Chapter Thirteen
Dani
“ D anielle?” Gary’s voice tells me he’s clearly annoyed with me as my head snaps up.
“Hmm?”
He scoffs. “You’re not paying attention to anything I’m saying.”
I bite back a groan. He’s right. I’m really not paying attention to what he’s saying. I don’t even know when I zoned out.
It’s really not my fault that it’s boring as hell when he talks about his law classes. I’m fairly certain his eyes would glaze over if I were talking about my accounting classes, too. I’m not even sure why he feels the need to talk about them so much.
Is he trying to impress me with his knowledge of the law? Because, honestly? I couldn’t care less.
I know he’s in law school, and I would hope he’s learning about the law. Otherwise, what would be the point?
“I’m sorry, I just have a lot on my mind tonight.”
He rolls his eyes, and it takes a concerted effort to keep my smile in place. “It always seems you have a lot on your mind when we’re hanging out. Your accounting classes can’t be so hard that you can’t pay attention to me when we’re together.”
Gods. Why does he have to be such a douche sometimes?
“You know I do more than just go to school, right? I have a job and friends. I’m not always thinking about school.”
His eyes flash. “So you’re thinking of someone else while we’re hanging out? That’s awesome. Let me guess, it’s Maya.”
“Seriously, Gary?” I throw my hands in the air, my words coming out louder with each one. I can feel eyes turning toward us as I lean in. “I don’t understand your issue with Maya.”
“She’s using you, Dani. I don’t know why you can’t see that.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, okay. You don’t know a damn thing about Maya or our relationship.”
“You mean friendship?”
“I meant what I said—not that it’s any of your fucking business.” I push to my feet. “You know what? I’m done. I’m going home.”
Gary’s eyes widen. “No. Don’t go. I’m sorry. I’ll stop. I just don’t get to see you that often, and it hurts that you seem like you’d rather be anywhere other than here.”
That’s because I would rather be anywhere but here.
I sigh, knowing I won’t admit that to him.
“Gary, I just don’t think it’s a good idea for us to hang out.
You’re clearly not over me if you’re this jealous of Maya, and I don’t want to lead you on.
” I reach into my bag and pull out some cash, tossing it onto the table.
“I’ve made it perfectly clear that I’m not interested in being anything but your friend, but you can’t seem to wrap your head around that.
We obviously need a break from our friendship.
Maybe after you find someone else, we can try again. Until then, I’m done. I’m sorry.”
Not bothering to wait for a response, I stalk across the sports bar we’ve been eating at, ignoring the stares from the other tables. It’s not like either of us was exactly quiet while we were arguing. Of course they’re paying attention.
I would be if I were them.
“You’ll come crawling back!” Gary shouts, anger making his words sharper. “You always do.”
I don’t bother to turn around, lifting my hand in the air and flipping him off. I smirk as I hear someone clapping.
“You tell him!”
“Don’t put up with that bullshit!”
A few others offer me words of encouragement as I duck outside with a sigh of relief.
Telling Gary we can’t be friends feels like a weight off my shoulders. I should’ve done this sooner—something else Maya was right about.
As much as I don’t want to hear her gloating about it, as soon as I’m in the car, I call her. My hands shake with adrenaline, and I know I can’t drive like this.
I make sure the doors are locked as ringing fills the rental car I’m driving. It’s a nice enough car, but it’s not mine. Unfortunately, it’s going to be another week or two before it’s ready for me—something I’m not at all happy about.
“Hey, Dani.” Maya hesitates. “Aren’t you supposed to be hanging out with Gary right now?”
I snort. “I am, but he was being an asshole.”
“Fucking Gary.” Maya sighs. “But he’s always an asshole, so I’m not sure I understand.”
“He got jealous about me spending time with you again. Clearly, he’s not over me—“
“I fucking told you so!”
Laughter spills from me as I shake my head.
“I knew you were going to say that. But I told him we needed to take a break from our friendship until he was truly over me. Then, I threw money on the table and walked away. Of course, he had to have the last word and yelled across the bar that I’d come crawling back. ”
“He did not!” She gasps. “Definitely being more of an asshole than usual.”
“Yup. But that’s okay, I just kept walking and flipping him off. Someone clapped, and a few people yelled encouraging words as I walked out.”
For a moment, I think we’ve gotten disconnected as silence fills the air.
“Maya? Are you still there?”
“Oh, I’m still here. Just trying not to lose my shit because it sounds like you walked to your car by yourself—something you promised you weren’t going to do.”
Well, fuck.
