Crazy Love

by Rachael Tamayo

  “So,” I lean on the back of my car. “Do you still have my number?”

  He shoves his hands into his pockets with a crooked smirk.

  “I sure do.”

  “Use it.”

  Our eyes meet and I can’t help but smile at him. I see the memories floating in his eyes, just like they are in the back of my head every time I look up at him. He’s got the same look on his face that I caught so many times when we were walking around the rodeo that day.

  “I will.”

  I’m still standing out here long after everyone is gone, giggling at him like a school girl.

  “So you don’t want coffee then?” He smiles.

  “Aren’t you scared? Considering that I scalded you last time.”

  “I am a little scared. I think I have my bulletproof vest in my trunk though.” He moves, leaning beside me.

  I glance up at his happy face. “You’re silly. It’s late anyway. Coffee puts me to sleep. I’ll fall asleep driving.”

  He leans closer. “Don’t you have coffee at home? I’ll follow you.”

  I slap his arm playfully. “I have to work in the morning. You’d have me up all night.” I stand up, glancing around.

  “Didn’t bother you last time.”

  I shake my head with a giggle. “Shut up.”

  Tearing my eyes off his face, I look up and see a black Corvette parked not far away with blacked out windows. It tickles my brain, in that way when you know you’ve seen something before but can’t really remember where or how.

  “That’s weird.” I mumble.

  He looks around. “What’s weird?”

  “That car. I know I’ve seen it before.” I nod towards the parked car down the street.

  “The Corvette? You don’t remember where?”

  “No, but I know I have. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

  I watch as he pulls out his cell phone.

  “Hey Desiree, yeah It’s Penrose. Can you run a plate for me please... ready... it’s... John-Tom-Lincoln-five-five-five... Ok, thanks. Can you email that to me... you’re a doll.”

  He hangs up the phone.

  “Know anyone named Noah Burrell?”

  My mouth drops open and a cold stone settles in my stomach.

  “Oh My God... yeah, I do… it must be coincidence though.”

  Concern flashes in his eyes, he looks up at the car as it pulls away.

  “Who is he?”

  “Um, he’s no one. A customer that comes in every day. Just this annoyingly, friendly guy that talks to me a lot. He’s pretty harmless.”

  His brow furrows. “Have you noticed him following you around?”

  I shake my head. “I’ve never seen him outside of the pharmacy. Maybe he lives around here somewhere. He’s always telling me about how much money he has.”

  “No, he doesn’t live near here. At least his car isn’t registered here. It’s registered to an upscale neighborhood outside of Katy. He comes in every day? Why?”

  “Just to say hello, or so he says. He doesn’t miss a day. Everyone at work teases me about him. He’s around forty-five or so and he owns a business. He’s always telling me about it. He showed up today as I got off, I argued with him about letting him walk me to my car in the rain because he had an umbrella. I finally gave up and let him. He’s probably just friendly.”

  Even as I say it, something unsettling forms in my stomach. Maybe it’s the look on Isaiah’s face, or the way Noah mentioned Caroline today when I don’t recall ever mentioning her name.

  Crap. The cold stone in my gut rolls, turning into a boulder. He couldn’t really be following me, there has to be some other reason. Why would someone follow me?

  “Has he ever said anything weird to you? Made you uncomfortable?”

  I look up at Isaiah, realizing that he’s slipped into cop mode. He stands with his brow furrowed, arms crossed. “He’s just generally creepy. Nothing you can really pinpoint. He did say something today though. I thought it was nothing. There must be an explanation.”

  I tell him about what he said about Caroline. Isaiah sighs.

  “Sounds like something’s up. I’ll look into it tomorrow when I get to work and I’ll call you. Let me follow you home tonight, okay?”

  “You really think that’s necessary?” I hear the alarm in my own voice.

  “It’s never a bad idea to be extra careful. You never know with people, believe me. Someone can seem totally harmless, and they are the farthest thing from it.”

