Eight Years Ago

“That should be all we need, Miss Gunner.”

“Thanks for the quick fix. I don’t know what I would’ve done otherwise.”

The body shop owner places the clipboard back on the wall and proceeds to hand me the keys. “You were in luck. We happened to have a cancellation when your boyfriend called. He seemed adamant we fix it.”

Blush swipes my cheeks. I really need to work on keeping my face neutral, but AJ isn’t my boyfriend. I don’t correct the man. AJ set me up with this place, and for that, I owe him a huge favor. I wouldn’t have known what to do otherwise. I wasn’t thinking too clearly yesterday.

“The car is parked out front for you.”

“Thanks again.” I check the time on my phone as I leave the repair shop. Six thirty. No way am I going to be able to make it to the dorm before seven.

I get into my now damage-free car and dial AJ’s cell phone. I should’ve called sooner, but he had practice. I don’t think the coach allows them to carry their phones during drills.

His phone rings once and then clicks to his sexy voice prompting me to leave a message. I oblige and inform him I’ll meet him at the restaurant. After hanging up, I map out the directions for La Potosina and laugh. How convenient. The restaurant is located across the street from my parking garage.

As I enter the parking garage entrance, I blame the empty feeling in the pit of my stomach on the lack of food. It can’t be my nerves. I slip my parking card in the holder and proceed forward once the barrier gate arms clear. My stomach lurches again as I round the fourth-level corner. My gaze strays to my normal parking spot. The broken glass has been cleaned, but I picture the fragments everywhere. I press on the gas and proceed to the next level. There isn’t anything wrong with parking in a different spot.

I find an empty space near the fifth level’s stairwell and check my phone. No messages. With five minutes to spare, I grab my purse and glance around my surroundings. My heart pounds in my chest, and I can’t help wondering if the thief from yesterday is lurking in the shadows. I scan the vast area again. Movement in my periphery vision causes me to jump and let out a scream. The bird flaps his wings and flies off. I let out a shaky breath. I’m ridiculous. The thief is long gone.

I find my metaphorical cajones and make it out of the garage—alive. I cross the road and enter the front of La Potosina.

“One?” The hostess asks.

“It’ll be for two. I’m meeting a friend. I’m not sure if he’s here yet, but the reservation is under AJ Gonzalez.”

“No, ma’am. Would you like to be seated or wait in the bar?”

“A table is fine.”

I settle into the chair and check my phone. Nothing. I fire off a quick text telling him I have us a table. Five minutes after seven, he’s officially late with no response.

The waiter places nachos in front of me and takes my drink order. I nibble on chips, trying desperately not to eat them all. Another fifteen minutes pass. I call my roommate.

“I thought you were on your date?”

“I am, but AJ isn’t here. I don’t know if his practice ran late, but he hasn’t stopped by our dorm room, has he?”

“Not that I’m aware of. I can go check outside if you want me to, but I’m sure, being who he is, someone would let him in.”

“No, you’re right. Everyone knows him.”

“Everyone but you.”

“Shut up. If you hear from Blain, let me know.”

“I’ll call him and call you back.”

“Thanks.” I nibble on another chip and check my email, but other than Express having a forty-percent-off sale, nothing interests me. Thirty minutes past seven and he’s beyond late. I try his number again but get the same thing—one ring then straight to voicemail.

My mind races. What if he got hurt on the way here? I’ve heard of students being hit by busses at crosswalks. Or worse yet, what if the creep is more than a petty car thief and mugged him?

My phone rings, and the sliver of hope I was hanging on to dies when Sadie’s name flashes across the screen.

“Hello,” I say, trying to hide the trepidation in my voice.

“Um, practice didn’t run over.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention from her cautious tone. “Just tell me.”

“When I asked Blain, he went out to the living room to ask the other guys if they’ve seen him.” She hesitates. Her boyfriend lives in the athletic houses. Each double-story complex houses four junior and senior athletes.

The sickening feeling returns, and I glance at the nacho chip in my hand. Lack of food can’t be blamed this time. I harden my resolve and brace myself for the words I know will slice through me.

“AJ was there.”

I close my eyes and ask, “Doing what?”

“Drinking. He’s pretty wasted.”

The chip crumbles in my hand, crumbs falling over the table. I don’t drink during the season. Such a bullshitter.

“Okay, thanks. I’ll be back soon.” I bite back the tears threatening to spill out and motion for the check. Oh my God, I knew better. How could he have done this to me? I call his phone one more time. After the one ring and straight to voicemail occurs, I realize he blocked my fucking number. Why? Was I that much of a lunatic yesterday? Jesus, I don’t understand why this keeps happening to me. The other couple of guys who stood me up, I saw coming, but not this time. This came from nowhere. After turning him down repeatedly, I finally cave, and he ditches me? After helping me get my car fixed? Who does that? I have to be the biggest idiot.

I jump when my phone rings in my hand. Half-expecting it to be Sadie, I go to yell but stop as female sobs fill my ear. “Hello?”

“Mia.” More sobs continue.

“Mom?” I back the phone away to confirm it’s her. “What’s wrong?”

“I-I-It’s your sister.”