Max: I’m really sorry about tonight. I hope you can forgive me?
I sigh, wondering whether I should text him back. I’m still a little sore about what happened tonight, so I’m unsure. Maybe I should leave it until tomorrow.
I scoot further down into my bed and check my other notifications. I can already see there are a few photographs of the party uploaded on Facebook. I bite my lip, wondering if I will be able to find the mysterious stranger in any of them. I scroll through about twenty of the photos and find a couple of Christine and me—deep in conversation. That must have been when we were trying to find the Seven Minutes in Heaven guy. I scrutinize every photo, zooming in on whatever may look interesting, but I can’t find anything. It’s almost as if he appeared out of nowhere and then disappeared into thin air.
As I continue looking through them, a message appears on my phone. The number isn’t familiar to me at all. It doesn’t even have the same area code as the numbers in my area.
Unknown Number: You know… You really should put a lock on your phone. If it gets into the wrong hands, there’s no telling what someone could do.
I jump, gasping as I throw the phone towards the end of my bed. I don’t know why I did that because the phone is still there—and so is the message. As I pick it back up with shaky hands, I start to rationalize things. Maybe it’s Christine or even Jerry. He did promise he would get back at me for tonight. Maybe this is his way of doing it.
Me: Jerry, this is not funny.
Unknown Number: I’m insulted that you think I’m that chump.
Me: Then, who are you?
Unknown Number: You’re an intelligent girl. You work it out.
As I stare at the message with wide eyes, my heart starts beating a million miles an hour. With a shaky hand, I compose another message.
Me: Thank you for the lilies every day. Although I’m not sure why lilies? I’m more of a sunflower girl myself.
Unknown Number: Well done, Beautiful. I think you know why I choose the lily. It’s a beautiful flower.
“Times up, Beautiful.” I shiver, remembering that voice in the bathroom. This has to be the same guy.
Me: Those flowers are chosen for funerals. To me, they mean death.
Unknown Number: But they also symbolize devotion. Are you a devoted person, Lily?
Me: Yes. Aren’t you?
Unknown Number: This isn’t about me.
Me: Why not?
Unknown Number: Because it’s about you.
Me: Why me?
Unknown Number: Why not you?
Me: We’re going around in circles here.
Unknown Number: Did you enjoy the party tonight?
My heart starts to speed up again as I vividly remember my time with the stranger in the bathroom. It has to be him. I wonder what I could ask him that could confirm it one way or another.
Me: What do you think?
Unknown Number: Again, very clever. But again, this isn’t about me.
Me: I believe you know how the party went for me.
Unknown Number: Are you always this inquisitive?
I laugh, and I don’t know why. I shouldn’t even be entertaining this guy, but for some reason, I just can’t help myself. He’s like a beacon calling out to me.
Me: It’s not wrong of me to want to know who is delivering lilies to me every day and cornering me in bathrooms.
There. I said it! I’ve put it out there now, so I’m hoping he’ll bite.
Unknown Number: Who said anything about cornering anyone in bathrooms?
Me: I think you know… And I want to know what you meant.
I hear nothing for a couple of minutes. I sit there and stare at the phone nonstop the whole time with my leg twitching in anticipation. When I hear nothing, I decide to look up the number to see if I can figure out who this could be. I try a few sites from Google, but nothing shows up. This number isn’t publicly registered, so I think maybe it’s a burner phone and my stalker is upping his game. I wait a little longer for a reply before I put the phone down on my nightstand. Then, I see it suddenly light up again.
Unknown Number: Get some sleep, Lily. You look tired.
I gasp, looking around my room. Of course, no one is here, but it still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I get up and check the window outside, but all is quiet. It’s actually too quiet. Just looking out at nothing is unnerving.
I pull the curtain into place again and rush back to my bed. I’m too wired to sleep, but I’m also tired after the day’s events. I sit, wondering whether I should text back or not, but in the end, I realize he won’t reply anyway. He obviously didn’t like my line of questioning, since he cut me off so sharply.
