Page 65 of The Stranger

Things remain quiet for a beat, so I know she heard me, but when the voices start back up a few seconds later, without a response from her, I have my answer.

Fuck.

Yesterday was Delilah’s last day as my receptionist, and it went by without incident. Simone took her to lunch, which I would’ve liked to be a part of, but I wasn’t privy to an invitation. I didn’t dare send her flowers as a thank-you after the rose fiasco.

I didn’t see her yesterday before I left for work, and apart from a curt“Good morning, Mr Prescott”when she delivered my coffee, she avoided me for the rest of the day. When I was leaving, I noticed that she’d placed a note on her desk for Laura—catching her up to prepare for the handover most likely. She also left the flowers behind. I’m going to miss having her around during the day, and I hope she stops hiding out in her bedroom when she’s at home, so I at least get to see her.

My Saturdays are usually spent at the office. I’m the only one who comes in on the weekends. I use this time to wrap up my week, so I can start fresh on Monday. Today though, I only went in for a few hours. I wanted to be home in time to take Delilah to her other job, but when I got back to the apartment, she’d already left.

I had knocked on her bedroom door again, but when I got no answer and heard no movement, I opened it and peered inside. That’s when I saw her stash. Is she preparing for the apocalypse?

Locking herself away in her room when I was home, suddenly made sense. On top of her dresser was a case of bottled water, protein bars, and a variety of snacks. It hurt to know she felt the need to resort to this … all in the hopes of avoiding me. For the interim, this is her home too, so she shouldn’t feel the need to confine herself to one space.

Maybe it’s time I started going back to my estate on the weekends. I was only staying here for her. At least she won’t have to hide out in her bedroom if I’m not around.

Damien: Just letting you know I picked up Miss St. James from the restaurant and got her home safely.

Me: Thank you.

Although my driver rarely works weekends, I offered him a bonus to collect Delilah from work when her shift was over. Since I’m not staying at the apartment tonight, for obvious reasons, I still needed to know that she got home safely.

Me: How did she seem?

Damien: A little shocked to see me. She asked why I was there and not you.

Me: And what did you tell her?

Damien: That you couldn’t make it. I didn’t know what else to say.

Me: Did she say anything to you?

Damien: No. She just stared out the window on the drive home. Is she okay? I’m concerned. She hasn’t been her usual bubbly self the past few days.

Me: She’s just going through some things right now.

The guilt I’ve been feeling all afternoon intensifies. I open my contacts and search for Delilah’s number, but instead of calling, I type a text message. Given her actions over the past few days, I doubt she’d answer anyway.

Me: I’m sorry I wasn’t able to collect you this evening. I decided to head to my estate for the weekend, so you’re free to roam around the apartment. I hate that you feel the need to confine yourself to your room. I want you to be comfortable, Delilah. Please eat something healthy. I don’t like the idea of you living off snacks.

I’m not expecting a reply. I simply wanted to explain the situation, so when my phone pings with a message from her, I’m surprised.

Delilah: You went in my bedroom?!!!!!!

Shit.

Me: I knocked first, but when there was no answer, I popped my head in … that’s all. I didn’t cross the threshold. I wasn’t snooping. I came home midmorning to drive you to your job, but you’d already left by the time I arrived.

Delilah: Yet you know I have snacks in my bedroom.

Me: They were hard to miss. It looked like you had a mini convenience store on top of your dresser.

She reads my last text but doesn’t send a reply. I’m unintentionally digging myself deeper into this damn hole.

Me: I’m sorry for everything, Delilah. Truly I am.

Delilah: Yeah, I know. I read your stupid card!

I’ve stayed away for as long as possible. But by midday, I lose the battle and decide to head down to the floor where Delilah is now working, to see how she’s doing on her first day. I haven’t seen her since Friday, and if I’m being honest with myself, I miss her.