Anxious

Chapter 5: Stalker

She shook the salt shaker over her fries roughly twenty times. James' eyes widened but he didn't say anything. Who was he to judge? Then, she also added salt to her bacon cheeseburger. This made him, involuntarily, cough in surprise. 

"Ilikesalt," she mashed together. I have to stop doing that. I know how to speak! Goodness!

James chuckled, "Well that, Leslie, is apparent." He ate his soup without a slurp. "This food is astounding. I cannot believe I have never been here." 

Leslie picked at her burger and fries. She was starved, but disliked the idea of eating right in front of someone. She studied the dimple in his chin because his eyes overwhelmed her. "I. made. the. soup. this. morning." She smiled, proud of herself for managing a sentence properly. 

"You are a chef here?" He couldn't help his eyes from growing big again. 

She nodded sheepishly.

"Then, you are an exceptional cook, Leslie."

Every time he said her name, she felt something spin inside her belly. The 26 year old virgin had never experienced these emotions. She had always been terrified of men. There were numerous reasons why, this last memory(flashback), just added to the long list. However, James was different. She wasn't panicky around him. In fact, with all his recent heroics with her, she actually felt safer when he was around.

He had carried her inside the diner, when she collapsed on the front steps, and got her co-workers to help him. They got an ice cold rag, put it on her face, and she was coherent in a matter of minutes. When she realized what had happened, she rushed to the window, but the parking lot stood empty. Stunned, she let James help her to a booth. Since then, they had ordered food and talked a little about the diner and it's staff. 

She finally took a tiny bite of her burger. Then, she whispered, "Did you see it, too?"

"I think you are referring to the car that entered the lot as we were arriving. It vanished as quickly as it appeared."

"But you did see it, right?" Leslie was suddenly nauseous.

"I saw it, Leslie. I am not excellent with vehicle models but I believe it was a Corvette." He waited for her to say something but she stayed silent, and looked paler with each word. Especially, the last one. "If you would like to tell me about it, it might make you feel better. Is there something I could help with, maybe?"

She shook her head hard. She had never told a soul. She wasn't sure if she could even explain it. There were things... she just... didn't know.

His light brown eyes flitted around, trying to catch her gaze. It didn't happen often. "It is getting late, my dear, and I am still--if not more--worried about you. You stay alone?"

She nodded and took a peek at his eyes. Her chest fluttered, nothing like the panic attack feeling at all, this was delightful. 

"I am not trying to unnerve you, but I would really prefer to walk you home." He smiled, concerned.

"Okay, James. I would really like that." She blushed but forced herself to continue, "I am so sorry that I put you through all this. Life has been nerve-wracking lately. It's nice to not feel so alone." 

He moved his hand as close to hers as possible without physically touching it. "Do not apologize. The only thing you 'put me through' was a very interesting night. I am thankful I met you." He looked straight into her eyes with sincerity.

Leslie melted.

He joked, "Although, I am not sure how many more frights this old heart can handle."