Chapter 4: Scared

Myra had squealed in delight and gripped on tightly to my arm when I told her the reason why I was paying for the movie and popcorn.

"So," she pressed.

"So what," I looked at her in confusion as we found our seats.

"So, are you going on the date with him?"

We had launched into a huge discussion whether or not I should go to dinner with Eric Coulter. Myra reminded me of the last time I had seen him when he came into the bank. He had engaged me in conversation without needing to do a transaction. He had remembered and used my name, first and last. I even dared to mention to her that he had made a statement that he preferred Ana over JoyAnna.

"Seriously Ana, if the last time you saw him was a month ago in the bank I would not have expected him to remember your name but he did. What guy does that," Myra exclaimed happily as the lights dimmed and the trailers began.

"He has good memory," I shrugged.

"He sees us every single time he comes in to do a transaction and he does not know any of our names. In fact he doesn't even know Elsa's name and that infuriates her because apparently they did go out to dinner once," she waved her hand.

"Eric dated our supervisor?"

I really had a bad feeling about this now.

"She would call it dating but it was just one dinner and it was to a company event. They merely sat at the same table and danced one song together. But she gushed over here for weeks afterwards. He came in not too long after that and basically put her in her place. He asked her what her name was because he didn't remember."

"That's cruel," I looked at the screen.

"No that was priceless," Myra laughed.

I don't know why I had felt weird when hearing about Eric and Elsa dating. Well they weren't dating but still. She was our teller supervisor and I briefly wondered if maybe when he came in that day I saw him if he was meant to come in and see her? Or maybe he did see her and she was watching what he was doing? Was he using me to make her jealous? I didn't want to be that type of girl. Whatever the case was, I threw away Eric's business card and tried to forget about him.

He apparently did not have that in mind. A week later I received a phone call from him. Almost at the exact moment that I was told a Mr. Coulter was waiting on the phone for me, Elsa called me called me to her desk and had the phone call put on hold.

"This is just to let you know that you're being put on a two day suspension," Elsa said.

"What did I do wrong? Did a customer complain? I was balanced all month," I stated.

"You're in a romantic relationship with Hector Rodriguez," she crossed one leg over the other.

"No, I'm not."

"Elena said that he came the other day and brought lunch for his mom and for you. You also have been spotted together, alone at night," she said.

"We both attend night classes at the community college," I added.

"You certainly have an excuse for everything don't you? What excuse do you have for Eric Coulter calling you?"

I looked back at Myra remembering the story she told me and then turned back to Elsa. "If we're speaking about the same Eric Coulter," I began, "my cousin works for Faction Systems, Inc. and I believe his supervisor is named Eric Coulter. I'm listed as my cousin's emergency contact. Something might be wrong with my cousin."

Her eyes narrowed and then she moved a finger for me to scoot my chair closer to her.

"They don't tolerate employee relationships here at the Bank of Dauntless. If I hear that you lied to me about your relationship with Hector or with Eric then I will have to let you go. Is that understood Miss Summers?"

"Yes, ma'am," I nodded and then went back to my teller window. My phone line was beeping and before I knew what I was doing I pressed the red button to end the call.

I don't know how she heard about Hec and I being friends. But I didn't like the fact that my supervisor was using my friendship with the manager's son as blackmail for me to keep my job. Was she just acting irrational because Eric had called me? Myra did say that he didn't seem into her. He didn't even remember her name. It must have been a low blow for her to know that he called, finally called, the Bank only to want to speak to someone else and not her.

"Just because he turned her down doesn't mean she should go after you like that," Dillon told me.

He and I hadn't gone to dinner recently and I decided that I would, especially after getting a call from his supervisor. Dillon didn't know details about what happened but he did say that Elsa Hoskins was a 'climber'. She wanted to be on top at everything and would do anything to get there. What shocked him more was that his supervisor hit on me and I didn't tell him.

"He didn't hit on me," I protested throwing a fry at him.

"He just asked you out to dinner," Dillon chuckled.

"Whatever," I shook my head. "I'm not ready for it and I barely know him."

"So you told him 'no'?"

"Actually I haven't told him anything," I made a face knowing my cousin was eyeing me out.

"You're scared," he nodded knowingly.

"I am," I answered.

Dillon dropped the subject and it changed to talking about my second job and taking night classes. He didn't like that I was catching bus or the train so late at night and by myself. I told him that certain days, I would catch a ride home from work or classes with Hec, who Elsa threatened to suspend me over. Dillon insisted that I couldn't rely strictly on my friend, especially with the threat of losing a job. And I knew that much was true. I didn't like the fact that Dillon and Peter looked after me so much.

