It was a little after noon when Corey heard the buzzer and stopped what he was doing. He went to press the button to let Scott in after he checked to be certain it was him. He chuckled wryly. Like the stalker’s going to announce his presence that way.
The moment he opened the apartment door, he handed Scott a slip of paper while saying, “I thought instead of going out, we’d eat here, Reed.” The note said:
Trying to push all his buttons.
As Scott read it, Corey continued talking. “I hope you remember what a good cook I am and don’t say no.”
Instead of replying, Scott took something from his pocket to give to Corey. “Go with it,” he said, barely above a whisper. “What the hell is this and why was it left at my place?”
Corey opened the folded paper, staring in shock at the picture of a mutilated body. Across it was written This is you if you see him again.
“Damn, Reed” Corey said.
“Yeah, damn. What’s going on, Corey. What haven’t you told me?”
Corey sucked in a breath. He wants me to play it like I’ve been keeping the whole stalker thing a secret from him—from ‘Reed.’ “I was afraid… I didn’t want you to worry,” he mumbled in reply.
“This picture”—Scott tapped it—“has me more than worried. Tell me.”
“I… Reed, there’s… someone is stalking me.”
“And you’re just now letting me know? Damn it, Corey. Did you think I’d run if you did?”
Corey nodded, then realized the stalker couldn’t see that. “Yes,” he replied.
“Don’t you have any faith in me?” Scott said, sounding hurt and pissed.
“I should, but after we broke up… And now you’re back… and…”
“My poor Corey.” A moment later, Scott said, sounding surprised, “You used to like it when I kissed you. I thought right now you needed one. Hell, after seeing that damned picture, we both did.”
Quickly picking up on the fact Scott had supposedly kissed him to console him, Corey replied with a catch in his words, “I do. I do. It’s just… I forgot how good you were at it.”
“Then let me remind you again.”
Wow, that was quite a show
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