Most days, I’m good. I really am.
But today, well, that dream has me shaken up a bit.
I hesitate before getting on the elevator to go down to the parking lot.
I peek around, and when the elevator doors open with no one inside, I slowly step in. Still anxious, I put one hand on the cool wall as I shake my head. Since when do I need an escort to my own car? Surely I can do this without freaking out.
I press the button for the bottom floor where the parking garage is located and wait to descend. I take deep, satisfying breaths to try and calm myself. I remind myself that I moved to California on my own and worked to put myself through school all on my own. Going out and getting a job isn’t the scary part.
I’m fine.
The elevator doors open, and I peek side to side before stepping out. With my eyes on my car, I walk across the empty lot, and as I’m setting stuff into my passenger seat, I see movement in the side mirror. My heart hammers in my chest as I turn to look.
Nothing is there.
I let out a deep breath. Karina, you’re being ridiculous.
Nevertheless, I lock the doors and start the car before pulling out and driving across town. Lost in thought, my phone startles me. I dig in my purse but when I can’t find it by touch only, I push the button on my steering wheel to answer. “Hello.”
“Hey Karina! This is Jacob.”
I recognize his voice immediately. He was in my study group in my senior thesis class. “Hey, Jacob. How’s the job going?” He was really friendly and even asked me out a few times. He seemed like a nice guy, but I told him I was concentrating on finishing school and getting a degree, and he seemed to be okay about it. However, I’m surprised he’s calling me now.
“The job is good. The reason I’m calling is I was thinking now that we’re graduated and you marked that off your list, you might go out with me. Maybe dinner... so we can catch up.”
“Uh, I’ve been really busy trying to find a job. Now isn’t the best time.”
Stuck in traffic as I’m talking to him, I get that prickle on the back of my neck like someone is watching me. I reach up and adjust my rearview mirror to see the cars behind me. I look to the left at the driver beside me, but I don’t spot anyone watching me.
“Karina, are you there?” Jacob asks.
“Uh, yeah, sorry, what were you saying?” I push on the gas when the car in front of me starts to move again.
“I said you’re never going to date if you keep letting life get in the way. Besides, you’re brilliant, the smartest in our class. You’ll have a job in no time.”
Even though I’m flattered, I still can’t bring myself to accept. “I hardly know you, Jacob, I just wouldn’t be comfortable.”
“Hardly know me?” his voice booms in the speakers, and I flinch. “We’ve been in the same study group for the whole year and in a lot of the same classes.” He trails off, and when he talks again, it’s in a softer tone like the one I’m used to hearing from him in the trial therapy class sessions we had in school. “You’ve obviously been hurt before. I’m sorry that it’s so hard for you to trust people, Karina. I hope in time you can. Good luck with your interviews.”
Perturbed by his arrogance at treating me like a patient or something, I laugh off his assessment. “Okay, thanks, Doctor Jacob. Bye.”
I hit the button on the steering wheel to disconnect the call and try to clear my mind of Jacob. When I get to the building, I pull into the underground parking structure. It’s pretty full, and I ignore the claustrophobic feeling I get as I go deeper below ground level. Looking at my watch, I know I’m going to be late if I don’t hurry. I grab my tote bag and purse from the passenger seat and get out of my car. It’s darker down here, and I stride toward the sign that says elevator.
I can hear someone else walking toward the elevator bay. I look back and see it’s a man. Immediately my heart is hammering again, and my breath is coming in short little gasps.
Stay calm, Karina.
Knox
I’m back at the warehouse in Whiskey Run finishing up the paperwork, and like every other mission, I’m on edge and know I’m not going to be able to go home and sleep. I try not to think about the fact that I don’t have anyone at home waiting for me. Once I’m showered and cleaned up, Logan and Aiden are the only ones still around.