Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve

Demetri

Stalking was technically illegal only if the stalkee wasn't aware they were being stalked. Right? Okay, so I made that up. But still.

The only problem? How the hell was I supposed to go incognito? I hadn't really been out and about in town yet.

All I knew was that the town was small and that there was a taffy stand on every corner. No, for real. It was like they'd never even heard of Starbucks.

Which in my mind meant they were backwoods. The only Starbucks I could find was at Safeway, which just so happened to be a grocery store.

Pretty sure she wasn't aware I was the D in AD2; otherwise, she would have most likely ripped open her shirt Clark Kent style and asked for an autograph.

Hmm, free coffee for life. I could bang for that.

Shit. New leaf. I was not that guy anymore.

And really, to be that desperate for coffee… it was the only thing I could drink that distracted me from drugs. I needed something that would work. Something like…

“Taffy,” I mumbled aloud as I walked into the store.

Nat was indeed in a cute little uniform. Aw damn, she had a visor. I needed to Instagram that shit ASAP.

Two teenage girls were hounding her with questions. Evan, the kid who hosted the party last night, looked like he was still drunk and contemplating puking all over the teeny boppers.

“Do I look like the type of girl a rock star would talk to?” Nat asked. Both girls shook their heads in unison. What spoiled little brats!

Time to save the day. “Oh, I don't know. I'd talk to you, you know, if I was a rock star.” I sighed, leaning against the counter.

Nat looked like she wanted to throw taffy at my face.

The girls both turned and stared. One of them looked like she was going to pass out while the other just looked—like a future stalker. Great. I'd have to snap that photo after all.

“To answer your question,” I said, looking between the two of them, “this girl is the exact type of girl I would hang out with. I may even kiss her today.

The girls sighed and then one asked, “Can I have your autograph?”

“Sure.” I was used to that sort of thing, so I always carried a marker with me. I pulled it out of my pocket and signed a few napkins for the girls before sending them on their way.

“Thank God.” Evan shared a look with Nat and then slammed his hand against the countertop. “I couldn't handle any more of their shrieking or questions.”

“Anytime.” I chuckled and then directed my attention to Nat. “So, you're off in an hour, right?”

“Yup.” Her eyes flickered behind me; people were starting to whisper. Was my presence making her uncomfortable?

“Cool. I have plans for you, Nat.” I eyed her up and down and enjoyed the answering blush that stained her cheeks.

“Okay.”

I turned and started making my way out of the store when Nat's voice rang out again, “Hey, Demetri?”

I stopped and glanced behind me. “Yeah?”

“Take care of some of this for us?” She pleaded, pointing to all the gaping customers.

Ah! The things I did for the girl I liked. I threw my head back and laughed. “Fine, but you owe me!”

I started talking to people and signing autographs while strategically leading them outside. Yeah, Nat owed me, because the thing about me and Alec? We rarely did that sort of thing.

We were private for a very good reason. But for once in my life, I was kind of over it. Over that whole “secrets” thing. I just wanted to—live.