"We're family. That's what we..."

"But you two go out of your way to help me," I protested. "I gave up relying on you two only to end up relying on my friend. I just need a bit more money. If I could get another apartment closer to town or use that money to get a car, then it would be okay."

"You're saving for both?"

"One or the other," I shrugged.

"I'll look around for something, car and apartment," Dillon listed. "Perhaps we could find something better for you. I don't like you living where you live now."

"Neither does Peter," I shook my head.

"We should have taken better care of..."

"Dillon it's fine really. It's hard but I can make it. I know I can. And if I need something, I know that have you guys."

He nodded. "Just be careful out there when you're walking to the bus stop or train station. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you," he kissed my forehead and took me home after he insisted on paying for dinner.

Myra and I had begun going to the movies and dinner almost on a regular basis lately and I had asked her another time why Edward was not joining us. She stated that he was busy and then would quickly change the subject. It seemed as though something had happened between the two of them but I didn't want to make a big deal about it until she started acting strangely.

"Myra, really, what's going on? Edward can't be that busy."

"Oh but he is," she muttered. "Too busy to call," she rolled her eyes. And just like every other time she changed the subject. "Now I'm taking you home again tonight because I just can't believe you rather catch bus at this time of the night."

I had tried to get out of it but there was no way she was letting me walk down a dark street by myself. She had told me the same thing as my cousin. She didn't think it was a big deal that she took me home after work. After all it was just two days a week.

I didn't see the need for them to be so worried about me until the following week. Hec was off because he was helping his sister with the baby. I already asked to leave a bit earlier so that I could catch the bus in time to make it to the train station, which they allowed. My instant happy mood disappeared when I walked out of the employee room.

"Where were you last weekend?" I looked up to see Mr. Marcus had been the customer at the bar. "I came in and they said that you were working another area of the restaurant. I sat at the tables that you usually wait on so that I could see you."

He winked and I got that eerie feeling that one usually gets when it's dark at night and there's some strange noise outside your window. Yup that is how I felt when Mr. Marcus talked to me. Not to mention he had remembered the tables that I usually wait on. Can you say 'stalker'? The girls told me that he would hit on every one and so I assumed that he would be extra flirty but this was getting weird and I didn't like it. I also didn't like that Hec wasn't working tonight.

"We alternate," I replied and took out a glass. "What can I get for you?"

"So this is where they have you assigned then?"

I took a deep breath. "For tonight. Like I said earlier, we do alternate. Did you want a glass of water for now?"

"What time do you get off?"

He really was persistent.

"One of the girls called in sick so I might be here all night," I lied.

"Do you have a break in between," he questioned.

"She doesn't have a break right now," Lauren came to stand beside me. "Hanna needs to see you in the back," she told me and subtly gave me wink.

"Thank you," I whispered gratefully before taking off towards the employee room.

I wasn't cut out for this. I had gotten so used to working at the bank. The procedures, transactions and various regulations had been easy for me to pick up. I got along well with everyone, although every now and then Elsa was being a rash. Being a waitress reminded me of Amity and working for Mrs. Reyes. But the customers here weren't the same. They were more demanding, deceitful and lewd. I knew I could do it. I just had to put on a brave face. I waited back there for a couple minutes. Christina had come out back to check on me and had me moved towards the outside of the bar where a group of people were watching the latest UFC fight.

"Here we are," I set the plates down. "You got the traditional and honey barbeque wings, onion rings, garlic fries and the steak tacos. Enjoy boys," I smiled.

"Ana?"

I was silently pleading that it would be Eric again. I didn't know why. Looking over to my left, I was sorely disappointed. "Edward?"

"Hey," he smiled and held out his arm for me to hug him. "Myra told me you were working here but," he shrugged. "I didn't think I'd see you."

"Myra," one of the guys with him said as they all chuckled and started making kissing noises.

Edward shot a glare at the guy and then turned back to me. "How have you been?"

"I've been doing okay I guess. My car broke down about a month and a half ago maybe," I shook my head uncertain of the timing. "In fact it was about a couple days after I went out with you and Myra."

Another one of the guys spit out their beer. "Dude so you finally did work up the nerve to ask her out?"

"It wasn't a date," Edward said which made half of the scoff.

