He hangs up before I can respond.
I lean back on the couch and close my eyes, trying to understand how any of this happened.
My phone vibrates and pulls me away from my mental spiral.
Craig
Crazy about all those photographers. If you need somewhere safe to stay, I’m here.
I show everyone the text.
“What the hell?” Zane mutters.
“I should have known he wouldn’t leave you alone.” Nick’s pacing now. “The way he grabbed your arm at the coffee shop, him showing up randomly?—”
Zane scrolls through messages. “How long has this been going on?”
“Since he returned to Cozy Creek.”
Nick leans over and reads all the text messages Craig has sent.
Craig
Hope you’re getting the rest you deserve.
Craig
Beautiful weather in the mountains today.
Craig
I went to the coffee shop today. Was hoping to see you.
Craig
Can we please talk about this?
Craig
You said you’d always love me and that we were meant to be together. We will be together, Jules, baby.
“Wow,” Nick breathes out.
“This has been going on since he saw me at the coffee shop.” My hands are shaking.
“I’m going to find him and make him pay.” Nick moves toward the door.
I follow him. “No. Please?—”
“This ends now.”
Zane stands and places his hand on Nick’s shoulder. “No. Your emotions are running high. This is a trap, one he has been setting up for weeks.”
“He’s right,” Autumn offers. “This is exactly what Craig wants. You’re a good person, Nick. Don’t let him make you do something out of character, okay?”
I grab his hand and lead him back to the couch. “He wants you to be violent. He needs to be the victim and prove you’re the bad person. Don’t give him what he wants. For me. Please.”
“Okay.” Nick presses his fingers to the bridge of his nose. “You’re right. We need to document everything and file a police report. We handle this the right way.”
