The afternoon was unusually quiet, with Melody at Javier and Rowan's. After the long couple of days I've had, I could do with some quiet to figure some things out. But I was so used to having noise around my apartment that the silence was almost uncomfortable. Digging into the fridge, I rummaged for what leftovers could be fixed for lunch.

I poked my head out, hearing my phone on the counter. My spirit lifted at the sight of the name flashing across the screen. "Miguel," I greeted in a bright, cheery voice.

"Someone sounds happy," Miguel answered, "I take it you're not doing too bad."

I laughed before telling him, "I've been worse, I guess."

"Sounds like you have something on your mind." Miguel noted, "how about telling me about it over lunch?"

My mouth dropped to the floor, and I was sure that shock had to be all over my face. I thought he had to be joking. "You're home?" I asked when I found my voice. "It's only April."

Miguel plays in the NBA for the Knicks, which meant he wasn't home too often during the regular basketball seasons. It would be even longer if his team made it into the play-in tournament. So, to hear he was home was a real welcome surprise.

I could hear his laughter on the other end. "Yeah, I'm back for a couple of games for about a week."

"The usual place in fifteen minutes," I started to gather my purse and key. "We can talk and catch up over lunch."

"Sounds perfect," He agreed, "see you then."

I arrived at our favorite Cafe fifteen minutes later. The place wasn't too packed, which made it a lot easier for me to spot Miguel in the back corner. Excitement filled up in me when I saw him. In my excitement, I flew into his arm like a teenager.

Miguel caught me in his arms and picked me up, spinning me around as he groaned and laughed.

"I missed you so much," I whispered, squeezing him even harder if that was possible.

Miguel hugged me back. "I missed you too."

He placed me back on the ground, and we both took a seat. We didn't need the menu to know what to order. The Cafe was our family's go-to spot, so we knew the menu by heart. We ordered our usual and started to catch up as we waited for our orders.

"So, does Maya or anyone else know you're home?" I asked, setting the menu aside.

Miguel shook his head. "I just got back. I wanted to surprise Maya and the kids. Maybe you can help me."

I smiled, feeling special that Miguel and I had a secret. It was only a couple of hours, but it was still special. I loved it when different little things happened between my siblings and me. It always made the already close relationship I have with them even better.

"I'd love to," I answered, happy to lend a hand. "In the meantime, tell me about your life in New York."

Miguel leaned back in his chair and folded his arm in his lap. "Well, L.A. is definitely different than New York. I miss being closer to my family, that's for sure. My workout routine is different now that I'm not near the beach." We thanked the waiter who brought our drinks over. "Tell me about you. How have you and Melody been?"

I took a sip of my drink, trying to decide where to start. "I've been busy with work. Her health aside, Melody is a happy, healthy two-year-old. So, her medication is working, and Javy's keeping a close eye on me to make sure my medication is working as it should after switching it a couple of months ago."

Miguel raised a brow studying me. "And you and Trey?" He prompted.

I could feel a headache starting to form with that subject. My heart ached as my spirit dropped a little. I considered telling Miguel the truth. It wasn't like I could hide it forever. I opened my mouth but closed it again when I lost my nerve.

I sighed and whispered, "we're complicated," A waiter brought our food over, and I changed the subject. "Did Troy or Chad know who you were when you played against the Lakers?"

We thanked the waiter as he left. Miguel dug into his food before telling me anything. "They haven't put it together; they see me as an old Laker player. Nothing more."

I relaxed, breathing out a relieved breath. He reached into his pockets and pulled out two tickets his old teams gave him. He offered it to me, advising that I make it a date night with Trey. A wave of sadness and uncertainty hit me. I hesitated to take the tickets, suggesting he take Maya to the show. I finally agreed to take the tickets and thanked him as I pocketed them.

We continued to catch up as we ate. It was great to have time with him, just the two of us. Once everyone found out, I wouldn't get time like this with him. He would spend most of his time with his family, or we'll be doing stuff as a family. So, I was soaking in every second of alone time I had with him now.

"No way," I stated, finishing my last bite. "That was Javy. He's the entertainer in our family."

