Be Alright

Five

Five: 21 Questions

The urge to pick all the finger nail polish
off my nails right now is eating me alive. It's taking everything in me not to take the mauve color off slowly, each nail getting chips of color removed. I knew it wouldn't be the best look, but at least it would settle my nerves.

It's six minutes past the time I was suppose to meet Tyler and I know that it isn't that big of a deal to be just six minutes late, but for a girl with anxiety it is a massive deal.

What if he doesn't come? Or what if this is just a prank he set up to laugh at me for thinking he wanted more. Hell, he doesn't even know my last name.

What if he did know my last name? He was able to deliver flowers to my office this morning. Surely he had to have more information than just "Octavia."

Maybe he delivered them personally. Maybe he drove to the station and gave them to Harley himself. I'll make sure to ask Harley.

Chill out Octavia. You're losing your mind.

I laugh out loud at the thoughts running through my head and smile at the sight of my breath. It's definitely chilly out and my decision to only wear a sweater wasn't my best.

Thankfully, before I questioned my sanity any more I see Tyler walking down the sidewalk, a smile on his face as he heads my direction.

"You came," he chirps, plopping down on the bench beside me.

"Of course I came," I beamed at him. "I was beginning to think you were the one not coming."

"I got caught up at work today and started running a little late," he explains.

"You don't have to explain yourself. It's all good," I assure him. "By the way, thank you for the gifts. My morning was frantic enough and they really brought me one much needed happiness," I smile at him.

"Are you referring to the Joeli's murders?" Tyler asks, his eyebrow raising.

I nod and Tyler lips form a straight line. I didn't know if he was close or knew Joeli in anyway, but I know he said he had buisness to take care of with him.

"Did you know Joeli?" I question.

Tyler shakes his head and lets out a sigh. "Joeli was just a man I was attempting business with. He wasn't very interested."

If I knew anything from my experience at the police station it's that Tyler definitely would be getting questioned if anyone knew about his attempt at business with Joeli. I remember Tyler being hateful when he first spoke to me, maybe Joeli denying his requests really pissed him off.

I don't think Tyler killed Joeli. Sitting here with him, he seems like a chill guy. The kind of guy you don't take home to mom but you hang out with every now and again. He had a mysterious demeanor and it drew me in. That and the fact he was so attractive.

"I probably shouldn't have told you that," he chuckles, most likely reading the expression on my face.

I wish I was good at hiding my feelings. I'm pretty much an open book. My guess is that Tyler could tell I had thoughts about him being a killer.