“It’s red with a snowman on the back. I’ll look very festive.”
“What has happened to you since I lost you?”
“I’m the same phone. You just never asked me what I like.”
“How selfish of me. What are you doing tonight?”
“I’m enjoying a roaring fire, but I’m staying far back so I don’t overheat.”
“Does that mean you’re still in the mall by the fire?”
Oops, if I say yes, he might be here and see me.
“No, I’m at a friend’s house.”
“You made friends without me?”
“That’s what happens when you leave me alone.”
“I already said I’m sorry. I’ll get you back soon.”
What’s that supposed to mean? Is he tired of chatting?
“I have to get going. Ttyl.”
I ate my food while I waited for Toby. When he made it over to me, we sat quietly drinking our hot chocolate. I needed to make my exit before he offered to walk me to the doors or to my car.
“I’m gonna go to the restroom then hit the road.” I stood and tossed my cup in the garbage. “See you tomorrow.”
“Stay warm.”
“I certainly hope to.”
I hurried to the food court with my purse. Then, with a quick glance to make sure he hadn’t followed, I slipped into the women’s bathroom. I sat on the toilet with my feet up in case he decided to check. I knew he’d finish his rounds then go to his office until his last rounds at approximately two in the morning. I pulled the cell phone out and sent a text to pass the time.
“I’m still trying to figure out why you don’t want me back.”
No response. I figured my mystery man was out on the town or sleeping. I checked my watch for the time. It was well past time for Toby to be in his office. I stayed close to the vendors in the shadows, then darted to the workshop. I was so happy to get out of my elf costume, but my feet were cold, so I left the socks on. I laid there thinking, then scanned through shelter and job ads.
I hope he never wants his cell back. I love having one now.
“Are you ignoring me?”I texted.
I dozed off and on until I heard Toby make his last round of the night. I couldn’t sleep, so I crawled out and wandered over to the boxes that had been delivered earlier.
More decorations and a ladder. They’re almost begging me to do this.
I pulled the ladder over to the tree and pulled the hoodie over my head. Before long, I had the tree decorated. Most of my life, I’d never gotten to decorate a tree, and now I’d decorated five in the same month. I had just put the ladder back and closed up the boxes when I heard a beeping noise. I quickly stood behind a tree, looking, until I spotted where the beep was coming from.
A camera?
Chapter 30
Asher
Hanging with Alexandra had me feeling like my old self, but better. It made me remember that I had good friends and good family and that all my partying days weren’t for nothing. We sat in the office, catching up. She told me about her husband and their life together. I was really happy for her.
“Lex, I’m so sorry I lost contact with you,” I smiled. “We had some good times and you’ve always been a great friend, a friend that didn’t put up with my crap. And, you let me call you Lex.”