"Have you spoken to her lately," I asked him quietly drawing his attention back to me. "I went with her to the movies and to dinner at least six times in the couple weeks. I asked her about you and she said that it was just a 'girls' day out' kind of thing."

Edward sighed, looked at his friends and then stood up from his seat. He gestured that he would follow me back inside and I nodded.

"After we dropped you off the last time we went movies and met up with Peter," Edward began to explain. "I was dropping her off and we started kissing." I smiled and stopped to look at him. Edward was smiling too. "It got really heated really fast," he chuckled. "Then she invited me up but I declined and told her that it would just be a mistake if we got together. Then she said she liked me and I said I liked her too but it would have been better if we just stayed friends."

"You're an idiot," my smile dropped and I shook my head.

"I know. I tried to call her the next morning but she didn't answer. She didn't answer for three days, Ana. So I..."

"Don't tell me that you stopped calling?"

Edward remained quiet and I knew that I had my answer.

"She wouldn't answer you phone for a couple days, it doesn't mean that you give up. She's been acting differently. She's happy but she's not totally happy," I replied. "You gave up too easily, Edward. If you really like her like you told her that you do then you would beg for her to forgive you. You two would actually make a really cute couple and right now I need to know that my friends are in a nice, happy relationship. I rarely saw what one looked like," I sighed. "But if anyone can make it, I know that you two can. You two are already good friends. You don't want to lose that."

He reached his hand behind his head and then rubbed his neck. He shook his head at whatever he was thinking and then looked back outside at his friends. "They all know I like her. I mean I've liked her since we were children and the 'liking' only changed when we got to be teenagers. When we kissed and then she told me that she felt the same way," he smiled. "I just, I don't know. I didn't mean to avoid her. I got scared."

"It's easy to walk the path of least resistance but if things were easy don't you think that everyone would have what they want?" Edward sighed and nodded that he understood. "Your fear might cost you your best friend, Edward. To her it looks like she wasn't worth it and that's a bad feeling to have, trust me I know," I rolled my eyes. "When the phone calls don't come and you're up waiting at night," I shook my head. "Even if she doesn't answer, I think she still likes the idea that you called. It makes her know that you put forth the effort and that you were thinking of her."

Briefly I was reminded of those nights that Cain said he didn't call because he didn't want to wake me. I had foolishly believed him. When in reality I was the furthest thing from his mind. It was a painful memory. One I'm sure that Myra had experienced when Edward stopped calling. I was glad that she had me to keep her mind occupied because when I had no one when I was with Cain.

"Thanks Ana."

"JoyAnna table nine wants their check. Oh hey Edward," Christina said. He nodded to her. "You're not giving our girl here a hard time are you?"

"No," he shook his head and I wondered how they had known one another. "Ana here is friends with Myra. We were just catching up."

"Oh wow," Christina replied. "What a small world. I'm going to head outside," she winked at me and then growled at Edward before trotting away.

I looked back at him as she disappeared. "Christina is dating one of my buddies out there." What a small world, indeed. "Thanks Ana for letting me know. The next time you go out with her, give me a buzz. I think if I talk to her in person, it might be better."

"I think so, too."

The rest of the night had gone by quickly. I had waited on a few more tables before I was finished with my shift. I made sure I saw Mr. Marcus sitting down at the bar. He was distracted with a woman sitting next to him when I made my exit.

"It felt weird," I told Hec as I was walking to the bus stop. I had called him right away like he told me to and kept him on the line as I walked by myself.

"You just need to tell him off," Hec suggested. "Hanna wouldn't think ill of you if you did."

It just wasn't in my character to do so. I would feel guilty about it later on. It didn't help that Mr. Marcus continued to show up at the job. It seemed that he had zeroed in on me. A couple of the other waitresses were happy that his innuendos were not targeted towards them anymore but I was feeling rather dirty about it. It was disgusting. And half the time, Christina, Lauren or Hec had to come and rescue me. A few other patrons had spoken up in my defense but they hadn't really said too much when he would ask them if they knew who he was.

"Mr. Marcus is supposedly the King of this state," Myra told me. "I didn't know that he was the creep you were talking about."

"Well, he is," I replied when we went to dinner after work one night. I had already sent a text to Edward and he was going to show up 'coincidentally' to meet us.

"He is involved in organized crime, at least that's what the rumors make out. But no one can prove it for sure because he's such a charitable person, so people believe that he's a good man."

"Well he's a weird man," I added which got a laugh out of Myra.

"Just watch your back with him, alright?"

