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“I don’t want to talk to you!” My voice is raised and trembling. “How the hell did you even find me?”

He smiles. “I had help.”

“How. Did you. Find. Me.”

He grins. “I will tell you when you open the window the whole way.”

I close the window instead and look ahead, my hands on the steering wheel. I wish Joe were here already.

Jake knocks again. “Lizzie, I’m freezing my ass off here. Let’s go inside to talk.”

I open my window partly again. “I have no idea how you found me, but you are never getting into my apartment.”

He seems taken aback. “Are you afraid to be alone with me?”

I say nothing, but pin him in place with my stare.

“Lizzie, you know I would never hurt you.”

“I don’t know anything, and stop calling me Lizzie! I told you a hundred times only my family calls me that and I don’t like anyone outside my family calling me that.”

He presses a hand on his chest. “I was supposed to be your family! I still am.”

I wave him off.

He places both of his gloved hands against the window, his eyes pleading. It’s so cold his breath comes out foggy. “Lizzie, I haven’t seen you in almost eight months. Can we have one conversation like adults? After all the time we spent together?”

I sigh. He does have a point.

“We can talk at Hop Scotch. You can follow me there.”

“You’re really not going to invite me up?”

“Nope.”

He looks at me for a moment, then nods. I roll up my window and lean back in my seat. I am winded as if I’d just finished running. Then I text Joe.

Liz: He and I are going to Hop Scotch

Please meet me there

Joe: I’m almost at your place

Do you want to go together in one car?

Liz: No just meet me at Hop Scotch

Joe: Whatever you need

Liz: I can’t stop shaking

Joe: It’s gonna be okay baby I promise

The endearment alone makes me feel better.

Liz: Thank you

Joe: I will be there before you know it