14. Alice

14

ALICE

I sit across from Lily in our favorite booth at the diner, my stomach churning with the secrets I've been keeping from her. She smiles at me, her eyes bright with curiosity.

Lily has no idea that I lost my job. Or that I'm seeing a carnie. And to be honest, I don't know how to explain any of it to her.

"Any more dates with the stalker?" I ask.

Lily blushes almost instantly but shakes her head. "Not exactly."

I narrow my eyes at her. "What do you mean, not exactly?"

She shakes her head. "We've seen each other a couple of times since." Her cheeks are bright red right now, and something tells me that they've seen each other means they've been fucking.

It's hard to believe after all these years of Lily being this good little virgin, she lost it to some carnie psycho.

"Right, want to kiss and tell?" I ask.

Lily shoves me playfully. "No, I know you think I'm insane sleeping with him, but he's just so obsessed with me, and I like it," she admits.

I know exactly what she means. Lars is obsessive, and I love it. It gets me going like nothing else ever has.

"Fair enough." I purse my lips. "But what happens when he leaves?"

She shrugs. "I don't know. We're just having fun while he's here, I guess." A look in her eyes tells me she's broken up by that, and I wonder if she'd go with him if he asked. "Enough about me," Lily says, shaking her head. "How's work going?"

Fuck.

I stare at my best friend, knowing I should come clean about Lars getting me fired, but I can't bring myself to tell her. After all, I've been pretty fucking hypocritical telling her to watch her back with her stalker when Lars is acting psychotic but in a more direct way.

"Yeah, it's good. Derek is the same as always. A complete asshole." I hate lying to my best friend, but the truth is too complicated and raw.

Not to mention, I intend to beg Derek for my job back once Lars has left with the carnival.

"That man doesn't appreciate you enough at all," Lily says, biting her lip. "You should try to find someone else to work for, even if you have to commute."

I nod noncommittally, wondering if that might be my answer to this dilemma. All I can do is tell Lily I quit because Derek is an asshole, and I'm looking for another job.

"What are your plans for the rest of the day?" I ask, wanting to change the subject.

She grins and leans forward. "I'm free all day." She arches a brow. "I thought we could go check out that new vintage store that opened after lunch. I heard they have the cutest retro dresses!"

I smile. "That sounds amazing! You know I can never resist a good vintage find."

Lily nods eagerly. "Exactly! And after that, we could swing by the park, and people-watch for a bit. It's been too long since we've just hung out and gossiped like we used to."

"You're absolutely right," I agree, feeling a wave of nostalgia. "We've been so caught up in work lately that we haven't had a proper girls' day in forever."

"Well, consider today the official revival of our girls' day tradition!" Lily declares, raising her glass. "To putting aside all the stress and drama, and just having some good old-fashioned fun."

I clink my glass against hers. "I'll drink to that."

For the next hour, we lose ourselves in easy conversation, laughing and reminiscing about old times. All the while, I'm feeling guilty as hell while steering clear of talking about work.

We step out of the diner, the warm sun kissing our skin. It's only a short walk to the new shop.

"I can't wait to see what treasures we'll find," Lily gushes as we approach the store.

"Me too," I agree. "I've been dying to expand my vintage collection."

The bell above the door jingles as we enter, and we're immediately transported to a bygone era. Racks of colorful dresses, blouses, and skirts fill the space, each piece more charming than the last.

"Oh my god, Alice, look at this!" Lily exclaims, holding up a stunning red dress with a sweetheart neckline. "You've got to try this on. It's so you!"

She's right. It's exactly the kind of style I love. I take the dress from her, admiring the silky fabric. "It's gorgeous!"

After about twenty minutes, we both have loads of outfits to try on. We make our way to the fitting rooms. I slip into the red dress and zip it up, gasping at my reflection. The dress hugs my curves perfectly, and the vibrant color makes my skin glow.

"Let me see!" Lily calls from outside the fitting room.

I step out, doing a little twirl. Lily's eyes widen, and she claps her hands together. "Alice, you look incredible! That dress was made for you."

I smile, but it quickly fades as reality sets in. "It's perfect, but I can't justify buying it now. It's 100 dollars," I admit, my heart sinking at my lack of income.

Lily frowns. "Why not? You deserve to treat yourself every once in a while."

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. "I want to be a bit more mindful of my spending at the moment," I say, hoping she won't press further.

Lily looks at me curiously but doesn't pry. Normally, I'm all for splashing out on things I don't need.

She holds up a black and white polka dot dress. "Well, I'm definitely trying this on. Cade won't be able to keep his eyes off me if it fits!"

I force a smile. "It'll look great on you. Get in there."

I'm trying to be supportive of her, even though she's dating a psychopath who is going to leave town anyway. And I can't really say anything since I can't stop thinking about Lars, and he might be just as unhinged as Cade in a different way.

I beam as Lily emerges from the fitting room, twirling around. "You look incredible! Cade will lose his mind when he sees you in that."

Lily grins, smoothing her hands over the fabric. "I know, right? It's perfection." She glances at the price tag and winces. "And a lot of money, but totally worth the splurge."

After Lily pays for her dress, we exit the shop, arms linked together again. "The park is just around the corner," I say. "We can stop and enjoy the sunshine for a bit before we head home."

Lily nods. "Sounds perfect! It'll be like old times—gossiping on a park bench and people-watching."

We stroll leisurely through the quaint streets until we reach the park's entrance. Lush green grass stretches before us, dotted with towering oak trees that provide welcome shade. A few families and couples lounge on blankets, enjoying picnics and each other's company.

Lily and I claim an empty bench, settling in and basking in the warm afternoon glow. We sit in comfortable silence for a while, simply taking in the sights and sounds around us.

Eventually, Lily nudges me with her elbow. "So, have you heard from Jenna lately?"

I shake my head, immediately knowing where this is going. "No, but I'm sure you're about to fill me in on the gossip."

Lily launches into the latest gossip about our former classmate. Before long, we're reminiscing about our high school days.

As we dissolve into a fit of giggles, my gaze wanders across the park. My laughter catches in my throat, and my stomach drops.

Lars is there, striding across the grass with his usual confident gait. I think he might approach us momentarily, and my heart starts pounding, but he veers off and settles onto a bench near Lily and me.

I try to act casual, but his eyes are on me, boring into me with an intensity that makes me shiver. Lily continues chattering away, oblivious to my unease.

Tearing my gaze away from Lars, I focus intently on Lily. But no matter how hard I try to engage in our conversation, I can't shake the feeling of being watched.

Lars doesn't move to approach us, but his presence is enough to set me on edge. I shift uncomfortably on the bench, my palms sweaty as I wonder what he might want.

Is he following me? Trying to intimidate me?

After all, the last time I saw him, he chased me on his motorcycle through town.

One thing is certain: the carefree, relaxing day Lily and I had planned has taken an unsettling turn. As much as I try to push Lars from my mind, his looming presence casts a dark shadow over our afternoon in the park.