Loving the Enemy

Episode 6

I kept running into Sam the next day at school.

In the hallway. By the lockers. Near the vending machines.

It was so awkward seeing him everywhere I turned, knowing we shared a secret. A huge one that couldn't be told.

Every time our eyes met, we both looked away too fast.

Like if we stared for one second longer, someone would notice.

I was working with my best friend's boyfriend.

We were sort of assassins. Maybe not really. But either way, our work wasn't legal.

And now I had to sit through math class pretending my hands weren’t still shaking.

During break, I was in class cracking jokes with Gabby. She was telling me about Sam’s text from last night and how he called her cute.

I laughed and nodded like I cared, while my stomach twisted.

Then the door opened.

Sam walked in.

My first thought was to leave. Give them their quality time. Escape the awkwardness that was choking me.

I was already halfway out of my seat when Sam called my name.

"Claire. Wait."

Gabby looked between us, confused.

"There's no need leaving," Sam said, casual like nothing happened the night of the mission"I just came to make sure Gabby is okay. You said she had a headache yesterday."

"I'm fine," Gabby said, smiling. "But thanks, babe."

"Goodbye babe," he added.

And as he walked past me, his hand brushed mine.

A small folded note was in my palm before I could even blink.

Without Gabby noticing. Without anyone noticing.

I sat there for a whole minute, the paper burning in my hand.

I couldn't open it in front of Gabby.

So I grabbed my bag. "Bathroom. Be right back."

The second I was outside and the door closed behind me, I ducked into an empty stall and unfolded it.

His handwriting was there, Messy and rushed.

*"Meet me at the coffee shop by 7pm. It's dead urgent."*

I read it three times.

Dead urgent.

I folded the note and shoved it into my pocket.

7pm.

I had no idea what I was walking into.