Run For Your Life (Book Two)

Chapter Sixteen

            My phone went off for the ninth time and I groaned and opened my eyes. I picked up my phone and hit ignore. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I set my seat back up and too the keys out of the cupholder. I put them in the ignition and started the car. I sighed before buckling up and backing out of the empty grocery store parking lot. I drove for hours last night and around 2 in the morning, I could hardly keep my eyes open any longer so I pulled into the closest parking lot and parked for the night. I fell asleep somewhere around 4 after I finally settled down from my thoughts and anger. Now, here I am, three unfortunate hours later driving around Florida searching for my missing girlfriend.

            I turned on the radio, searching for something to fill the silence in the car. I stopped at a stoplight and grabbed my phone to see who all had called. I had 9 missed calls total; 3 from Riley and 2 from Toby, Thomas, and Braiden. I set my phone back in the cupholder and looked up in just enough time to see the light turn green. I pushed down on the gas and headed on my way again. I changed lanes and turned into the parking lot of a Dunkin Donuts. I parked the car and got my back out of the back seat before getting out and walking towards the door. I opened the door and a bell rang, causing the person at the counter to look up. “Um, can I use your bathroom?” I asked. “You have to buy something” She told me. “Store policy.” “I will. I just… please?” I stuttered. She shrugged. “Whatever.”

            I headed towards the back, staring at the floor as I walked. I opened the bathroom door and flipped the switch to turn on the light. I locked the door and set my phone and keys down on the counter. I dropped by bag and turned on the water. I let the water run for a few minutes as I stared at myself in the mirror. My inner critic screaming things in my head. I shut my eyes tightly and gripped the side of the sink as I tried to push the voices out of my head. I swallowed hard and splashed some cold water in my face, hoping it would wake me up. I grabbed a paper towel, dried my face and turned off the water. I unzipped my bag and took out a clean shirt and a pair of jeans. I quickly changed clothes and folded the old ones up, placing them neatly on the bottom of the bag. I tossed my bag back over my shoulder and grabbed my phone and keys before walking out and to the counter.

            “What do you want?” The girl asked. “Coffee.” I said. “We have more than on kind” she said rolling her eyes. “And size.” “Well I’m sorry!” I said angrily. “I don’t come here, I go to Starbucks!” “So why aren’t you there?” she asked, clearly annoyed. “Because I couldn’t find a Starbucks and I just need some coffee because I only slept three hours last night.” I told her. “Your point being?” I rolled my eyes. “Just give me a damn cup of black coffee.” I said. “What size?” she asked. “Small.” She rang up the coffee and I gave her the money. She walked to the back and a few minutes later returned with a small cup of piping hot coffee. I took the cup and grabbed a few packages of cream and sugar before heading out the door and back to the car. I unlocked the door and threw my bag in the back seat again. I put my coffee in one cupholder and my phone in the other and started the car again. I backed out of the parking spot and left, heading on my way once again.

            My phone started ringing and I sighed. I grabbed it from the cupholder and hit answer then put it on speaker and placed the phone in my lap.

“What?” I asked.

“Connor McDonough!” the voice screeched.

            Dear God, please don’t let this be some crazy fan that got my number. I prayed silently.

“Who is this?” I asked.

“John Mayer. No, it’s Abbie!”

I rolled my eyes and sighed.