a little confused on where the feeling came from. I shake my head and snap out of it. I am sure it is nothing. I continue my walk, but the feeling doesn’t seem to disappear. It becomes more vigorous, like not only is someone watching me, but someone is following me. I quickly swung around in case there was, but again, no one. What the hell is happening?
I pick up speed to arrive at the café as quickly as possible. Maybe I should have stayed in the office like I had originally planned. I am probably imagining things. I find a seat away from the door and the window.
“Hello, what can I get you?” a waitress asks, approaching my table a few minutes later.
“Can I have a white coffee, please? I haven’t decided what I want to eat yet.” I smile.
She nods, smiles, and disappears to make my coffee. I take my coat off, settling down, but the same uneasy feeling overcomes me as I do. I carefully looked around the café, but no one was even looking in my direction. I need to pull myself together.
I take my cell from my bag and check to see if Conrad has been in touch. I had a missed call from him. I quickly called him back, and he answered after one ring.
“Hey, you called?” I answer.
“Hey, beautiful. I did, yes. Are you okay?”
He sounds almost concerned when he asks. I don’t understand why. I haven’t given him any reason to think otherwise.
“Um, yeah.”
My answer wasn’t as convincing as I needed it to be.
“No, you aren’t. What’s wrong? Where are you? Are you still in the office?”
Damn it! I hate how easily he can seem to work me out.
“No, I left the office for lunch.”
“Where are you? I am on my lunch if you fancy some company. Also, you didn’t answer my question. What is going on? You sound anxious.”
“Please, yes, come and join me. I will tell you what is wrong when you arrive.”
“Okay, text me where you are. I will be there soon.” He replies.
“I will do. See you in a bit.”
We hang up, and my coffee arrives at the table.
“Are you ready to order?” she asks.
“I have someone coming to join me. I will wait until he arrives.” I smile.
“Okay, just give me a wave over when you are ready to offer.”
I thank her, and she goes to see to other people. I anxiously wait for Conrad to arrive. My eyes wandered around the room and outside. I keep telling myself I am being paranoid, but I know whenever I get feelings like this, there is a reason for it.
I see Conrad walk in, not even five minutes later. How did he get here so quickly? His office isn’t that close to here. He glances around to find me, and his eyes land on me. He rushes over, and I stand to greet him.
“Are you okay? What happened?” he asks.
“I am okay, but since I left the office to come here, I feel like someone has been watching and following me,” I answer honestly.
I don’t want to lie to him. Conrad pulls me to his chest and hugs me tightly.
“Conrad, what are you doing? What if someone sees us?” I panic.
“Don’t worry about it.”
After a moment, he lets go of me and motions for us to sit back. He orders a coffee and then turns his attention to me.
“Did you see someone following you?” he asks, taking my hand over the table.
“No. It was just a feeling.”
Conrad sighs and runs his fingers through his hair, “I need to tell you something. I thought I was being paranoid, but now, after what you are saying, I am beginning to think it is more than that.” He says softly.
I look at him, confused, “What do you mean?”
He took a deep breath, “When I dropped you off this morning, some guy was hanging around close by. He kept staring at you. He was all dressed in black with his hood up. When I approached him, he ran.”
The second he spoke the word, I went into a complete panic.
“He is back.” I whimper.
“Who is back?”
“My ex. It can’t be anyone else. I didn’t think he saw me at the restaurant, but he must have if he has shown up again.”
My chest tightens, and my breathing becomes heavy. A panic attack is coming.
“Maya, breathe, please. Focus on me and breathe.” He says softly.
I nod, looking straight at him as he holds my hand tightly. It takes a little time, but I manage to calm myself down.
“Conrad, what am I going to do if it is him? I am scared. He is dangerous. He won’t think twice about trying to hurt me.” I whimper.
“Listen to me, okay? You don’t need to be scared. I am right here. He won’t get anywhere near you. I promise.” He states firmly.
“You don’t know that. You can’t be with me all the time.”
“I will if I need to be. I will take you to work every morning. If you want to get out of the office for lunch, I will come with you. I will also pick you up after you are done. And you will stay at my place until we get to the bottom of it,” he replies, squeezing my hand.
“You can revolve your life around me, Conrad. It isn’t fair on you.”
I don’t want him having to protect me all of the time. It isn’t his job.
“Yes, it can if it means you will be safe.”
“And what happens when you need to leave that state for work or my days off when you are at work? You don’t need my drama, Conrad. You should walk away.” I whimper and pull my hand away from him.
“No. Don’t you dare start pulling away from me, Maya. I am not going anywhere.”
The tone in his voice is stern, but his face is gentle.
“I would understand if you left. I wouldn’t hold it against you.” I whisper.
“I am staying. I don’t want to worry, okay? He won’t get near you. And if I need to, I will get the police to him for stalking and harassing.” He promises.
I guess he acted like he never noticed me in the restaurant that day because I was with someone, but he must have because I can’t think of any other reason why I am on his radar again.
“Thank you,” I say softly.
I will still worry. I won’t be able to stop. I will be on edge constantly once again.
“I got you, angel. I promise.” He smiles and reaches over the table to kiss me softly.
I believe him when he says he will protect me. Hopefully, I won't be so scared because I am not alone this time. But I am nervous in case he tries to go after Conrad. I wouldn’t put it past him. I know Conrad can take care of himself.
I manage to smile back, “I trust you.”
A part of me hopes I am wrong and it isn’t my ex, but it is the only person it can be, and my gut tells me it is him. I need to be careful and alert all the time.