Page 58 of Killer Confections

“Why do you sound so normal about this? This man is stalking me!” I say incredulously.

“Hey!” she interjects. “I’ve listened to your late-night drunken rambles long enough to know that you’re in love with this Atlas guy. You’re living out all of our book fantasies and I can’t help but be a little curious!”

“I don’t even know if it’s him!” I shout. “As my best friend, I’m going to need you to be a little more concerned about my safety.”

“I am concerned for your safety!” She shouts in return. “I’m the one who suggested you come and stay with me for a few nights while you search for a new apartment. Did you follow up with the police report or even call them when he showed up to your date?”

“I…” My words die as I run through everything. I had ample time to call someone, but didn’t even consider it. I also turned down my friend’s proposal to stay with her while I searched for a new residence.

“Mhm,” she hums. “Because whether or not you like it, you know who your stalker is. Despite the terrifying shit, your mind knows he isn’t going to hurt you. But that leaves another question. Is his attention wanted? Do you feel safe and comfortable enough for this to continue, or do you need me to come and scoop you up right now? Just say the word and I’ll get in my car.”

I mull her words over, really thinking about this. If it is Atlas—still not one-hundred percent sure—then why wouldn’t he just speak to me without the mask? That seems like the normal thing to do…

But has anything about our past ever been normal?

We became friends quickly, finding a comfort in each other that exceeded past platonic. I was always attracted to him, drawn in by his secrets and devilishly good looks. Not to mention the ways he doted on me, always making sure I was okay.

Do you need anything?

His words from last night hit me like a freight train. The four worded question was on repeat back in high school.It didn’t matter what I needed—a hug, water, help in P.E., just someone to vent to—he was always there. He never turned down my requests, no matter how needy I sounded. He was always happy to help, his normally thinned in agitation lips twitching into the slightest of smiles at being my shoulder to lean on.

He was so different back then…

No. He was restrained.

The hold his dad had on him held him back from a lot. Our relationship never saw the light of day outside of Columbus High School, thanks to the very man who raised him.

Something must have happened.

Where is his dad now?

It’s safe to say they aren’t on speaking terms, but I feel like there’s something much deeper there.

Okay, so ninety-five percent sure my stalker is Atlas.

My stomach flips, a fluttering sensation taking flight as my heart pounds.

He’s Atlas. He has to be.

If he isn’t…

I’m falling back into the daydreams. There was a time I imagined him coming for me, imagined my best friend and first love whisking me away like he had promised all those years ago. I yearned for it. I wanted it so badly I couldn’t go anywhere without looking for him. Any deep voice I heard on the streets, or tall man with dark hair I encountered, I always hoped it was him.

I wanted it to be him.

“It’s wanted,” I say quietly.

Addison breathes a sigh of relief. “Good, because I was starting to think you had done a one-eighty and didn’t want the guy anymore. How are you feeling now that it’s out in the open?”

I lift a shoulder, “Nervous? Is it bad that knowing it’s him is making me feel like—”

“Like a teenager in love?” My friend finishes, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

“Exactly like that,” I bite my thumbnail, trying to tamper down the long-buried feelings that seem to have revived with my epiphany.

“So, what’s the next move?” Addison asks. “It’s going to take me a few days to get out there, but I need the rundown.”

Right. If I’m doing this, it would be best someone knows in case anything goes South.