The Dark Places by R. Whitfield (novel24 TXT) 📕

replied, grinning. “I’ve cleared the trip with the chief, and the Comfort Inn is booked, we can leave as soon as you’re ready.” Surin nodded, and they walked out the front door together.

“By the way, Parker…” She stopped and turned to face him. “If you mention one word about looking through photo albums with my mother, I will shoot you in cold blood on their kitchen floor.”

Parker conceded with a nod and a smile. “The thought didn’t even cross my mind,” he lied. “Anything else I should know?” he asked sarcastically.

“Yes,” she replied, slamming the trunk of the car shut. “I’m driving.”

26

Lucy was nervous. She had made a point of keeping her distance after the other night. She tried to forget and move on, but the truth of the matter was that she was in love with him. Staring at her reflection in the hall mirror, she self-consciously adjusted the shoulder strap of her blue cocktail dress and smiled. All couples have difficulties, she told herself, and really Lucy, what did he do that was so wrong? Got a bit physical during consensual sex, then apologised and explained himself. Tonight, they were taking the next step, they were actually announcing their relationship, going public, and she could hardly wait. It had been a difficult, few months. She had never had to keep a boyfriend secret before. It had been exciting at first, for sure, but after a while, lying to her friends and family and avoiding all social events that required a plus-one started to take its toll. She had felt like he was embarrassed by her like they had something to hide, but finally, it seemed that months of insecurity were about to pay off. A romantic home-cooked dinner, some honest, open communication and their relationship would be back on the up-and-up. She squealed to herself and clapped her hands together theatrically. Time to go, she thought and clasped her purse tightly to her side. She had promised that she would meet him outside a little café near his apartment, somewhere neutral and private. This was an important moment for them, and the last thing she wanted to do was screw it up. “The rest of my life starts tonight,” she said aloud to her reflection and happily walked out the door. The taxi was waiting out the front of her building when she got downstairs. She slipped gracefully into the backseat.

“Café Noir, please,” she asked the driver.

He nodded, and off they went.

***

She was late. He shook his head and chanced a glance around the side of the building to the front of the café again. The whole plan depended on her being here now. He could feel the anger start simmering deep inside him, and he clenched his fist and squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to calm himself down. Where was that fucking bitch, he said to himself. Tonight, needed to go like clockwork. He was already taking a risk even being seen in the general vicinity. Just as he turned to leave, he spied a taxi pulling up to the kerb. After a few seconds, he watched as Lucy shimmied out of the back seat and closed the car door. She paused for a moment, tilted her chin up and sauntered inside. He smiled, phase one complete. Turning rapidly, he retreated into the shadows of the neighbouring building and jogged the back way to his apartment.

It was twenty-five minutes later that persistent knocking drew him to his front door. He smiled before opening it, getting himself equipped for tonight’s main event. Step one, get into character.

He unlocked and swung the door open with a grin. “Lucy, you’re here,” he said and drew her into a long kiss. When he pulled back, her cheeks were flushed. She was still holding a note and a bouquet of roses.

“Crazy thing,” she started with a smirk as he quickly pulled her inside. “I get to the café and the owner asks my name.” He looked at her faking confusion, she smiled. “Then hands me this note.” She holds the grey metallic paper in the air and reads aloud. “Take a relaxing stroll two blocks downtown, then stop and smell the roses.”

He closed the door behind her as she continued with her story, walking slowly over to the lounge chair.

“So, I did just that, and to my complete surprise, two blocks later was a flower vendor who also asked my name.”

He smiled, enjoying her happiness, however fleeting it would be.

“Then, he hands me these beautiful long-stem roses.” She held the bundle towards him. He shrugged like he had no idea what she was talking about.

She giggled. “Another note was attached to the wrapping, shall I read it?” she asked, rolling her eyes.

He held her hand and pulled her gently down to the couch. “Please do,” he replied seductively.

“Take a detour to the stars,” she finished. He smiled. “Clever,” she said and kissed him on the lips.

“Thank you.” He finally conceded. “I’m glad you got the hint.”

She sat back and pouted. “You live on Constellation Avenue, sweetheart. I’m not simple.”

He laughed aloud. “I didn’t mean it like that, of course you’re not.”

She relaxed and slipped off her shoes. He looked at ease and exactly how she had hoped. His hair was tussled and the top button of his collared shirt was undone. She looked at him for a moment, and a strong feeling of love overtook her. What the hell had she been thinking, avoiding this man.

“I’m sorry,” she blurted out suddenly. He looked back at her but said nothing. “I was being silly and emotional and irrational.” She wrung her hands together. “I got scared, but honestly, I do love you, and I know we can make this work,”

He sat forward and grasped both of her hands in his. “It’s OK, let’s just enjoy