Run, Baby Run

Chapter Five: part 2

Lacey couldn't hide her nervousness. If she wasn't fidgeting she was anxiously tapping her foot. She hadn't even touched her water. That wasn't the worse of it. The worst part was that Tate was frowning at her since Pam brought the water glasses.

"Aren't you thirsty?"

He asked taking a sip of his glass. Subconsciously she looked around as if someone was watching them. She really was paranoid. She slumped her shoulders on defeat.

"I'm...just..I'm too afraid."

She admitted. She knew it was beyond pathetic that she was too afraid to drink water. Tate gave her a worry glance.

"What sort of trouble could you possibly be in?"

His eye brows were raised and his brown eyes were full of curiosity.

Lacey sighed deeply.

" Look, I'll be blunt. I need a safe place where I can stay for a while until..everything blows over...if you want to help."

She told honestly. That was the one thing Tate could do for her. Tate narrowed his eyes. He paused for in thought.

"For how long?"

He asked. Lacey bit her lip. The truth was she needed a safe house for at least five years. But she couldn't tell him that. She sucked in a breath.

"A year."

Patiently she waited for his response.

"I can help."

He smiled reassuringly. Lacey let out a breath that she didn't know she had been holding.

"But.. On one condition."

He added. Lacey immediately crinkled her eyebrows. What did he want?

Tate lips curled into a unfamiliar boyish grin.

"You have to have dinner with me."