Chapter 39

It was a nice drive, and I got there in plenty of time to shop and get back to meet Sonny and Bruce. The area was crowded, but I managed to locate the sports equipment store without too much hassle.

There were a fair number of brands to choose from, so I looked around for a salesperson. I approached a guy who was bent over, stacking tennis balls, and stopped next to him.

“Excuse me. Can I get your help with something?” I asked.

The man stood and, with a smile in his voice, said “Sure thing,” before turning to face me. Then he froze. And I froze.

It was Noah Stiles, my ex-boyfriend, and he appeared to have landed on his feet just fine. God help me. I guess I could stop worrying now. I felt myself growing angrier by the second.

“You fucking ass,” I hissed, totally unlike my usual, controlled nature. “I’ve been worried about you all this goddamn time, and here you are, safe and sound. What, you couldn’t call? Send me an email? Are you that much of a self-centered bastard?”