  I nod. Wouldn’t hurt, just to be safe.

  ***

  Isaiah walks back into my living room. It’s strange to see him here, standing in my house. He insisted on checking it for me. He’s checked all the rooms, doors, windows. Now he meets my eyes with a sigh.

  Man, I wish I’d cleaned up. He hasn’t said anything, or even seemed to notice. He’d have to be blind not to notice. I’m such a slob.

  “Well, I don’t see anything that seems odd. Are you sure you don’t want me to sleep on the couch, just in case? I don’t mind. I’m not comfortable leaving you here alone if someone is following you around.”

  Maxie sniffs at his boots. He glances down, she growls lightly at him.

  “I’ll be fine. Everything’s locked, I don’t think it’s that serious. I doubt he’s actually following me. Maybe he was just passing and recognized me from the street or something.”

  “Let’s hope that’s all it is. Just promise me you’ll call me if anything happens. I don’t live too far from here. I can have cops here in a second. If you get scared, call me.”

  I nod. Some unseen force pulls my eyes upwards, locking on his.

  “Promise me,” he says, quietly.

  “Okay, I promise.” The warmth and worry in his eyes liquefies my brain for a second. I shake it off before speaking again. “What do I say to him when he shows up tomorrow?”

  “Don’t mention you saw him. But tell him you have a boyfriend. You can use my name if you need to. See if that does anything. Keep me updated okay? Keep your eyes open, know where you are and who’s around you. I’ll be checking on you until I figure out what’s going on.”

  “I will. Thanks. It’s probably nothing.”

  “Maybe it is nothing, but I’ve seen too much over the years to assume. Act like it’s not, but hope that it is.”

  I follow him to the front door as he pulls his keys out of his pocket.

  “Night, hey I’m glad that we ran into each other tonight.” He smiles.

  Something familiar in my chest flutters. “Yeah, me too. It was weird at first, but I’m glad we talked.”

  He bends down and Maxie sniffs his fingers, ducking away from his hand.

  “Night little pup.”

  I grin. A guy that talks to my dog? Ugh, there goes my chest again.

  We say our goodnights and I lock the door, checking it twice before going to bed.

  Chapter Four

  Noah

  I set my coffee cup down too hard on my desk, sloshing the black liquid all over the calendar.

  “Damn it.” I jump up.

  My partner Alex eyes me. “What’s wrong with you today?”

  I dab the mess with the paper towels from my bottom drawer. “Nothing, I’m fine,” I snap.

  He laughs at me as I toss the wad into the trash. “Fight with your girlfriend last night or something?”

  I shake my head. “No, Emily is just fine. I’m just a little tired. I was up to late and that damn conference call pissed me off.”

  He crosses his arms as I call my secretary and ask her for more coffee and a new calendar.

  “When are we going to meet her anyways? You never bring her to anything. I’m starting to wonder if she’s imaginary.” He guffaws at his own stupid joke.

  “After the engagement I’ll start to bring her to functions.” I pull my top drawer out and pick up the box inside. A platinum, Tiffany engagement ring waiting for her finger.

  Alex whistles. “You don’t play around do y
ou? When are you going to ask her?”

  I smile, putting the ring back in the drawer. “Soon. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees this ring. We are going to elope to Vegas.”

  “Don’t you think she’ll want the wedding? They all do. And what about your family?”

  I look at him, glaring. “You know better than to ask me about my family.” My loving family. Mother that had me committed as a teenager. My sister that tried to get power of attorney. All they care about now is my money. “I haven’t talked to them in years.”

  “Regardless, she will want a wedding. Something huge and expensive no doubt. They all hemorrhage money at weddings.” He rolls his eyes.

  I nod. Of course she will, but I need to be married to her. After that, she can have anything she wants as long as I’m the one giving it to her.

  “Yes, of course. When we get back we’ll have a big party, then plan out the wedding together. I think she’s going to love it. I don’t care what it costs.”

  He nods. “So is that why you took off all that time you have coming up?”

