"Hey, how long has that car been out there?" I peek suspiciously past the drapes, narrowing my eyes at the black car sitting on the curb. The same black car I saw at the café.

"What car, sweetie?" Mom stands at the kitchen island, chopping vegetables. Her homemade red sauce bubbles on the stove.

Dad is rumbling around in the cabinets, searching for the lasagna pan. He groans about his knees as he pushes to his feet, sets the pan on the island, and reaches for a bottle of wine. "You drinking tonight, Vi?" he asks as he unscrews the lid.

"Sure," I say, still watching the car. I could use a glass after today. Am I being paranoid or did that car follow me home? I pull out my cellphone and consider whether or not I should call the police. It would be really awkward if I were mistaken. If I only thought it was the same car from the café...

I frown as Dad hands me a glass of Pinot Noir. He cranks on the radio, blaring opera, and grabs his wife around the waist, twirling her around the kitchen. I smile at their antics and the love they have for each other, but it's not enough to ease the knots building up in my stomach. I take a large gulp, and then another, pining for that warm, relaxed feeling I'll have once I finish the glass. All I want to do is fall into bed and sleep until my muscles stop aching and the terrible thoughts of slit throats and mysterious black cars finally leave me alone.

I'm about to leave the window and take over stirring the bubbling and overflowing red sauce when suddenly I freeze, my eyes glued to the car's tinted windows. There's a cigarette butt glowing orange past the glass. My mouth falls open and my wine glass almost drops out of my hand. It is the same car. What kind of creepy stalker...?

Screw the police!

I polish off my wine, set the glass aside, and charge out the door, stomping down our curved drive and across the cobblestone street. I have every intention of giving this freak a piece of my mind. It's like they're trying to intimidate me. And part of the scare factor is not knowing who's on the other side of that tinted window. "Hey!" I growl as I bang a fist against the car door. "Roll down your window, asshole!" I stumble back as the car pulls away without warning, nearly rolling over my toes. "Oh, now you're running away? Come back and show yourself!" I restrain myself from picking a rock out of my neighbor's garden and hurl it after them. "Next time I'm calling the cops!"

"Feels like I keep running into you today." My heart quickens as I slowly swivel around. Nolan stares at me from the sidewalk, his head tilted, an amused smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. His gaze drops to my nightgown, robe, and fluffy slippers. "Nice pajamas."

Embarrassment creeps up my neck, coloring my cheeks with that tell-tale shade of pink. It's sunset, the sky infused with deep hues of purple, blue, and orange. I'm hoping the low lighting will help conceal the blush. I want to seem confident and sexy. Not like someone who's already in her pajamas by 6pm and blushes when someone points it out. I shrug like his comment doesn't bother me, resisting the urge to cover myself with my robe. My eyes settle on the fanny pack that hangs from his hips. "Cute purse."

This wins me a laugh. Nolan glances down at the bag. "Oh, yeah." He mimics my shrug. "You got me there."

I hold my breath as he steps closer. I assume he's been out jogging. He's wearing basketball shorts, a loose t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers. He pockets his air pods and my heart pounds even faster once we're face to face. He's taller than I thought and there's a charming smattering of freckles on his nose. We've never been this close before. "I'm sorry about earlier. Walking in on you and your boyfriend in the café bathroom." He shakes his head, looking genuine. "I didn't mean to...interrupt anything."

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, trying not to blush again at the thought of Finn cutting off my blouse and Nolan barging in on us. "You didn't."

"Okay." Nolan studies my face with his dark eyes. "Good." He walks past me, crossing the street toward his house, when he pauses. "Will I see you tomorrow night, Violet?"

I like the way he says my name. It sends shivers down my spine.

"Tomorrow night?" I echo.

"The fundraiser at the country club."

Oh, right. I totally forgot about that. We are members of the country club, but it's not as if we ever attend any functions. My family is still looked down upon as new money. There was a time, before my father's plumbing business expanded and became so successful, that we were living in a trailer. Even though we had nothing, I look back on those memories fondly. Sometimes I think the only reason my parents joined the country club was so they could have their look-at-us-now and how-far-we've-come moment.

"Of course," I say, straightening and trying to look sophisticated. "If I can find the time with my busy schedule." Unclogging toilets. "You'll be there, too?"

"Yeah." Nolan smiles. "Looks like we'll be running into each other again soon." He nods at me. "Have a good night."

"Good night!" I'm trying not to smile too hard as I walk back to the house. He's made me completely forget about this creepy black car. This is the first time he's ever really spoken to me. But the question is...what's changed?

I take out my cellphone and shoot Finn a text: Hey. Are you busy tomorrow night?

A/N:

Hey, guys! As you know, I'm on vacation, so this chapter, as well as the next two, are going to be on the shorter side. But once I'm back, I'm going to get back to the longer chapters and my regular schedule!! Thank you everyone for being understanding and hope everyone is having a wonderful day! :)