I stare at the phone for a while before putting it back onto my nightstand. Instead, I pick up Pride and Prejudice and start reading. I need to get lost in another world for a few minutes. I need something to calm my erratic heartbeat. A dose of Darcy should do it.
Sigh.
I’m in a tunnel. It’s pitch-black and cold. I start shivering. As I look into the distance, I see a dark figure. It’s beckoning me over. I stare, wondering if I should trust this figure. Do I go, or do I turn and run away? The biggest part of me is screaming at me to turn, to move … to get the hell out of here, but my feet do not want to comply. My body jolts, like it’s just shifted gears, and suddenly—almost against my will—my body is moving. I start to advance towards this figure. It’s big in size, and my mind starts to wonder if it’s a monster out to eat me. Why am I not running away?
As I near the figure, the fear creeps up and lodges in my throat. I feel like I can’t breathe. I need to move. I need to get out.
But just as the panic starts, the figure offers me a hand. “Trust me, Lily,” he says, in his velvety voice. As I take his hand, all my fears and anxieties melt away. I feel safe, secure, and soothed by his touch. He pulls me to him, letting me savor that peppery smell. I breathe in the strong scent of mint as he leans in close to my lips. I hold perfectly still, wondering if—and hoping that—he will kiss me. I want him to. My body yearns for his taste. The warmth of him is surrounding me. I am no longer cold. Instead, my whole body is in flames as I seek out more of him.
He lingers at my lips, and I feel his warm breath on my face. I close my eyes, letting all of him fill my senses. I’m waiting for that first touch of his lips on mine… To feel the warmth and sweet moisture against my mouth.
As I feel him getting closer, I hold my breath, waiting for that inevitable kiss—the kiss which will transcend all kisses. I know it’s going to be amazing; I can feel the electricity in the air around us.
Then, suddenly—out of nowhere—he grips my arms and pulls me to him. His lips press against my ear. “Time’s up, Beautiful.”
I wake with a start, clutching my bed sheets. I’m sweating.
When was the last time I perspired like this? I can’t remember.
I look around my room. Everything is normal. The sunlight is shining through the edges of the curtain and falling onto my Marky Mark poster. His face is illuminated by its rays, making him look even more handsome than he already is.
I exhale, falling back on my bed, wondering what that dream could mean. I could analyze it for ages, but it could just simply be in reference to what he said to me last night in the bathroom. I did play that around in my head before I eventually fell asleep. Maybe it was just my subconscious trying to replay it all in a dream.
I grab my phone. First, I check for any further messages and then I see what time it is. As I light it up, nothing pops out at me. There are a few more photos of the party and one message from Christine asking me about my birthday. Such an impatient little thing she is. I check the time she sent it. Wow, it’s almost ten! I see that she sent it nine minutes ago, so I hit reply and start typing.
Me: 18th is a go. I repeat: It’s a go.
I can just see Christine shaking her head right now. It’s not long before I get a text back.
Chris
tine: You’re so fucking weird at times, but YAY on the being able to go part. We need to start planning pronto. Not to mention the dance is coming up in a couple of months!
I groan. I was kind of hoping we wouldn’t have to start talking about that for a while yet. What’s even worse is that it’s a masquerade ball. Whoever thought of it needs to be shot. I have nothing to wear, and I know Christine is going to be dragging me with her to shop for dresses soon. As I think this, my phone lights up.
Christine: Hey… Feel like going dress shopping today?
I smile. I could set my watch by her.
Me: Okay, but I need to stop for coffee first. Meet at Bernardo’s at 11?
I get up and head for the shower because I know Christine will jump at the chance. She knows me well; I always have to have my coffee every morning.
Once I’m set, I see my phone flashing away. I pick it up, knowing it must be Christine. She has sent a text, but what really draws me to the phone is the unknown number.
Unknown Number: Sweet dreams?
I bite my lip, wondering whether or not to answer. I decide to ignore him. For some reason, my body shivers at the mere thought of him. It’s illogical and completely unlike me.
