Chapter 31 Dallas
DALLAS
My palms sweat and I’m sure there are beads on my brow. The salty tang hits my tongue when I lick my lips.
“You’re sweating like a sinner in church,” Hayden says and nods to the napkin under my silverware.
“Don’t draw attention to it.” I dab my forehead.
We’d spent hours in the RV, then we found a rental place an hour from the convention center and Hayden and I drove ourselves.
We got all checked in with the con and sat around in the hotel room until it was time to meet Charles at the restaurant.
Thank fuck for texting, because I don’t know how I would have handled all this time away from Casey.
I know he’s just next door with Kendra. After they set up their mermaid tank, they started getting the abandoned building ready for a Nightmare show.
And while I’ve been prepared as best I can be, my stomach is trying to revolt.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
I push to my feet and hold out my hand to the man I want to rip apart. Those eyes haunt me. They’re so like Casey’s it’s unsettling.
“No problem,” I say. “I’m Dallas, this is my assistant Hayden.” I nod to him and he holds out his hand for our prey to shake.
We all settle in and the server brings the table water.
“I have to admit, I was surprised to receive your inquiry this morning. I’m glad we could meet before everything gets chaotic this week.
I fake a chuckle, hoping it feels genuine. “I got a wild idea and went for it. I’m just grateful the biggest influencer at the con said yes to little ol’ me.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Dallas. You got invited. That’s no small feat.” Charles takes a sip from his water.
What scares me is that the more we talk, the more I never would have guessed how disgusting this man is. How many other pedophiles and rapists are out here masquerading as human instead of monsters?
“I do like to keep physical while I’m on the road and gyms just aren’t my scene. I’m open to hearing what you have in mind.” He cuts his steak as if he doesn’t have a care in the world.
Hayden must see the disgust on my face. “We’re thinking body weight exercises that can be done anywhere. Inside, outside, bathroom, etc.”
I nod and take a flavorless bite of my steamed broccoli. “Exactly. Of course we can talk about running too, or swimming in lakes, but I think the body weight stuff would be most relatable for your audience.”
Charles nods. I’m already tired of his presence, but if I didn’t know his past, I’d want to stay with him as long as possible. There’s a way he talks where I want to listen and I have to fight myself.
“When are you thinking about shooting the content? I’m open tomorrow morning if you want to schedule it in then? After that, I’m only available after the con, then I’ll be heading out to Montana to visit my sister.”
“Tomorrow morning is perfect,” Hayden answers for us.
My phone buzzes and it’s Casey’s burner phone with our secret message that they’re in position and everything is ready when we are.
“Dessert?” Charles asks. “It’s been pleasant talking. We could work on an entire series of ideas if you want. It’ll elevate your career to have me on your channel so much.”
Hayden looks to me, and I give him a subtle head shake. “I’d love that, but my stomach is being a bit funny. Probably nerves about the con and being in the presence of someone so famous.”
Charles chuckle is short and cheerful. “You’ve been doing well. I hadn’t noticed you were so star struck.”
I give him a tight smile. “You’re who I aspire to be. I need to get myself a rig and just hit the road.”
Now my stomach really does hurt.
“It’s a good life if you like to travel. I’ve been all over the continent. Mexico was so freeing.”
If he keeps talking, I might lose my dinner.
“I’ve got a bit saved for when I’m ready, but thought about renting an RV first to see what it’s really like.”
“That’s a good plan.” Charles nods. “If you need pointers, let me know.”
We continue small chit chat until the server brings the bill. I pay and wish I wasn’t paying for the last supper of such a monster. It’s too far to the door, and he’s still so close.
When we step outside, Charles extends his hand to me again. “It was great meeting you two. I look forward to our work in the morning.”
“As do I.”
Hayden and I have to act normal on our way to the rental car and drive away. We have to trust that Casey and Kendra have it from here.