“Yeah, I see what you mean.” I had always imagined that the Amish were weird, mean people who scorned all modern technology, but these men and women were perfectly pleasant and happy. They laughed and joked with each other, and smiled at everyone who passed by.
Soon, the girl returned with our slices, and Rex paid for them. He thanked the girl then led me off toward a section of chairs and tables. We took a seat.
“Here’s to kicking some ass,” Rex said, holding up his fork. I tapped his with mine then we dug in.
It was the most delicious pie I had ever eaten. I wasn’t a huge pie fan, but that was rich and sweet and spicy, all cinnamon and sugar and apple mixed perfectly. The crust was crunchy and soft all at once. It was incredible.
“Holy shit, this is amazing,” I said between mouthfuls.
Rex grinned but didn’t answer, too busy demolishing his piece to respond.
We ate the last of our pie in silence then leaned back in our chairs. I felt stuffed.
“Pretty cool place,” I said.
“Yeah, it is. You should see it after work lets out, though. Gets packed.”
It was about 2pm in the afternoon, and the crowd was still pretty heavy. I couldn’t even imagine it during the evening rush. The lights were dim and the colors were vibrant, and I felt completely at peace and content sitting with Rex. That was the calmest we had been together since the beginning of everything, and I was savoring our time.
I turned to speak to Rex, but my breath caught in my throat when I saw his face. His eyes were hard and his face was serious. He was looking out across the crowd, and I could see the anger creeping into his expression. The swelling around his jaw and brow was much better, but the bruises were still yellowish purple, and that, mixed with the anger, made him look terrifying.
“What’s wrong?” I finally said. His attention snapped to me.
“Somebody is following us.”
That hit me directly in the gut. I wanted to look around and find whoever it is, and started to turn in my seat.
“Don’t,” Rex said, before I could move far. I looked back at his face and turned back into my chair.
“Who is it?” I said.
“One of Michael’s people.” His gaze returned to my face. “When they came to you, what did you tell them?”
“Nothing, I swear. I didn’t know where you were.”
He shook his head. “I know that. But about us, did you tell them we were over?”
I nodded, terrified.
“Fuck,” he said softly. “We should get out of here.”
“What’s happening?”
“They know we’re together again, which means you’re right back in danger.”
“Shit,” I said quietly.
“Come on, let’s move.” He stood and I followed him. He moved quickly toward the exit, long strides eating up the space. I had to hurry to stay close.
“I’m such a fucking idiot,” he said once we were outside. I slipped up next to him and grabbed his hand. I felt him squeeze my fingers.
“It’s not your fault, remember. Stop being such an asshole.”
He looked at me, angry. I stared back defiantly.
“You’re cute as shit when you’re trying to be tough,” he said.
“Fuck you, Rex, this is serious.”
“Yeah, I know it is.”
“What do we do now?”
“Now we go back to your place and wait it out there.”
I sighed as we continued walking. After a block, Rex quickly pulled me into an empty storefront and slipped back against the door.
“Hold on a second,” he said, then stuck his head out and looked back down the street.
“Is he there?”
“I can’t see him, but he’s definitely still following. He might have switched out with someone else when he realized we spotted him.”
We waited a few more minutes then started walking again. My heart was pounding and I was terrified, but I also felt safe with my hand in his. I knew that with him by my side, nobody would hurt me. No matter what happened, no matter who came for us, Rex would protect me. I wished I knew what was going through his head, but based on his serious expression, I could’ve guessed. I knew he blamed himself and was angry that he dragged me into that situation. I wished I could explain to him how alive I felt when he was around, even though he put me in danger. I wished I could tell him without sounding absolutely insane, but it was the truth. I loved hiding in doorways with him, afraid of being followed. I loved his body and his sense of duty. I loved how strong he was, and how protective he was.
As we walked back toward my apartment, my heart hammered in my chest. I knew that soon everything would be over, for good or for worse. In the meantime, despite the danger and the violence lurking behind every corner, I enjoyed being near him, enjoyed speeding through the city together. I imagined we were the center of the world, and everyone else on the street dropped away except for us. We were the most important people, and the streets were there for us. I was terrified, but I was alive and breathing and excited, and couldn’t wait for what came next.