"Why don't you start with the bad? Get that out of the way, and then we can move onto the good."
"Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too. Well, remember last time we talked, and I had to cut our conversation short because the cops called me about a break-in at my daycare?"
"Yep. What was it all about, did you find out?" she asked.
"I did. And guess who was behind it?"
"It can't be him... It can't be."
"It was him."
She looked totally shocked. "How... how do you know it was him?"
"Who else would have written a message saying 'I've found you, Alicia' on the bathroom mirror?"
"Oh my god... so it really is him. Well, listen, I'll tell Carl right away that Simon is somewhere in Irvine. You've explained everything to the cops about him, right?"
"I have, and they're looking for him. But that's not the worst of it."
"What? It gets worse?"
"Oh yeah. He knows where I live. My neighbor has seen him snooping around my place three times in the past two days."
"That's horrible! Were you at home when he was doing this?"
"Thankfully not. I've been staying at Everett's house, across the road."
She smiled, relieved to hear some good news.
"Well, well, well," she said with a suggestive grin, "I'm guessing you two aren't just having tea and chatting about the weather, huh?"
I grinned.
"I told you there were some good things, too."
"So... tell me everything! All the juicy details! Don't leave anything out, you hear? I'll know if you're holding out on me."
I laughed and began to tell her about how things were progressing with Everett and myself. We talked for another half hour or so and then said our goodbyes. I went down to the kitchen to make myself some coffee, and as I was doing this, my phone rang. I checked and saw that it was Angie.
"Hey, Angie," I said. "How's everything?"
"Oh, it's alright. I was just wondering if you felt like maybe going out to get some lunch today?"
As Everett was going to the hospital on his own, I knew that I would have a pretty big chunk of free time on my hands, and with that in mind, I thought it would be nice to get out and get something to eat. I'd be safe with Angie, as I imagined we'd go to a public place with lots of people around.
"Sure. You got anywhere in mind?"
"I do, actually. There's this new Middle Eastern place that I heard has these falafels that are totally to die for. How does hummus and falafel sound?"
"That sounds delicious. Uh, look, my car is kinda broken down; do you think you could do me a favor and give me a ride?"
"I can do that. I remember where your place is from when I picked you up in the taxi the other night."
"Hey, speaking of the other night, how did things go with that guy you were dancing with?"
She laughed. "Oh, those details will have to wait until I see you in person."
I chuckled. "Alright, alright. So, what time are you thinking of doing lunch then?"