"Yeah, of course," I nodded. "Speaking about watching our backs," my voice got soft. "Someone is right behind you."

Myra's eyes narrowed and then she turned to look behind her. "Edward," she gasped.

"Hey Myra. How have you been?"

"Fine," Myra turned her head proudly. "I've been doing just fine."

"I came here to get some take out," Edward continued. "Hi Ana."

"Hi Edward."

"Well, it was nice to run into you girls. You know I really wanted to talk to you Myra."

"Well I don't want to talk to you," she shot back.

"Myra," I softly scolded. She looked at me and then back at Edward. "I'm just going to use the bathroom," I stood up and nodded to Edward.

I actually went to the front and paid for our dinner and then left. Myra and Edward looked like they had a lot to talk about. The bus stop was closer to the drive inn then anticipated so I didn't have many qualms about taking the bus home. The only thing that I didn't like was this feeling that someone was watching me. Several buildings were on the street and it was obvious that the businesses or restaurants here were still opened. I glanced around and even stared at the dark corners. Was Mr. Marcus following me? I shook my head as the bus appeared at the end of the street. I would be on my way home soon enough.

Myra had called me that night and said that her and Edward had talked and talked.

"We practically shut down the diner," she laughed. "I should have told you earlier what happened between us but," she sighed.

"It's okay Myra."

"I was glad that we were doing things. It kept my mind occupied you know. Thank you Ana for being a listening ear and a great friend when I needed someone even though you didn't know everything," another laugh escaped her.

"It's fine. I'm just glad that you two are going to give it a try."

And they did. Of course that didn't exclude me from their dates, which I felt awkward about. But it was just like how it had been the other times we had gone out together. I wasn't made to feel like a third wheel. But the second they dropped me off at my apartment, I knew that they would be holding hands in the car or kissing one another. I was happy for them.

"Call for you on line three," Kimberleigh tapped the counter between Myra and I and then walked in the back to take her lunch.

Myra grabbed the phone thinking that it was Edward. "Edward," she said happily into the phone. "Oh, I'm sorry."

I looked up at her and her face had paled.

"Yes I understand and I do apologize for it. Thank you for your patience."

There was a pause and Myra bit her bottom lip. She had answered a customer call as though she were expecting her boyfriend. We were already warned about personal calls at our station's extensions and it seemed to me that this person was giving her a hard time.

"Of course Mr. Coulter I understand," she said which definitely got my attention. "Yes, I," another paused and she closed her eyes. "No that's okay. I'll let our manager know myself."

Suddenly she released a sigh of relief and I wondered what was going on. Her eyes met mine and she smiled.

"Miss Summers and I share phone lines, yes. Right now she's..."

I shook my head and waved my hands as to cut her off. I didn't want to talk to him, especially now. I looked over to see Elsa was typing on her computer and speaking on the phone with a customer. If she found out that I was talking to Eric she would suspend me. I didn't want to deal with whatever was going on between the two of them. I didn't want to get caught in the middle. Myra had said that they had dated once and that Elsa had bragged about it. Dillon had mentioned that she would do anything to get on top, which included getting me suspended or fired if I talked to her ex-boyfriend or whatever Eric was to her.

"She's with a customer at the moment," Myra filled in slowly and with a confused look on her face.

My head nodded behind her and she turned to look at our teller supervisor as well.

"I'll let her know that you called. Yes, I'll deliver the message Mr. Coulter. Is there anything else that you," she pulled back from the phone and then set it down. "The dude just hung up on me," she rolled her eyes.

"If he heard you say that you would be in trouble. You were shaking in your seat earlier," I teased.

"He told me it was highly unprofessional for me to have answered the phone as though it was my own personal cell phone," she said. "What a douche," she muttered as I hit her playfully. "Now, tell me again why you avoided him just now?"

And that was how it went on several occasions that Eric called the bank or even the restaurant. He only called once a day but that was enough for people, especially Hec and Myra to question why I wasn't doing anything.

"I just settled into a routine that doesn't consist of a boyfriend," I told Hec when he took the phone call for me one night at the bar. "You know my situation."

"I do but Ana it's just one date. He's not asking you to move in with him."

I shook my head. "And then there's that situation with my supervisor at the bank. If he mistreated her after one dinner, then what am I to expect after one dinner with him? I don't know him entirely. And what I do know scares me."

"He was in a business meeting with the Carmichaels. It doesn't mean that he is a close family friend like your ex," Hec reminded me.