I need to put some distance between us, and hopefully, he will get the message and go away.
That is what my head is thinking anyway…
With my mind made up, I check the message from Christine. She’s good to meet me at eleven—just like I thought she would be.
I dress quickly in a pair of skinny jeans and my Utah Utes hoodie before grabbing my bag and heading downstairs.
“Morning, pumpkin,” my dad chimes, putting his paper down as I appear on the last step. “Going for coffee?” He smiles as if to say: “I can set my watch by you.” I’m obviously that predictable.
“I’m meeting Christine at Bernardo’s. We’re going to grab a cup of coffee before going shopping for the masquerade ball.” I roll my eyes. He knows the drill.
“Do you want me to give you a ride? I’m heading that way to pick up your mother from her yoga class.”
“That would be good, Dad. Thanks.”
He folds his newspaper up, collects his coffee mug, puts it in the sink, and turns to me. “Right. Are you ready?”
I grab my coat and my bag and nod my head. “Yep. Ready.”
Outside, the air is a little crisp compared to yesterday. I can still smell spring in the air, however, which lifts my hopes up greatly. I’m fed up with the cold now. Spring and summer can’t come quickly enough.
“Looking forward to Montana this year?”
My gaze from the mountainous sights ahead is interrupted by my dad’s question. “I always enjoy time by the lake.”
My dad smiles. “Do I sense a but in there somewhere?”
I shake my head and laugh. “No, Dad. Everything’s cool.”
He takes his eyes off the road for a moment to look at me. “Am I right in saying that you dream of Italy?”
I smile. “I would really love to go to Tuscany. It looks magical there. Full of sunflowers.”
Dad laughs. “You certainly love your sunflowers.” I nod and he looks out onto the road as he pulls into the parking lot by Bernardo’s. “I tell you what,” he says, parking the car, “we’ll do Montana this year, but next year, I promise I’ll take you to Tuscany. How does that sound?”
I squeal with delight. “Really? You would really do that for me?”
Dad chuckles. “Of course. You’re my daughter after all. Anything for you, pumpkin.”
I throw my arms around him. “Thanks, Dad! You’re the best.”
He kisses my head before I pull away. “I do try. Having said that, I know I don’t always get it right, sometimes, though.”
I shake my head with a frown. “You’re the best dad anyone could ask for. Tuscany or no Tuscany. You put a roof over my head, feed me, clothe me, and best of all, you care for me. How could you not be doing it right?”
My dad grabs my hand and watches it intently with a frown. “You’re such a good daughter, Lily. I just want you to know that.”
I frown at him. “Is something wrong, Dad?”
He sucks in a deep breath and gives me a big smile. “Of course not. I just want you to know that you’re appreciated too. Just how you appreciate me.” He looks out of my window and waves at someone. “Now, go. Christine is waiting for you.”
I stare at him for a second, wondering if everything really is okay. His face, however, is giving nothing away. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime.”
I grab my bag and head out of the car and towards a smiling Christine. “You okay?” she asks.
We wave as my dad drives away. I look back at her, frowning. “I’m not sure. First, my dad tells me he’s going to take me to Tuscany next year, but then he starts saying how much he appreciates me as a daughter.”
Christine rears her head back as if in shock. “And that’s weird to you? Jeez, if my dad offered to take me to Tuscany and tell me I was appreciated as a daughter at the same time, I wouldn’t be questioning him. I would be eternally grateful.”
I’m shocked by her tone of voice. Christine rarely gets as uptight as this. “I know. I didn’t mean it to sound ungrateful—”
“But it does,” she interrupts. “Count yourself lucky, Lily.”
My eyes widen. “I do.”
Man, what has gotten into people this morning?
I would never feel ungrateful for anything I have. I already know how lucky I am without needing Christine to point it out. “Have I upset you?” I have to ask. She seems off this morning too.
Christine sighs and shakes her head. “Yes… Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. Are you ready for your coffee? You probably really need it now.” She chuckles, but I know whatever I’ve said has still hit a nerve somewhere. She just seems off somehow.
