𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒆 | ✔

5 | The Stalker

LOTTIE PULLED INTO the parking lot, her hands white around the wheel. After a moment to brace herself, she looked around and bit her lip. He wasn't in sight; not yet. Then she paused, fiddling with the leathered bracelet, before scoffing at the idea. You can't miss another day. With that, she stepped outside, slammed the door shut, then pursued into Culvers. 

Where are you, Eliott?

Lottie was already flustered with her first shift of the day, so after seeing the usual buzz of customers, she could only sigh. There were about fifteen people, she estimated. Friday is going to be another long day. 

"Five minutes early?" came a teasing voice; one she knew all-too-well. 

"Hazel, can we not do this?" Lottie glared at her, contemplated, then started for an unused register. "I really need to get to work."

"Normally, you're late," she said, following after, "so why are you early?"

The woman paused after a few steps, then turned with a scowl. "Hazel, please just leave me alone." But her face soon softened. "We'll talk about all the gossip or whatever you want later, okay? Just not now. We're not on break."

"Since when did you become a model employee?" 

"I-"

"-wait." Hazel searched her face, her own sinking. "Did the boss nearly fire you? Did he let you off with a warning?"

Despite herself, Lottie chuckled softly. "No, it's not that. Just... I might tell you something during break. We'll see..."

"Well, until a few hours, I guess." Then she spun around, whipping her hair. "Bye, Lottie."

-

"Joseph." Lottie gave him a gentle nudge but flinched when he let out a yelp. "I'm sorry."

In response, the man stepped back from the metal stove, suddenly pale. And in the next moment, he turned her way. "Why'd you do that?" His voice was just above a whisper. "And what are you doing back here? You're not a cook..."

"It's our break." She patted him awkwardly on the shoulder, but then her face stiffened. "I want to talk to you... away from here."

"Well, I can't go anywhere, or I'll get fired." He slowly removed his hairnet, his fluffy golden locks spilling out. "I don't want to get into trouble."

"No, just outside. It's too chaotic in here."

Joseph studied her, considering the offer, then smiled. "You actually want to hang out, don't you?" Then he made way for the exit and paused. "Wait, this is about that one man, isn't it?"

Lottie bit her lip for a moment. "Let's just get outside, okay?" 

"Okay." The word was muttered. "Let's go outside."

She followed close behind him, their steps in sync. When he stepped through the door, he moved aside, holding it open for her. "Thanks..." she said, watching him, "but I could have done that." But then she scolded herself. Can't you be nice for once?

He continued lining the building, going around the corner to where there wasn't much commotion. That was when he turned, waiting for her to meet him there. "So, what's this about?"

"You know what this is about, Joseph." Her words came out too quickly, so she looked to her feet. "I just want to be sure you told me everything." Then she met his face, her own crumpled. "I need to know everything you and my brother talked about."

Just as last night, Joseph stared down, kicking at stray pebbles. 

"What is it?" she pressed.