CHAPTER 28 ALEX
I hang up the phone and take a deep breath. Operation Flee-For-My-Life is now in effect. I can’t risk letting Mina’s mother catch me here, in all my janitor-jumpsuited glory. That would be the undoing of everything Mina and I have been carefully building together, a shattering of our perfectly curated lie.
I turn and hustle toward my primary closet, where my change of clothes is stashed. It’s not the closest closet by far, but it’s the only one that can solve my dilemma. Every time I round a corner, I catch myself holding my breath, dreading the sight of Mina’s mother just out of eyesight, waiting to pounce.
Thankfully, I make it to safety without incident, quickly stepping inside the closet and closing the door behind me. Normally, I’d take my clothes from my cubby and change in the bathroom like a normal person, but I just can’t risk it today. I shimmy out of my uniform in the cramped space, moving as quickly as I can to change into a regular outfit. This way, if I’m spotted, I can lie and say it’s my day off, but I swung by to see Mina.
I make it down to the lobby without incident, but then I see them. Standing there, in the corner, looking like a deer in headlights is Mina, her mother, and… shit . It’s that viper, Jason. Mina sees me and frantically wiggles her hand, clearly trying to motion me toward the door and out of the danger zone.
Every instinct I have screams to run to her, to save her from this awkward situation, but I push back my feelings and do as she asks, retreating outside. I turn back in the doorway to look at them one last time, and lock eyes with Jason, who is staring at me with a sickening grin. What is he up to? Is he about to ruin everything?
I break eye contact and rush outside, nausea sweeping over me. This could be our undoing. That man, who clearly lusts after my girl, could be the reason things go completely pear-shaped from here on out. The thought of him having the power in that scenario is too much to bear. I can’t stand it.
I turn on my heel and re-enter the lobby and am startled to find just Mina and her mother there. Ah shit. I’ve been spotted .
“Oh, Alex, there you are! You just missed your friend Jason. I was hoping to see you today, but Mina told me it was your day off!”
I approach the duo, plastering a smile on my face, hoping my anxiety isn’t evident. “Hi! Fancy running into you here. I was just swinging by as a surprise to see if Mina wanted to grab a late lunch.”
“That’s why I’m here, too! And look at this, it all worked out, I got you both. Let’s all go somewhere together!”
I glance at Mina, who still looks shell-shocked, and make the decision for her.
“That sounds great. Where did you have in mind?”
“Oh, just a little place up the road, it has some great reviews.”
Mina finally finds her voice. “I have to get my purse.”
“Oh, do that darling. Alex and I will wait here for you!”
Mina’s mother takes my arm and leads me over to the seats lining the wall. I comply without fuss. Anything to keep the peace. I’m burning up inside, wanting to ask about Jason, but I bite my tongue. I don’t want to open that can of worms.
Mina’s mother opens it, instead. “So sorry you missed your friend. He seems nice!”
“Yeah, Jason is… definitely something.” I replay that smile he gave me in my mind, my thoughts scrambling for an explanation.
“He certainly had a lot to say about you!”
My blood runs cold. “Oh? All good things, I hope.” I force a laugh, hoping she won’t notice. She doesn’t, thank fuck .
“Oh yes. Said you are instrumental to the work he does, that things just wouldn’t be the same without you around. He says you’re a true diamond in the rough.” She laughs, and I wince, knowing more is coming.
“I don’t know what he means by rough, you seem like a pure diamond to me. He did share that he was initially jealous of your relationship with Mina, because she had rejected him, but that he’s happy for you both.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Yes, I’m assuming you know about his previous advances on her?”
“Yes, I’m well aware.”
“Imagine. I was meddling so much in her love affairs, when she had two perfectly suitable men… two doctors, no less, fawning over her without any help from me!”
“Imagine that.”
“Still, I’m glad she chose you. He seems sweet, but there’s something about him that’s a little off-putting.”
Good, she can see it, too. “Yeah, he has a bit of a reputation as a lothario.”
“Oh gracious. Well then, I’m extremely glad that Mina chose you! You have a heart of gold, and good intentions with my girl.”
“I only want the best for her. She deserves to be happy.”
“Yes, she really does.” Mina’s mother sighs and sinks back into her chair, patting my arm. “Plus, that boy is just too skinny. Needs a little meat on his bones. He’s not got your outstanding physique, dear.”
I bite back a laugh. At least I have that going for me. Just then, Mina reappears, clutching her purse. She looks visibly shaken.
“Babe, are you alright?”
“Can I talk to you over here for a second?”
Her voice is trembling, and she looks like she’s going to pass out.
“Don’t take too long,” her mother pipes up, seemingly oblivious to her daughter’s distress. “I’m starving!”
“Sure thing.” I stand up and cross over to where Mina is standing, a dazed look on her face. “What happened?”