“Yeah. Coffee would be good.” I smile.
We walk in, and Bernardo is standing behind the counter today, smiling. He always has a smile for me, he says. He runs the establishment with his husband, Richard. They recently married after fifteen years together. I saw the photos, and they both looked stunning in a tux. “Lily Flower, how are you this morning? You’re a little later than normal. I have your coffee order paid for today.”
I frown, looking at Christine. She puts her hands up in the air. “Nothing to do with me.”
I close the distance between me and the counter, leaning over to speak quietly. “Who ordered it?”
Bernardo smiles cheekily. “I have no idea. When I opened up this morning, there was an envelope on the floor. It had a note inside with ten dollars. It asked me to pay for your coffee and to keep the change. Very generous of him. He must like you a lot.” He waggles his eyebrows at me. “So, spill. Who is he?”
“I have no idea.”
He claps his hands together, making me jump. “Ooh, a secret admirer. How traditional. You don’t hear much about those these days. I think it’s so romantic.”
I cock my eyebrow. So, Bernardo thinks my stalker is romantic? I wouldn’t really go that far, but I’m not about to correct him.
I feel Christine grab my shoulder, so I look towards her. “Do you think it’s the Seven Minutes in Heaven guy?”
Bernardo leans over the counter in excitement. “What Seven Minutes in Heaven guy?”
I shake my head. This is getting complicated, and I don’t want too many questions asked.
“Well,” Christine says, leaning back over with a cheeky grin. “We were at a party last night, and Lily made out with this guy in the bathroom, but we don’t know who he is. He just disappeared … like right into thin air.”
Bernardo reared back. “Noo?! Really? How exciting!”
I frown at them both. “More like weird, don’t you think?” I’m trying my level best to keep my sanity, but a part of me also thinks that “exciting” is definitely a word I could use to describe last night.
“You tell me,” Bernar
do asks, pointing at me, “was he a good kisser?”
My body almost quivers at the thought of his breath on mine. The way he felt was magical. Like something I’ve never felt before. It was an alien feeling. A feeling I both welcomed and wanted to deny at the same time. “He was … good.”
Bernardo raises his eyebrow. “Good?”
I bite my lip, trying to suppress my smirk, but it isn’t happening. “Okay! He was the best kisser I have ever had. Now, are you satisfied?” Christine and Bernardo both laugh together and give each other a high five. “Is there any chance I can have my coffee now?”
Christine pouts. “Sourpuss.” Without wanting to, I smile. “That’s better.” She turns back to Bernardo. “Can I have a coffee, black, to go? And I think you already know what Lily wants.” She looks at me with a smirk. “Compliments of SMIHG.”
I frown. “SMIHG?”
She rolls her eyes. “Seven Minutes in Heaven Guy, silly.” My mouth forms a little O as we wait for our coffee. “So, do you have any clues yet about who it could be?” I shake my head. “I was thinking about it last night. It could still be Max, you know. He’s strong. He had time and plenty of energy to climb down from that window and into the kitchen before he emerged at the bottom of the stairs.”
I think about it, but something tells me that Max had nothing to do with what happened last night. “I don’t know. I suppose we will find out who it is soon enough. A man like that won’t stay hidden forever. Someday, I will know.” That thought makes me smile inside. He either has to leave me alone, or at some point, he will have to show himself.
Our coffees arrive, so we thank Bernardo before heading out the door. “What store do you want to head into first?”
I take a sip of my coffee and groan in pleasure. The first sip is always the best. “I don’t care. Let’s just play it by ear, shall we? I’m sure we’ll find something. If not, we’ll still have plenty of time.”
We head down the main strip, and the streets are buzzing with Saturday shoppers. It’s warming up too, which I’m glad about. The crisp morning air is dissipating, leaving a much more spring-like fragrance. The cappuccino is adding to the warmth and improving my mood too. I’m somehow feeling more human again.
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