Behind The Bright Lights

Chapter 11

The night was dark and cloudy and Kimmy was glad that she had decided not to eat at home alone. She was afraid and had that feeling that someone was watching her and maybe she was right.
Where was Chase now?

Since he left the studio yesterday, she hadn't seen him which was a relief by the way but it still made her afraid because she didn't know what he was up to or when he'd suddenly appear.

Smiling at the young waitress, Kimmy removed her arms from the table so the waitress could place her plate in front of her.

'Thanks.' She mumbled.

She looked around for anyone watching her – no one. She sighed and started on her food. Despite all the pep talks she had given herself last night and the pep talk from Rocki, she still wasn't prepared to come face to face with Chase again.

'Kimmy, you have to stand your ground. Don't let him talk down to you...you are better than he is.' Rocki had said firmly over the phone yesterday.

She wished she had as much guts as Rocki had then no one could take her for a ride. 'You have to stand your ground and don't let him intimidate you. Do you understand?'

If the circumstances had been different, Kimmy might have laughed because Rocki had sounded like an army commander. She had even offered to come stay with her for a while but the apartment was way too small and she wouldn't impose on their friendship like that so she declined claiming that she had to be strong. It was definitely easier said than done, she thought glancing around the room again.

All of a sudden that feeling was heightening and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Her heart was pounding wildly her gaze dashing quickly across the room and back again. The food was forgotten on the table as she stood up making a sudden decision to leave. She fumbled open her purse with trembling fingers then before she could do anything, she felt a grip on her elbow and smoky breath on her neck.

'Leaving already?' Chase.

Her legs almost gave away.

Stand your ground, she said to herself.

'I was just leaving.' She whispered then he pushed her back in her seat, crossed the table and sat opposite her.

'Stay a little while.' He said giving her a humorless smile.

'What are you doing here?' her voice was shaking. Stop it, she told it.

'Came to have dinner with you.' He replied raising his hand for a waitress.

'Well, I'm done and I am leaving.' She replied without much conviction.

'You will leave when I tell you to.' He turned to the waitress and ordered a bottle of wine. 'Drinks are on you, sweetie.' He drawled when the girl left. 'You are making big bucks for me now.'

'I haven't been paid yet.'

'But you have already started spending, haven't you? Chicco is a nice place. You were there on...when was it? Wednesday?'

Kimmy's heartbeat accelerated. So he had been stalking her. Since she came to New York? She suppressed a shiver.

'Have you been following me?' Her voice was still shaky but she narrowed her eyes.

Chase's eyes widened. She was staring right into his eyes. 'That's my business.' He gave her a threatening look and she lost her nerve and looked away. 'New York is giving you a rush, isn't it? Well I can make that disappear. Sit down.' He bit out when she tried to stand up and leave.

She sat down quickly without thinking and she felt tears sting the back of her eyes and if she didn't get the guts to leave soon, she'd break down. It seemed to her like there was no conquering this man. Looking out the window, she was surprised to see raindrops rolling down the window. She had not even noticed when it had started to rain.