  I smile at him. “Well, why would I want to sit here with you when I can be with her? I need a break anyway.”

  “How long have you two been seeing each other? Seems a bit sudden for a proposal.”

  I shoot him a look across the desk and he only laughs at me.

  “I met her five months ago. It’s never to soon when you know. What do you know, you don’t even want to be married to your wife now, and she’s your third. Don’t talk to me about proposing, you can’t seem to stop.”

  He laughs, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, don’t remind me. Next time I want to marry one please, find a way to stop me.”

  After being spotted that night, I decided to push back my plans a few days. Let things settle, just in case. There was also that guy she was talking to, I haven’t been able to figure out who he is just yet.

  It doesn’t really matter who he is. She’s going to be so happy when I tell her what I’ve got planned and how I’ve been watching over her. Whoever that guy is, she’ll forget all about him.

  Today is the day. After pushing things back, I decided this morning that I wouldn’t wait any longer. I’m going to see her, and if everything goes like think it will, she’ll know that I’m the only one that can really take care of her when this is over.

  It’s essential that she learns to depend on me.

  I rise from my desk. Alex blows out a breath and heaves his enormous frame out of the leather chair opposite me.

  “Dinner?” He walks towards the door.

  “Not today, I have plans.”

  It’s not a long drive. I know all the shortcuts. If there’s a way to get to this CVS I know it like the back of my hand, just like the routes to her house.

  I park my Corvette up front this time. Normally, I park out of site, but today things are different.

  Right on time, I see her head towards the exit with her keys already in her hand. I get out of my car just as she walks out.

  Emily sees me, recognition lights her brown eyes and a smile flashes across her face. She always smiles when she sees me. That’s how I know she’s glad I’m here.

  “Hi there. I got your message, I’m sorry you were worried.”

  Confusion wrinkles her forehead, stopping her in the middle of the parking lot.

  “I didn’t leave you a message.”

  I pull out my phone. “It’s ok, don’t be embarrassed. After seeing me every day you must have wondered what happened when I wasn’t here for days.”

  I pull up a text sent to me by her friend, Caroline. You’d be surprised what money can do. Turning the phone, I show her the message.

  “Emily is asking about you. Didn’t you tell her you were out of town?”

  “No, it was a last minute emergency. I didn’t have time. I’ll be back tomorrow I’ll talk to her then.”

  Emily stares at it, shaking her head. “I never asked about you. You’ve been here every day. What are you talking about?”

  I furrow my brow with concern. “No, sweetheart I’ve been in California. Are you all right?” I move to touch her arm, she jerks out of reach.

  She touches her forehead. “I’m fine. I know you were here. I saw you, we talked. And how do you even know Caroline?”

  I frown. “She works for me, you knew that. She’s my new district manager of the Houston area, for weeks now. Are you sure you’re okay? Can I get you some water? You really don’t remember?”

  She shakes her head. “No, I’m fine. I don’t know what’s going on here, but if it’s a sick joke it’s not funny.”

  She pushes past me, headed for her car. “Emily, I’d never do that to you. Hey, take this.” I hold out my card. “Call me if you need anything. I’m worried about you.”

  She takes the card, shaking her head, then gets into her SUV and slams the door.

  If she depends on me, she’ll realize how much she loves me. I only have to make her see it.

  No one can love Emily the way I do.

  After she drives away, I walk back towards me car, dialing Caroline’s number.

  ***

  Emily

  I toss the card into the cup holder. I know I saw him. And what’s this crap about Caroline? She works for CVS, has for years. Did she quit and not tell me?

  Suddenly, my head is throbbing.

  I guess it’s possible, it’s not like we are joined at the hip or anything. We don’t talk every day.

  This has to be a joke. Some nut’s screwed up sense of humor or something. I’m going to call Caroline and get to the bottom of this.

  When I get home I change into yoga pants and a t-shirt. After hooking Maxie’s leash on her collar, I put my Bluetooth on my ear and head out for a walk as I dial Caroline number.