Miguel shook his head, "Javy is the comedian, but you and Javy both can hold a toon." He paused for a moment to think. "Come to think of it; Smiley is pretty good too."

"We all have some sort of musical jeans in us," I corrected him. My nose scratched as I thought of my family playing and singing together. "But I'm the one who can't stand the thought of being the center of attention."

Miguel chuckled before speaking. "OK, you've always been shyer, but I remember you took part in your school musical. You did great then."

I thought back to my Junior year of high school. That was the year I really stepped out of my comfort zone, and Miguel was right. I didn't hate it. It reminded me how much I loved being creative and participating in sports. The parts of me that I've hidden for years to fit in more at school and focus on getting into Standford.

"Good point," I acknowledged, "but that was once, and before that, I've never sung in front of anyone."

"Huh," Miguel thought for a moment, "maybe it wasn't you who sang the solo."

A young woman approached our table with a little girl at hand. "Excuse me," the little girl interrupted with a sweet smile.

The little girl couldn't have been much older than Summer in her pink dress, white leggings, and matching pigtails. Her mom had let go of her hand and stood behind her, watching us. She had an apologetic look as she mouthed 'sorry' to us.

Miguel and I both knew what was coming. Miguel wasn't the best-known player in the NBA, but he was still pretty well known. So, sometimes being out with him meant fans of all ages weren't far behind. Sometimes they just wanted to say hi. Most of the time, it was an autograph, a photo, or both.

Miguel didn't mind, though. He loved his fans and was always to sign something. I say he got it from our dad. Our dad had his own fan crowd that he was always taking photos with or signing autographs for. But he never gets tired of dealing with the fans. Dad and Miguel both say it's part of their career choice and what makes playing the game they love worthwhile.

"Hi," Miguel greeted with a cheerful tone and smile. "What do you have there?"

The little girl showed us the basketball card in her hand. "Your cward."

I looked at the card, "you're right; that is a Miguel Montez card." I could tell she was feeling shy and scared. I knew the feeling all too well and decided to help her. "I bet if you could remember the magic words, Miguel would be happy to sign your card."

The little girl hesitated for a moment, "pweeze."

Miguel smiled and nodded, "What's your name, sweetie?"

"Mable," She supplied, taking a small step forward before handing Miguel the card. "Pweeze, sign it."

Miguel took the card from the little girl as my phone went off. He scribbled a short message and signed the card. "Here you are, Mable."

Mable threw her arms around Miguel after taking the card back. "Thank you."

Mable's mom separated her from Miguel as I checked my phone. I tapped his arm to get his attention showing him the message from Smiley. His eyes widen at the message.

Smiley: In town OK talk face face now

Miguel handed me my phone before saying goodbye to Mable and her mom. We left some money for the check and quickly left. On the way out, I texted Smiley back to meet Miguel and me at my place in twenty minutes.

Later that night, Miguel took Maya out while I babysat for them. After the bombshell I got this afternoon, I needed the night in to figure out my life. My earlier conversation with Smiley was still playing in my head when Teagan pulled up. I was happy to have a friend to talk to and share thoughts with. We were in mid-conversation about Trey's latest stunt when Miguel and Maya returned. Miguel wanted to know what we were talking about. I reluctantly told him everything that had been happening with Trey and me. By the time I had finished telling them how Trey had walked out, the light of battle was in Miguel's eyes. I was actually worried that he would hunt Trey out and hurt him. There was a part of me that did want him too. I knew violence and revenge were never an answer for anything, though. So I was glad that he didn't.

I tried returning the show tickets to them, knowing I had no actual use for them. Maya insists I take it and use the night to have some fun with my friends. Teagan suggests we have a girl's night, just like in high school. Figuring I could use some positivity in my life, I agreed.

Teagan arrived early the following evening, ready for some girl time. But I was prepared for anything but girl time. Thanks to Trey going awol, the company was in even worse shape, and I was left to attempt damage control. Too bad none of the employees would listen to my words. All I was to them was a verbal outlet to release some anger and anxiety. After an entire day of employees complaining, demanding to know where my fiancé was, and threatening to quit, I was ready to jump ship myself.

Teagan insisted that's even more reason to have a night to myself and refused to take no for an answer. We dropped Melody off with Miguel and Maya on the way.