"That's another thing, Hec," I pointed out. "He knows the same people as my ex. The similarities are just too..."

"One similarity doesn't make him the same person Ana, and neither would two or three," Hec said.

"You of all people shouldn't be pressuring me into rushing things."

"Ana, I saw you when he came here for dinner. You were excited and nervous," he smiled. "He didn't watch you like these creeps here. I think you should take the chance."

"I took the chance with my ex and look what happened to me."

"This isn't your ex and he isn't asking you to move. He's only asking you for one dinner," Hec replied. "Think about it, Ana. This is Dauntless, time for you to face conquer your fears and push away your insecurities which I know that asshole of an ex gave to you. I see a strong and courageous person. It's been half a year since your ex."

"See it's too soon. I..."

"The time will never be just right," he assured me. "If you're waiting for the right time, it will never come. You have to work with what you got. Remember when life gives you lemons," he smiled.

"You make lemonade," I added.

"It doesn't tell you to make it a month from now or a couple years from now. By then the lemon tree might have died," he smiled and so did I. "Give it a chance Ana. You could even suggest having dinner here so I could keep an eye on you."

But of course that never happened. I was too scared to confront him and soon the days turned into weeks. Dillon had asked about what I had done but I told him that I was too scared to answer. He said the same thing as Hec. This was Dauntless and I had to stop living in fear of being hurt. Not every guy was the same. But all I knew was Cain. And with Cain was associated heartache. And what I heard from Eric, he wasn't a happy person as Dillon, Taylor and Adam had said. Myra said he was demanding and the way he treated Elsa made me wary. Not to mention that he did business with families that Cain's family did business with as well. So I always shook my head whenever Hec or Myra picked up the phone.

It had been almost another month until I heard or saw Eric again. It was on a night that I was leaving our night classes and Hec had to help his sister again. I didn't mind taking notes for him, he would have done the same for me. I hurried through the street that was normally crowded. It was a weeknight this time, so everyone had already gone home and normal businesses were already closed; meaning close to no one was out but the late night bar attenders. I just got off the bus and was walking to the train station when someone had called my name.

"Hey, JoyAnna!"

I turned around but didn't see anyone that I recognized. That was until I noticed a hand waving in the air dramatically. It was Mr. Marcus. What was it with him lately? He had been trying to talk to me oftener than any other customer. I had seen a few of the girls stand up to him and was advised that I should do the same. However, I wasn't that type of person. At least I wasn't raised to be that way. So I continued to be kind to him whenever we saw one another, gently telling him 'no'. It was the same tonight. I didn't want to seem rude so I walked slowly over and greeted him politely. That was my mistake because he had pulled me into a hug and held me against him.

"I didn't see you working tonight," he said.

"Oh, I had the night off," I replied trying to squirm away from him. I didn't want to tell him I took night classes.

"Where were you headed? Perhaps I can buy you a drink," he offered.

I could see why his wife ran away to work. He was pretty creepy. I had thought he was a creep when I was at work but now this was just getting awkward and strangely frightening. I didn't like it and warning signs were going up all over in my head.

"Actually I was already meeting a friend," I finally broke free and started to turn.

"Well maybe I could meet your friend, if she's into that sort of thing," he took my hand and pulled me back.

Did he just insinuate what I think he just said? "It's a he and I don't think so," I ripped my hand away.

"Is it a boyfriend?"

"Yes it is."

He smiled that creepy smile. "You're lying."

"No I'm not."

"I can tell when a woman lies. My wife does it all the time. There is no boyfriend for you to meet, JoyAnna. Why don't we just go and have a drink? Together," he offered again.

I stepped back before he could reach me. "I have to go," I shook my head, quickly turned pulling my jacket closer and hurried down the street.

I could hear footsteps approaching and quickened my pace. I tried to remember where I was and constantly made sure that other people were around or that the street lights were on.

My fingers reached inside my bag and fumbled for my phone, ready to call 9-1-1 or anyone that I would end up dialing, just so that someone knew what was happening to me. I had two more streets to go down until I reached the train depot and even then there was no guarantee that someone was going to be there. It could end up being just me and Mr. Marcus. I couldn't believe that he had grabbed me. The way he held me was scary and I couldn't get the way that his eyes roamed all over me. It felt like I was violated.

"Ana," I heard a manly voice call out and I broke out into a run. I didn't like that look in Mr. Marcus' eyes. "Wait," he shouted but I didn't.