She’s right. I promised Victor, Andrés, Jason, and her I wouldn’t walk out to my car by myself.
“Damn it. I’m sorry. All I was thinking about was getting out of there and away from him.” I hesitate. “But you’re totally proud of me for flipping him off, right? It’s totally something you would do.”
She laughs. “Yes, I’m very proud, and you’re right—it is something I’d do. In fact, I’ve done it on more than one occasion. Does this mean you’re heading home?”
“I am. I might stop somewhere on the way home, though. I didn’t really get to eat any of my dinner.”
“Or you could head home and have something delivered.”
“Ugh. I’ll just go through a drive-thru. You’re all blowing this out of proportion, but if it’ll make you feel better, then I’ll have something delivered.”
“Thank you. I still don’t think you’re taking this seriously enough, Danielle Vanessa Williams.” I wince at her use of my full name.
I hate it when she full-names me. “Whoever vandalized your car knew exactly where all the cameras were. They knew when security would do their sweep through the parking lot. They’ve clearly been watching you and your building.
And because they knew all of this, they were able to hide their identity.
You heard the detective. They have no leads. ”
I bite back a groan. This really isn’t what I need right after my fight with Gary. “I’m well aware of what he said, Maya. But I’m not going to live my life in fear. I’m not going to lock myself in my building and never leave. Not only would I go crazy, but that’s not who I am.”
There’s a moment of silence before she lets out a deep sigh. “And that’s not what I want for you. I’m just scared.”
I soften, wishing she were here with me so I could hug her close. “So am I, but I can’t stop living because of it.”
“I know you can’t.” There’s a muffled sound before I hear her talking, but it’s also muffled. “I have to be on stage in five minutes, Dani. Are you going to be okay?”
“Of course I am. Have a great show!”
“If you don’t want to be alone, call one of the guys. You know they’re more than happy to hang out with you.”
“I’ll be fine, but thanks for worrying about me. Love you!”
I disconnect the call and pull out of the parking space.
As if I can’t spend a night alone. I’ve been by myself multiple times since my car was vandalized. They just worry entirely too much.
Plus, I have more work to do for the calendar shoot and video. The photoshoot and video recording are next week, and I just want this to go off perfectly.
This really is a huge deal. Especially since I was handpicked by Lorna. I don’t want to let her down.
I’m not planning to make Behind the Lens a lifelong career, but I enjoy working there. I would hate to embarrass Lorna in any way.
The drive back to my place doesn’t take long, but I’m a good girl and call the front desk to have someone escort me inside. I now have an assigned parking spot right beside the handicap parking that the cameras have direct access to.
The board is taking the vandalism seriously. Nothing like this has ever happened before, and I’m just grateful they’re not blaming me for it.
An email was sent to all residents the next day to let them know what happened and what they were doing to make sure it didn’t happen again.
They’re working on finding someone who can do a gate for the community now, but advised that it would take months before it would be able to be completed.
They also said that anyone who wanted to be walked to or from their cars would just need to let the guard on duty know.
Guests already have to be signed in at the front desk, but they informed us that all guests would need to be on an approved list and would be escorted to our doors.
They also brought on another four men for each shift so that someone can patrol the parking lot twenty-four hours a day in the brand new golf cart they purchased. One of the men will stay at the front desk so they can escort people to their cars. The other two will patrol the grounds on foot.
A second email was sent to me, letting me know in no uncertain circumstances that I would be using the new escort service. All of my packages, deliveries, and mail are being screened.
I think they’re going a little overboard, much like my friends, but I’ll admit it makes me feel a hell of a lot safer.
A knock on my window makes me jump, nervous laughter spilling out of me as I see Ben through the window. I shut the car off and step out with a self-deprecating smile.
“I’m sorry I startled you, Miss Williams.”
“Nope. Nothing to be sorry about. I just got a little lost in my head. Thanks for walking me inside.” The two of us walk up to the building in silence. “Any new packages or letters?”
He shakes his head. “Not today.”
A sigh of relief spills from me. Maybe they’ve decided I’m more trouble than I’m worth.
I know it’s wishful thinking, but damn, it would make me happy if it were true.
“Thank you again, Ben.” I wave at him and Harrison behind the desk as I head for the elevator. “I’m going to order some dinner, but I’ll let you know where I’m ordering from as soon as I decide.”
Ben nods. “We’ll be here.”
The elevator door opens, and I step inside. As soon as it closes, I slump against the wall.
I’m trying really damn hard not to let everyone know the toll this is taking on me. I’m ready for it to be over so I can move on with my life.