Chapter 20 Questions
"What is your name?" I blurt out. I really should've asked him this the last time when I rang him up, but I didn't expect to be seeing him ever again. Then I saw him briefly on Saturday, there was no time to ask as he was passing on the sidewalk.
But if I don't actually ask him his name right now, it will haunt me forever! If I know his name, I should be able to piece together who he really is and where I know him from! I can't just blurt out "I know you from somewhere but I can't remember! So tell me before I lose my freaking mind!" That just doesn't sound right.
The man chuckles again. "You can call me Rick," he shrugs, looking right into my eyes. His eyes are sparkling with amusement, and that tiny smirk is playing at the corner of his lips. He's having fun at my expense!
"Rick?" I don't think I've known anyone called Rick! And yet, I'm sure I should know who this man is! I know this man, as attractive as he is, and however enticing he his, is not good for me.
That isn't even a question! I'm with James and when he has the money we are getting married! I'm practically engaged! Once I have the ring people will know... If James ever decides to get off his ass and get me one. I know he thinks he's protecting me from Beth, but I really don't think it will change a damn thing!
"You don't remember me yet," he chuckles, leaning in close to my ear. "Don't worry, little dancer. Soon you will remember everything! And when you do, your life is going to change. I swear it."
He knows! He knows I know him but can't remember who he is! I don't know if I'm more embarrassed or angry that he won't tell me. I swear he is playing a game with me.
Before I can respond, Rick directs me into a little cafe. The heat and smell of coffee hits me strong and I relax against the stranger. Not on purpose! It just happened. It's like a natural reaction... and yet I can't seem to bring myself to pull away once I finally notice.
He leads me to the counter where a young, tired looking woman greets us with a smile. "How can I help you today?" She's all white teeth and practiced customer service smiles. I can't blame her for that! I'm right there with her most of the time!
"What do you want, little dancer?" He asks with a smirk, pushing me forward, allowing me to order first. That is another thing I'm not used to. James always orders first and like an after thought he ask if I want anything.
"Just a coffee, thanks," I smile. I'm hoping it will bring some warmth into my tired bones. I don't have a lot of extra fat on my body to keep me warm like some people... I turn into a popsicle with a strong gust of wind.
"And you sir?" She turns her attention to the handsome stranger beside me. Rick... He said his name is Rick... Try as I might, I can't remember anyone in my life named Rick!
"I'd like a cappuccino and two slices of chocolate cake," he smiles. "I forgot to take her out for her birthday," he says with a wink to the blushing blond.
I don't know why I'm suddenly feeling jealous! It's not like he's my boyfriend! I've got a boyfriend! And I love him! This man... Rick... Only brought me here for business! So why do I want to rip the girls eyes out?
"Of course. I'll have those right out," she giggles up at him.
He steers me to a booth by the window and sits opposite me. He looks so relaxed as he studies me. He's not even trying to hide it... But there is something I need to know!
"My birthday?" I whisper. If he really was a stranger he wouldn't know it was recently my birthday. On the other hand he could've been bluffing just to get the cake from the blond.
"It was just the other day, wasn't it?" he asks so casually, reaching across the table and tracing my cheek with his finger, like he is trying to memorize the shape of my face.
"But... how did you know?" I'm tired of not knowing who he is.
"I know all about you Josie Turner. I know you have two younger sisters, Charlotte and Olivia. I know your parents used to own a dance company, The Black Swan Dance Company... and now you live with your Aunt Beth," he rambles off facts of my life like he's known me for years.
My breath hitches. Where the hell did he learn all of this from?
"What I don't know," he says leaning forward with his elbows on the table, giving me his full attention, "is how your parents actually died."