The Monster (18+)

Chapter 3: Cold Outside

Chapter Three
"Cold Outside"
Five Years Ago — March

   Third job interview of the week was an absolute failure. I felt like that should be a new record in some book, because three?

   Standing outside of the restaurant I just exited from, I crossed my arms for warmth while frowning at the street. Even though I left the apartment two hours before my interview, the weather wasn't on my side because while I had been on the subway, a huge blizzard took over the streets of New York City. And while buses were running, they weren't running fast.

   I missed my stupid interview.

   And even though the manager still let us talk for five minutes, I could tell from his facial expression that, excuse or not, I would not be hired.

   Huddled in my fleece jacket, I clenched my jaw tightly before flattening my back against the wall. For a few long moments, I closed my eyes and tried to think of positive thoughts.

   I still had two jobs. I had two incomes. Luba was getting old enough to work. We're still able to somewhat buy food—just not good ones. Annabelle is helping us. I'm almost eighteen.

   Luba's birthday is soon. I smiled to myself and tried to focus on her gift. I could sew her a duped dress she likes. Maybe save up enough money to take her out for food.

   With a shaky breath, I nodded once, with conviction. Everything would be okay.

   While repeating those affirmations, somewhere in the distance, I heard the sound of slush moving underneath a car slowing down. I didn't think much of it, but I reflexively stuffed a hand in my jacket pocket, where I carried my pepper spray. Since I wasn't eighteen, Annabelle bought it for me when we met.

   I sucked in my stomach when I heard a door opening, only a few feet from me, followed by it slamming shut.

   "We've got to stop meeting like this."

   Recognizing that voice anywhere, something in my chest fluttered as my eyes shot up, wide in surprise. Standing a few feet from me was the same boy from over a week ago, and my eyes moved on its own, silently taking in the thick jacket he was wearing over his suit. I felt like I needed to pay to look at him. Compared to me, he was dripping with money. 

   His almost creepy blue eyes were watching me, and once more, I thought of how dangerously beautiful he looked. Messy hair and sharp features and all.

   Noticing the small crook of his mouth, and I smiled. "I should say the same. You stalking me, blue eyes?"

   A perfect brow quirked, making me chuckle. "If I was stalking you, you wouldn't know it."

   "Intimidating."

   He seemed to smile against himself. "I'd like to think so."  

   Realizing we were both smiling at each other, I quickly looked away. My cheeks were burning, but for once, I was grateful that the cold was making my face red. The less he noticed how my body reacted to him, the better.

   Peering over his shoulder, I hid an amused snort when I saw the same black car with tinted windows parked—not on the side of the road, but in the middle of the driving lane.

   "You do know you're causing traffic, right?" I commented, gesturing to the car before turning my head back in his direction. I sucked a breath when I saw him still staring at me intensely with equal amounts of curiosity.

   He cocked his head before drawling, "They can switch lanes."

   I shook my head before pointing out, "What if you were one of the cars driving behind you. What would you do?"