Chapter 8 - Marian
We walked through the supermarket in silence, and while it was probably comfortable silence for Dorian, it wasn’t the same for me. Perhaps he was joking, I told myself, recalling how he had suggested we have dinner.
Why would he suggest that?
I’d made it clear where I stood about us being civil because we had to live in close proximity, and being attracted to him, sharing cordial moments without it blowing up in our faces, didn’t mean I wanted to date him again. No, that would bring about too many complications.
It was nice to fantasize about returning to the good old days of being showered with love, but beyond fantasies, it was terrifying to think of us dating again. With Dorian only inches away from me, I could see myself falling for him again, but I'd fallen hard before, and I'd fall harder this time.
I’d learned my lesson to love and prioritize myself, but Dorian was my first in every way. Of course, I'd fall hard if our past flames were rekindled.
I rubbed at my temple, feeling a headache coming on. I really needed to eat something.
I'd taken the high road already to forgive him but dating him again meant potentially being hurt by him again, and this time it would be worse.
When a thought occurred to me, I pulled a face and groaned. If I was dating someone, this wouldn't be an issue. I'd be too occupied with my relationship to think of what I once had with Dorian.
"You haven't eaten all day, have you?" he asked, interrupting my mulling, and I waved my hand dismissively.
"I had half a sandwich," I told him. "I wasn't hungry."
"Let's see how long it takes for me to hear your stomach," he rebutted, and I sent a glare his way, the cute curve of his lips drawing my eyes. "You don't look well today. I don't like that, Marian."
No!
My sub-conscience screamed the word to not fall for his charm, and I looked away. “I’ll eat something soon.”
Maybe Dorian and I being friendly wasn't wise, and that thought occurred to me too late.
When he started sniffing the air, and his eyes glowed for a second, he looked down at me. He appeared pissed all of a sudden, and I frowned.
“What?” I stopped walking. “What’s the problem?”
He looked over my head, and his perplexed expression vanished, but somehow he looked even more frightening without a frown. When I turned around, Isaac was stacking up on blood and stopped to stare at Dorian.
I faced Dorian. “I’ll be right back,” I said sternly, the warning in my voice clear enough for him to tear his eyes away from Isaac. “I’ll meet you in the storeroom.”
He didn't move, though. He buried his hands in his pockets, and I exhaled heavily and turned away. I didn't have the strength for this, but I was glad Isaac was here. I needed to find out if he was around last night, specifically close to where I live, and all without revealing to Dorian, I saw someone watching me through my window.
“Hey,” I called to Isaac, who smiled as I approached.
“Hey, you,” he replied and placed his basket on the ground.
"Stocking up?" I asked although I could clearly see what he was doing.
"Ah yeah," he answered. "I had to drive to the next town last night, though. You guys were out of my favorite smoothie.”
I laughed. "Yeah, well, you're our only and best customer. We got a new delivery this morning."
Did that mean he wasn’t in Wolfcreek last night?
"You didn't drive in the rain last night, did you?" I probed casually, and he didn't seem none-the-wiser that I was digging for details.
“No,” he answered and looked over my head for a second. “I got there before the rain started, and I could have run back, but I would have had to leave my car. I stayed at a motel for the night and drove back this morning.”
“Good, that storm was brutal last night. You might be immortal, but a car crash would definitely do damage." I replied, and I didn't have to force my smile this time. It wasn't him I’d seen last night. It wasn't anyone.
Isaac grinned. "Trust me, one-car crash and a sharp enough shard of glass through the heart, and you'd see how immortal I am."