In Wonderland

Part 3: "You still want me"

"You were quiet the whole evening," Omer said.

They were seated in his rental, in the parking lot of her building. Dila surreptitiously glanced around the lot, worried at any moment Kuzgun was going to pop out. But that was ridiculous, she reminded herself. After their confrontation last night, he had no reason to remain here. "Sorry. I'm a little tired."

"Can I come up for a nightcap?"

"I have Robert in my apartment," she reminded him.

"I can't believe you let him stay in your place."

She shrugged her shoulders. "He needed help."

"There is a limit to how much you can help people. Please tell me you understand that."

She sighed. "You sound like my shrink."

"Alright, fine. I'll stop lecturing you."

"Thank you!"

"We can go back to my hotel room," he offered, sliding closer to her.

"I'm sorry, I'm just really tired." Her mind was too distracted, and she simply wasn't in the mood to be with Omer. "Next time you come into town, I'll make it up to you."

"Okay, fine," he murmured. "Come on, I'll walk you to your door."

It was chilly outside as they made their way towards the entrance to the building.

"This place needs an elevator," Omer grumbled as they climbed up the stairs.

"I don't mind. It's my cardio for the day,"

As they steered down the hallway, he inclined his head to the apartment beside her. The door was open, large cardboard boxes sitting by the door. "Looks like you have a new neighbour."

"Hopefully not someone too annoying," she remarked as they came to a stop in front of her place. She could hear loud music coming from inside, which meant Robert was there. "Sorry I wasn't more fun tonight."

He held her hand, smiling. "It's fine. Next time."

"You can come in and meet Robert if you want."

"No, thanks."

She was reminded of how much his dismissive attitude bothered her. Dropping his hand, she started searching for her keys.

"No goodnight kiss?" he teased.

"Doesn't seem like she's in the mood," came a familiar mocking voice from behind Omer. Her stomach dropped. She looked past Omer to find Kuzgun leaning against the neighbouring door, casually dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, eyes glinting with irritation.