Quickly I unlocked my phone and dialed the most recent phone number on there which was Dillon's. I had just been talking to him about getting together for dinner so it came to no surprise that his name appeared as the phone started to ring. My heart was beating so fast that I think I dropped one of my books when a pair of arms wrapped around my body and whirled me around.

"Let me go," I started to thrash and kick my legs about.

The arms released me. But I didn't think I was safe so I turned and let a right hook fly to whoever was behind me. The person groaned and held onto his face, right below his eye. I gasped and threw both of my hands over my mouth.

"Eric," I moved to go near to him but he held a hand up.

He squeezed his eye shut and then rubbed his face where it was reddened from my hand. I looked away in embarrassment realizing that it was Eric who had called me. What did he expect? We were on a street where there wasn't that much lighting or people around. It wasn't long until I heard laughter and I turned back to see him smiling at me. He dropped his hand and then let out a deep breath.

"I guess that's what I get for sneaking up on you," he chuckled causing me to smile.

"I didn't mean to punch you. I was trying to avoid a creepy customer that constantly tries to hit on me," I shook my head. "I'm sorry Eric."

"No it's fine. Again that was really my fault for grabbing you like that but you seemed out of it and I just," he paused and ran a hand through his hair. "Well I just wanted to make sure that you were okay."

"Thanks, I," I looked down to hear a soft yell in the phone. "Let me just get this," I told Eric who nodded. "I'm sorry Dillon," I put the phone up to my ear.

"I heard you yell. Are you okay?"

"A customer was following me but I'm," I looked up at Eric to see him studying my face as if he wanted to hear me say it. "I'm okay now."

"Good," Dillon sighed. "The next time you're walking call Peter or me and talk to us on the line. Or ask us for a ride like I suggested." I rolled my eyes. "I know you like the feeling of being on your own but we can still offer you a ride."

"Even though you live forty minutes away," I shook my head.

"I'm close to your job, Ana. I don't like you walking alone on the streets of Dauntless. Just think about it next time."

"I will. Thanks again for answering."

"It was smart of you to call. Just let me know when you make it home safely, alright?"

"Okay, bye." I put the phone back into my bag. "I called my cousin," I shrugged explaining to Eric who that was; although I was pretty sure that he had known it when I had said his name.

"Are you truly okay, Ana?"

"Yes I am. I was just heading down there. I'll be fine now."

"Are you suggesting that I leave you," he questioned.

"Eric, I'm really..."

"No, you looked scared and were ready to attack anything that moved near you. I'm just about to wrap up at one of the business sites that we have. I can take you where you want to go."

"You've already done enough by checking on me."

Eric took a step closer. "I would feel sick knowing that I had left you here on a dangerous street at night all by yourself. I could easily look away and go back to work but it would not be just to let something bad happen to someone good. My mother raised me better than that. And I don't want to get scolded by my mom," he said causing me to hide a bit of laughter. "Now what do you say?"

I smiled again but immediately it disappeared when I looked over his shoulder to see Mr. Marcus eyeing the two of us. Eric lifted an eyebrow at me until he looked back and saw Mr. Marcus as well.

"We're getting out of here," he held out his hand to me which I gladly took.

We hurried down a street and then turned towards the building where I can only assume Eric had been. He had been across the street from where Mr. Marcus had grabbed me. He must have seen me take off and then Mr. Marcus come after me. I was secretly ecstatic that Eric was quick on his feet and got to me before the creep did. We walked into the building and through a few hallways until we got to an office where the window had a perfect view of the street. It was also the same street where I had caught bus at a couple weeks back when I had dinner with Myra and Edward had shown up to talk to her.

"Could you grab that folder there," Eric asked releasing my hand for the first time. I missed the warmth and safety but I tried not to dwell too much on it. I hurried to the desk where I took the folder to see Mr. Marcus on the street scanning several directions. Was he still looking for me? "You got it? Ana?"

I looked up to see that he was standing right there next to me. I shook my head and then looked back out on the street.

"It's alright Ana," his voice pulled my attention back to him. "You're safe now."

And I believed him. Eric had his jacket draped over his arm and a messenger bag on his shoulder. He offered his hand to me again which I took before following him out of the building and towards the parking garage where his car was. When I was seated and buckled in he took my hand again rubbing his thumb over the back of it. I started to relax and eventually closed my eyes. I didn't tell him where I lived and he didn't take me there. It didn't matter at the moment because right now being with him took away that scared feeling. It was nice to feel safe.