Page 50 of Use Me

I sighed and told them how Philip was the guy at the bar when I met Rhys, how I ran into him at Starbucks, how I went on a date with him, how he knew about Corey even though I thought I’d deleted all traces of him, and how I saw him slip something in my wine.

“He tried to date rape you?” Ethan stood, anger lacing his face.

“I got out of there, so he didn’t.”

“I wish you knew more about this guy so we could handle it,” Dad stated.

“I just want to know if he sounds like a stalker.”

“He sounds like something,” Carter mumbled.

“If you see him again, you call me.” Ethan crossed his arms. “Even if you run into him at Starbucks again.”

I nodded. “There’s something else too. I get flowers once a week at work from a secret admirer.”

“Flowers? What kind of flowers?” Dad asked.

“Roses.”

“Are there cards?” Carter asked.

I nodded. “Yeah. They usually say stuff about how pretty I look.”

“And you don’t find them weird?”

I balked at Ethan’s question. “No, I thought they were sweet. It’s nice getting flowers from a fan.”

“Do you think it’s the same guy?” Ethan kept questioning.

I shook my head. “No, I’ve been getting them for about a year now, and I just met Philip a little over a month ago at Judy’s.”

“I suggest not going back to Judy’s,” Dad suggested.

“Okay. It’s probably for the best.” I could do that.

“Pies ready,” Mom said, peeking her blonde head around the corner.

We started to walk toward the kitchen to grab a slice. “Just call me if something else happens.” Ethan squeezed my shoulder.

I nodded.

“Yeah, then we’ll go beat this guy up like we used to do to those kids in high school.” Carter smirked.

I rolled my eyes.

“Now, it’s a felony.” Dad shook his head.

“If we get caught.” Carter laughed.

Me: Are you home?

Rhys: Almost. Are you?

Me: I’m sitting in my car.

Rhys: Are you coming over?

Me: I need clean clothes. How about we stay at my place tonight?