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RA'
ve my head for this, and I had nobody to blame
p this obsession". I said inwardly, know
doors of the restaurant, Ariella was
Unfortunately, right behind her was Mr Davidson, and he was staring as if he wante
ining room. "I clearly warned you not to mess up after
t of Ari. "I slept late. I was-" I cut myself off just in time b
e nothing more to s
s to find another job that paid well enough to cover my rent and other nec
the worst tables for the rest of the week, no complaint
wouldn't find a replacement quickly, and this place is already swamped. We need ev
rgive her one last time. She won't be late again. Yo
igh. "Miss Peters, can I really trust you on this? You know your
ve my wo
Because I trust you." I looked
ork, Miss Smith
back toward the service station, Ari leane
head nervously. I might have escaped getting f
when she was mad, and unfortunately, I
ll,
ARA ELIZABETH THE THIRD SMITH,
ing to!" I wh
was so hard to put down. I woke up and I had already
to do that when you have work? I just
oice called out from a nearby booth. "Ex
sudden escape. I hurried toward the table,
en, and the sight of them almos
single strand out of place and striking ocean blue eyes that seemed almost unnaturally intense. Besid
g until the blonde man cleared
d like to place our or
ill. What can I ge
u. "Beefsteak tartare and a b
sked, turning to t
but his jaw was clenched so tight a muscle ticked in his c
Still
sn't usually like this." The hand
order then headed b
e wine glasses out first. But by the time I ret
were
for the drinks and meal that hadn't been had sat betw
an odd sense of restlessness settling in
After saying goodbye to Ari, I decided to walk home to s
d red and blue police lights flashing ahead, blocking of
toward the side streets. Ahead was a shortcut that saved fifteen minu
ged to click on the flashlight before stepping
e certainty of someone who has read too many p
elf. Running is what
of my phone flashlight across the dumpsters and fi
" I said. I hated how
ps. They're literall
thi
a shoe on gravel behind me. I spun
solid, and a low, startled
at rule," I said
urning my throat as my pulse hammered against my ribs. Sh
e air left my lungs, and my head c
t my throat and a voice that didn't soun
rything
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