  “Hey girl, what up.”

  “Hi. Um… you know Noah Burrell?” No point in beating around the bush I guess.

  “Sure, dork. You know I do. He hired me weeks ago, you were all excited for me remember?” She sounds certain, happy.

  I don’t remember any of this. Something has to be wrong here. “I don’t remember that. He shows up at my work every day… he…,” I falter. What do I even say?

  “You called me two days ago asking about him. You’re friends, right? Why else would you be worried about him?”

  My head starts to throb. “No, I didn’t. I never called you and he’s not my friend. What the hell are you talking about?” I shout. I draw the attention of an elderly woman watering her roses.

  “Why are you yelling? Are you okay? I can’t believe you don’t remember.”

  “Why would I do that? He’s weird and creepy. And besides, he’s been at my work every day for months. He never went anywhere. And you have worked for CVS for six years, why would you just up and leave and not tell me? Are you two playing some joke on me?”

  The line is silent for a moment.

  “Emily, your freaking me out here. I think maybe you need some rest and you’ll feel better.” Her voice is thick with concern.

  I stop walking. Maxie bends and sniffs a patch of grass. “I’m not crazy.”

  “I think you’re just tired. Get some rest and I’ll talk to you later. I’m sure you’ll feel better. Maybe you should call Noah and have him come check on you.”

  I feel sick. Why would she think that I would do such a thing? Bile rises in my throat, burning me as I swallow the bitterness back down. I tug on Maxie’s leash. “Why would I call him, I just told you that he’s been bothering me. I didn’t even have his number until today when he gave me his card. I don’t even know him.”

  She sighs. “Are you really asking me this? Are you playing with me? You’re scaring me Emily.” Her voice is soft.

  I’m scaring her? I’m the one standing here on the corner shaking, ready to throw up.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about Caroline. And just leave Noah out of this.”

  “Just get some rest, okay? I’ll call you tomorrow. A
nd call Noah. I know he works a lot but you know that he’ll be here for you for whatever this is.”

  I hang up, my fingers shaking. I feel fine, except for my throbbing headache. How can this be? I don’t remember any of this. I remember worrying all week about this nut following me around. I remember looking over my shoulder everywhere I went in case that black Corvette was lurking.

  Double checking the locks on my doors, looking into the backseat of my car. I haven’t seen him again, except for when he shows up at my job. Of course, now he’s saying he wasn’t there.

  Someone at the store had to have seen him, right? I’m not losing it, am I?

  After we hang up the phone, Maxie and I head back home. I need a distraction. When I walk in my front door, I release Maxie from her leash and toss it on the floor. My keys go back in the bowl.

  Isaiah crosses my mind. We’ve talked on the phone several times, but haven’t made any plans to meet. He’s been busy and out of town for work. I could tell him what’s going on.

  No, bad idea. What if it really is me? I don’t want him to look at me all weird and thinking something is going on.

  Hell, I couldn’t really be this confused, could I? I glance down at my dog with a sigh.

  What is happening to me?

  I need to clean my house. That ought to keep me too busy to worry about this. Clean laundry piled up on my white, leather couch. My shoes scattered everywhere across the hardwood floor. Dog hair on my area rug, I need to vacuum. Coffee mugs on the coffee table, end tables.

  Then there is the kitchen. My counters piled up with dishes, both clean and dirty. I blow out a breath. I’m not a pig, but sloppy and I are good friends.

  After two hours of picking up, doing laundry, washing dishes and wiping counters, I turn on my Keurig and brew my nightly cup of coffee. Coffee before bed makes me sleep, oddly enough. So my nightly routine is a big, creamy mug of java and whatever shows I have recorded in my DVR.

  I lay my clothes out for work tomorrow, slip into my clean sheets, and tell myself today was just a bad day. Maxie jumps up into the bed beside me, laying down in her usual spot.

  Tomorrow will be a better day.

  ***