"So, did you talk to your family?" Teagan asked as we pulled out of the driveway.

I nodded, "I did, and let's just say Trey's lucky my family doesn't believe in violence."

Teagan winced as she pulled into highway traffic. "I hear that. But what about you; do you still love him?"

My attention went out the window as I played with my engagement ring absentmindedly. Teagan was hardly the first person to ask me that question lately. I've been asking myself that same question over and over again. I've also heard a version or two of it from my family. If only I had an answer.

I was so deep in my thoughts I didn't realize we had arrived. The show was just the distraction I needed. It was fun, and we were both laughing through the entire performance. We were both still energized when we came out of the theater laughing after the show.

"Those dancers had flare," Teagan praised, showing off some of her moves. "If only I could be on stage."

I shook my head. "No way for me."

I've never liked being on stage for any reason. Something about it always bothered me or freaked me out. I've only ever performed a couple of times in my high school years. Beyond that, it was just me singing to Melody or my nieces and nephews.

Teagan was the opposite, though. She was a total star who loved being on stage. She participated in her school plays and sang solos in the church choir. She was the complete opposite of me. But that was why we were best friends. Our opposite personalities balanced each other out perfectly.

We squeezed past the crowd of people standing outside as Teagan spoke again, "Gabby, let's get drinks. There's this new place, Wildcat Bar; it's not too far from here, and the food is supposed to be amazing."

"Sure," I agreed, not seeing a reason to say no. It beat going home, staring at the four walls of my packed rental apartment, and questioning my life choices for the zillionth time.

It didn't take long for us to arrive at Wildcat Bar. Teagan wasn't kidding when she said it was newly opened. The coat of paint outside still the door looked fresh, and the grand opening sign was still up. People were handing out flyers, and a promotion sign was hung on the window. The place screamed newly opened.

Familiarity hit me the second I stepped out of the car. I couldn't figure out why, though. There wasn't time for me to figure it out before Teagan urged us inside.

A surprised gasp escaped me the moment we stepped through the doors. I felt like I'd stepped into my old high school, seeing the East High decorations and mascot hanging around the wall with the colors red, white, and gold streaming around. An open stage stood in the back center with a huge sign marked: Theater. To the right, a short hallway was marked: Locker rooms. Clear across that hallway was another room marked: Cafeteria. Everything about the place screamed East High.

A waitress dressed in a wildcats cheerleader uniform approached us. "Hi, welcome to Wildcat Bar," she greeted, handing us what looked like menus decorated in gold, red, and white. "Will it just be the two of you tonight?"

My eyes bugged out, seeing the cheerleader in front of me. Whoever opened this bar knew East High well. Everything, down to the last detail of this place, screamed East High.

The waitress led us to the bar in the room marked: Cafeteria. My jaw dropped to the floor when I noticed the Wildcat photo wall and other memorabilia hanging on the bar room wall. I was stunned, speechless, seeing how much the bar reminded me of my old high school. This wasn't just stepping back to my old high school. I felt like I'd somehow been transferred through time.

The waitress excused herself as I absentmindedly wandered to the wall of photos and quotes. I hadn't noticed that Teagan was right behind me, confused by my fascination. "Welcome to my old high school," I muttered more to myself.

Teagan was now shocked, "Say what now?" The look of disbelief on her face.

I hadn't realized that Teagan had heard me. "This was what East High was like," I clarified as we grabbed a seat.

Teagan still had a look of confusion on her face as she tried to follow. I didn't blame her. Growing up, my family moved around a lot. I was born in California, and until I was in middle school, my family would travel where ever my dad went for his games. Back then, the only time I didn't move with my family was if the cardiologist said I wasn't OK to travel. Once I started middle school, the company my mom worked for started transferring her around. Between my dad's traveling games and my mom getting transferred, our record was three new homes in one year. For years it didn't feel like we really had a home until I ended up at East High after the company transferred my mom to Albuquerque.

I had moved around so much growing up; I couldn't always keep up with all the schools I attended. It wasn't a shock that Teagan didn't know which school I was talking about. Teagan's face lit up like a lightbulb.

