The Runaway Girl and The Billionaire

Chapter 3: Paranoia

 The bakery had just shut down, and Lana was removing her apron when Tina approached her. She was responsible for training her and had been the first to make her feel welcome behind the counter at A Slice of Suzeth.

"Did I hear right-do you live on BGC area? "she asked.

The paranoia set in as Lana wondered where her co-worker had learned her address. Forcing herself to relax, she just nodded her head, plastering a feigned smile on her face.

"I'm just a few blocks from there. How do you get home?" Tina asked.

"Oh, I walk," Lana said, feeling awful. She wished she could offer Tina ride, and after spending the day on her feet she could stand for a ride herself.

"That's perfect! So do I. Come on, let's walk together-I'll show you all the cool places," Tina said. It was more of a command than a suggestion, so Lana agreed, grabbing her jean jacket from the coat rack before following Tina out the front door.

"This is my favorite season. You know, when the wind started to blow that even a small piece ogf leaves is swaying. That means Ber months is coming," Tina started.

She was so talkative, and Lana had taken to her from the moment they met.

There were some people you could just tell were genuine, and Tina was one of them. She was happy all the time, constantly going above and beyond to help customers throughout the day. Although Lana had never worked as a barista before, Tina was patient with her, taking the time to teach her everything more than once.

"I like ber months, too," Lana forced herself to answer. She was shy and timid, at least since her disastrous marriage.

Before she had submitted her life to Danny, she used to be very outgoing and personable, but now was closed off and suspicious of new connections. She had tried not to get close to anyone, because it made leaving more difficult.
With a crazy husband always on her heels, Lana had to be ready to leave at the drop of a dime, and keeping to herself made that easier. But that lifestyle was tiring, and for once, she now felt that a new life was a possibility. If there was anyone she thought she could trust, it was Tina.

"That's the best months in this country, " Tina exclaimed, pointing towards a small restaurant on the corner. People flooded from the shop carrying bags of food, and I made a mental note to try out the restaurant one day.

"So, how long have you lived in Taguig?" Lana asked, hoping not to weird Tina out by being too quiet.

"Born and raised actually," Tina houted so loudly a couple walking into the Italian restaurant turned in their direction.

Unable to bite back her mirth, Lana erupted in giggles and Tina joined her. The two women laughed together as they continued through the colorful neighborhood. She was relaxed and comfortable, asking for the closest laundry mat and pharmacy, trying to get her bearings in the new community.

"Where are you from?" Tina asked.

"Is it that obvious that I'm not from around here?" Lana shot back, smiling broadly.

"You're too-nervous." Tina answered, unease evident on her face. She didn't want to offend Lana, but she had noticed that there was something off with her the first day they met. She had a high wall built up, but she wanted her to know that she could lower it when it was just the two of them. She would never betray her or repeat anything shared privately.

"Nervous?" Lana giggled, but in the back of her mind she knew exactly what Tina was hinting at. She was paranoid, always worried someone was out to get her.