Page 44 of Aperture

“He’s about six feet tall, with dirty blonde hair, and dark brown eyes. He has kind of a surfer guy look. His body is ah-maz-ing.”

“Nice,” I tell her.

“So, have you gone out?”

“No, we’ve just worked out together so far, but if he doesn’t ask soon, I will.”

“This is exciting, Gwennie. Maybe we can go on a double date?”

“That would be awesome. It’s been years since we did that. I don’t wanna scare him off with this whole soap opera you’re living, though, so let’s give it a minute.”

I laugh and drop my head onto the table, the cold glass numbing the pounding in my head. Gwen rubs the back of my head.

“It’s going to be OK, Sweetie. When do I get to meet Theo?”

“He left unexpectedly for a work trip this morning, but definitely when he gets back.”

“Want me to come over tonight?”

“Actually, I’m going to go by the grocery store and then just go home and relax. A nice evening in sounds perfect.”

“Well, I’m just a phone call away,” she reassures me.

I’m at the grocery store a few minutes later deciding what to make for dinner when I hear my name. I turn toward the sound and see Wyatt, standing there in the produce section looking like a damn romance cover model.

As pretty as he is to look at, I don’t have the energy for this right now. I march straight up to him, primed to let him have it.

“It’s not OK for you to follow me around, Wyatt. In fact, it’s creepy.”

“I don’t give a shit,” he shrugs nonchalantly.

“I’m serious. Knock it off. You. Didn't. Want. Me. I’m dating someone else and you need to respect that.”

“You can date anyone you want, Millie.”

“How kind of you.”

“Except Theo,” he adds matter of factly.

“Jesus Christ, Wyatt. HOW DARE YOU?! You can’t tell me who to date.”

“Have you noticed anything odd about him, yet?”

“OK fine, I’ll play your dumb game. Odd, how?”

“You tell me.” When he doesn’t answer, I start to walk away but stop when he starts talking again.

“Does he disappear often?”

“Well, he works out of town, so yes, that does tend to occur.”

“Is that where he is right now?”

“That’s none of your business!” I am so mad that I leave my basket right there near the cantaloupes and march out of the store with Wyatt hot on my heels.

“Millie, wait,” he calls.

I turn and stand my ground. “What do you want?”