"Wait, you don't mean your last high school East High," She connected the dots.

I nodded, "yup, that's the one," We gave the menu a quick once over.

Teagan set the menu in her hand aside and slowly took in the bar. "Using your old high school as inspiration is pretty neat."

My eyes went to the photos pinned on the wall again. "I'm more interested in the owner who came up with this idea and why."

Teagan thought for a moment and shrugged, "maybe your ex-boyfriend from East High," She suggested nonchalantly.

I wasn't so sure, "Troy plays in the NBA." I pointed out.

"Is there any particular reason he can't be both?" She pointed out with a half-shrug. "Don't athletes invest in companies or even start their own?"

Teagan had a point. Plenty of athletes did invest in different companies they believed in or even started their own, including my brother and dad. Dad says it's an athlete's way of investing in their future, so they'll still have some money coming in when they retire.

So, it wasn't that far-fetched of an idea. But I still didn't think this could be Troy.

"You have a point," I acknowledged, "but if this were Troy's doing now, I would know."

A waiter came back with a whole tray of snacks. I watched in confusion as she placed an order of plate dip with nachos, soft pretzels, and apple chips in front of us. Teagan wasn't so confused, though.

"We didn't order anything," We told the waiter in unison.

There was silence for a second as the waiter glanced from the food to us and back again. She opened her mouth and closed it again. She looked to another waiter, desperate for some assistance.

Another waiter noticed the holdup, "hi, is there some sort of problem where?" She asked, approaching us.

"These customers are saying they didn't order anything," She pulled the waiter aside towards a podium by the archway leading to the main room.

Was there some sort of mix-up, I thought to myself, watching them mumble away. Teagan hadn't been as curious as I was about what was happening. She was now thumbing through the drinks menu.

"What do you think they're whispering about there?" I prompted her to look at the servers whispering back and forth.

Teagan shrugged and answered, "probably talking about who will take the fall for the order mistake. Happens from time to time in the food service industry."

Teagan's family owned a couple of businesses, one of which happened to be a cafe in Half Moon Bay, where her grandparents live. Teagan and Matthew lived there with their grandparents in their teens and helped out at the Cafe. So this was probably nothing new for her.

Both servers finally returned. "Sorry about that," The first waiter apologized.

"We're supposed to be promoting Wildcat Bar," The second waiter explained. "So, we thought you'd like to try our most popular orders."

Teagan and I stared at each other, then the servers, and back again. The food wasn't only looking good; it smelled amazing too. My mouth was watering, and I thought my stomach actually growled. I bit my lip, staring at the food in front of us.

Teagan turned to the servers, "Promoting?" There was skepticism in her voice.

The servers nodded in unison, "they're even on the house if you want them."

"No, we'll pay," Teagan assured them as she took a piece of the apple chips. I wasted no time digging into the pretzels. "Thanks."

I let out a gasp at how soft and flavorful the pretzel was. "I can see why these are popular," I broke off another piece and popped it into my mouth.

The servers smiled, "we're glad you enjoy them. Again we're sorry about the mix-up. If there's nothing else, we'll leave you to enjoy."

Teagan ordered a Shirley Temple before the servers left. I was still looking over the drink menu when a bartender placed an iced tea in front of me. I looked up from the menu in my hand and saw a built man that couldn't be more than 25 years old smiling back at me with the cutest dimples.

"I didn't order anything," I tried to give it back to him.

He shook his head and handed me a note, "I have this for you."

I raised a brow looking over at Teagan. She looked just as clueless as I was feeling. If this was some sort of promotion, it's just plain weird. What were they promoting, and who did they choose who to give this stuff to? And what does a note have to do with any of it?

Teagan cleared her throat. "Is this part of your promotion too?"

The bartender looked up from his prep station and placed a Shirley Temple in front of Teagan. "No, the servers out there are the ones promoting. I'm just a veteran bartender who knows how to read the minds of some of the ladies here."

He flashed me another one of his cute dimple smiles and winked before returning to his work. I could feel my face turning red hot as Teagan failed to hold back a chuckle. No doubt we both had the same thought; only we have different opinions on it. She obviously loved the idea, and I was ready to hide.

