Page 289 of Faking the Goal

The word comes out sharper than I expect.

"Yeah."

"Why?" Conrad asks. "You've worked there forever. You don't just disappear for two months and quit without a reason."

I stop near the end of the hallway.

For a moment, I consider giving him the same vague answer I've been giving everyone else—that I've had personal stuff going on, that school has been busy, that I needed a break.

But Conrad has helped me out a lot during my shifts. He's walked me to my car after closing more times than I can count. The people at the Lounge might not be family, but they've still looked out for me in their own way.

They deserve more than another excuse.

"I have a stalker," I say.

The line goes completely silent.

"A what?"

"A stalker." I lower my voice even though the hallway is empty. "It's been going on for a while. The last time I worked at the club, he followed me there."

"What the fuck, Taylor?"

His concern hits so fast and hard that I pull the phone slightly away from my ear.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know what to say."

"You should've called me." His voice sounds strained now, almost angry beneath the worry. "I could've walked you out. I could've made sure somebody stayed with you. You didn't have to just quit, especially when you need the money."

"I know, but it's okay."

"How is that okay?"

"Because I'm safe." I keep my tone gentle, trying to calm him down. "I'm staying with my boyfriend, and he makes sure I'm never alone. His teammates are helping too."

There's another pause.

"Your boyfriend," Conrad repeats.

"Kentaro."

"Right."

The name comes out quieter this time.

I glance up and spot Kentaro at the other end of the hallway, just turning the corner. His eyes find mine immediately, and the familiar steadiness in his face loosens something in my chest.

I lift my hand and wave.

He does the same before walking toward me.

"For now, I just think it's better if I stay away from working nights," I tell Conrad. "At least until this is over. It's too risky, and I don't want to bring any of this to the club either."

"You wouldn't be bringing anything on us."

"I know. But I still don't want to take that chance."