Intense (Dark Hearts)

****

I wake up early, having slept on my sofa. The fucker who set fire to my place chose my bedroom. If I had any exes, I’d know who was involved, but since I don’t have any, I’m not sure what his motives were. Unfortunately, he’s still in intensive care so we can’t even ask the bastard.

Getting dressed, I send Amelia a text because I know she’s probably still sleeping. On my way to the office. I’ll be there to pick you up at noon.

She doesn’t respond, so I go into my office and get my day started as soon as humanly possible. I’ve already told Inga that I’ll be leaving early. It’s nine in the morning and I haven’t received a text back from Amelia, which concerns me so I call her, and it goes to voicemail. I leave a message and wonder if she’s mad at me.

Checking in with her security next, he says, “She’s in the bookstore, picking up her textbooks and stuff. She’s talking to some guy inside there, but I can’t see his face.”

“Okay,” I reply, even though inside I’m seething. It could be nothing. A stranger talking to her while in line. He could be a worker helping her find what she’s looking for. Nothing to be alarmed about. Still, that doesn’t mean she can’t answer her fucking phone or at least text back.

“Keep an eye on her.”

“Yes, Mr. Edwards.”

Suddenly, Inga knocks on my office door. “There’s a woman here looking for you.”

I jump up and rush to the lobby, thinking it’s Amelia to surprise me, but then I see it’s Anna.

“What the hell are you doing on my property?”

“I came here to meet with another client, but you’ve made a serious mistake. I’ve met that woman Theodore married and her slutty daughter. I thought you might want this before you fall into a trap.” I take the image, and it’s the three of them at a party. There’s no mistaking each woman, my woman, smiling at my mother. I stare at it, a tiny doubt starting to form, but then I remember that this woman spent her life lying to me, trying to manipulate me, and could be evil.

“I’m supposed to believe this is real?”

“Yes. It’s a real picture.” I look it over and I notice a slight difference in the flooring. “Inga, call security. I want this woman escorted off my property.”

I turned back to my mother. “Next time you try to Photoshop yourself into a picture, make sure the floor matches the rest.” She grabs the picture and scans it, looking for the error.

“I paid good…” She stops herself. “I mean…who do you think told them where Theodore would be?”

“So you set them up?”

“Of course. I’ll never be satisfied until he pays for ruining my life with my one true love.”

“Thank you, Inga.” Anna turns around to see my security coming toward her.

“I’m leaving, but this isn’t over.” She huffs, pulling her arms from the guards as she stomps toward the elevator.

“I’m leaving now. I have to find Amelia. I don’t trust that woman.”

“Okay, sir.”

I call her guard, but he doesn’t answer. I try her phone, but it goes to voicemail again. Fucking hell, I’m starting to panic when he calls me back. “Sorry. I have tabs on her—she’s walking back to her dorm right now.”

“She hasn’t answered her phone.”

“According to the tracker on it, she must have left it in her room.”

“Oh that makes sense. A little careless, but it makes sense.”

“Well, I’m keeping an eye on her.”

“Yes. She knows she has protection around her at all times even if she doesn’t see you. Keep me updated.” I hang up and my mind goes to Anna, who just enjoys making my life hell, but I didn’t fall for her ruse. I lied about the mismatched flooring. I can’t tell the difference between shades of light colors. This is a breakthrough. Immediately, I call my therapist.

“Hello, Roman. Do you need a special session today?”

“No, but what I wanted to say is… I had a breakthrough.”

“Yes? Tell me about it.”

“Anna showed up at my office today. Tried to insinuate that she sent Amelia and her mother into our lives with the intent of getting back at my father. I still don’t understand her motives. She’s bat-shit crazy for sure, but I digress. I told her that she’s a liar and I don’t believe her lies.”

“That’s good. Do you truly believe she’s lying to you?” he questions.

That’s one thing I’m sure of. “Oh, hell, yeah. After I tricked her into slipping up.”

“Very good. You’re making great progress. I still expect to see you at our regularly scheduled time, understand? This is progress, but it’s not over with yet.” I feel that gentle scolding. I’ve got a long way to go to make myself the best man for Amelia. She’s the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, and I refuse to find myself jumping back into the bad habit of mistrust, so I’ll do whatever I have to do.