She gave me a nudge, "so what does the note say?"

I looked down at the note in my hand, reading it.

I hope it's still your favorite.

Was that it, I thought to myself, flipping the note around. There was no signature or anything else. It was just that one line. I frowned at the message.

I showed the note to Teagan, "it's not from the bartender," I nodded toward him. "I think someone asked him to pass it on."

She took it and studied it, "it's not signed; how can you tell?"

"I recognize the handwriting," I explained, taking a sip of my drink. "I know I've seen it before; I just can't remember where."

Teagan had a look of curiosity on her face. "Your ex, maybe?" She gave the note back to me.

I shook my head. "Nuh, I know it wasn't him."

She sipped her drink, "so, do you want to leave before your stalker appears?"

I glanced around the room for a familiar face. But there wasn't one. I studied the note again. Why can't I remember whose handwriting this was?

I sighed, "I don't know. I'm not even sure I have a stalker."

I was now sounding pathetic and confused. Should we leave? That would be the safer choice.

"You sure it's not Troy's handwriting?" She continued when I nodded, "and no one else is coming to mind?"

I shook my head again, blowing out a tired raspberry. Tonight was supposed to be fun. How could we relax now?

"Sorry," I apologized, "it's just not coming to me; I think we should go, just to be safe."

Teagan nodded and gathered our stuff. "I'll grab the check." She stood.

"No, let me," I stopped her. "It's the least I can do after ruining our night," I called for the check digging for my wallet.

Teagan shook her head, "no, whoever gave you this note ruined our night. You got the snacks at the theater, and this was my idea, so it should be my treat."

I nodded, giving in. Teagan had a satisfied look on her face as the server approached us.

"Was there something I could help you with?" The server asked.

"Our check and also a couple of to-go boxes, please."

The server nodded, "Course, right away."

"You weren't kidding when you said the food is amazing here." I popped a final apple chip into my mouth.

Teagan winked, "It pays to keep up with the competition."

Teagan and Matthew chose not to take over the Cafe, but they still keep up to date with the newest food trends. They're often out trying new food or drinks. They knew where the best place to get any food was.

The server returned with a couple of to-go boxes. "Here are the to-go boxes you wanted, but the owner/chef insists that your order is on the house."

Teagan snapped her head in my direction, and I shut my eyes as I dropped my head. This was crazy. Who would treat me to drinks? It wasn't like I had a lot of friends to choose from. Nothing, no one was coming to mind. My mind was still drawing a huge blank.

I gave up and opened my eyes, giving Teagan a shrug. "OK, tell the owner we said thanks."

The server nodded and left us to pack the food. "I just don't get it. It doesn't feel like I have a stalker..."

Teagan stopped me and showed me the note, gesturing to the packed food. "Some unknown guy is giving you messages and treating you to drinks and food that he ordered for you. Sounds pretty stalkerish to me."

I blew out a raspberry and followed her out to the parking lot. "Maybe he's a friendly stalker."

Teagan laughed at the idea, "you've clearly been reading way too many fiction novels. Stalkers in the real world are usually pretty whacked at best."

I picked up the pace so that I wouldn't lag behind her. "Maybe you'd like to stay for a bit. Since we didn't really get to hang out after the play."

I took the bags from Teagan while she dug for the keys. It took a minute, but she eventually found it. I tossed the food, along with my bag, into the back.

"Gabby," A male voice called out to me as we got in the car.

I recognize the voice, I thought, picking up my head and turning towards the bar. All of tonight's mysteries were solved at that moment, and I suddenly felt sick.

"Gabby, you know him?" Teagan asked, confusion in her voice as we watched him. "Uuuhhhhhhh, Gabby, you don't look too well. Do you want me to?"

I barely shook my head, needing a moment to wrap my mind around what was happening. My entire body stiffened as I gripped the car handle so hard my knuckles started turning white for support. I gulped down a breath of air when a chill ran down my spine as my stomach dropped, seeing Wildcat Bar's owner standing on the curb. The owner of the Wildcat Bar was breathing heavily as he frantically searched the crowded streets of pedestrians for me while he raced in my direction.

My night just got ten times longer, and the coming days would be even longer than tonight.