The Lies In The Love

Chapter Seventeen- Overreacting

Danielle

I wait impatiently for Callan, sitting at the bar. We've cleaned up, but he's still in his office, handling tonight’s profits. He's been in there a while—longer than necessary—and I can’t help but think he's doing it deliberately to annoy me. I groan in frustration. He has five more minutes, then I'm going in. I stayed back to respect his privacy, tapping my fingers on the bar. Once his five minutes are up, I get off the stool and walk to his office.

I go to knock but hesitate when I hear him talking on the phone. Who makes calls at this late hour?

“I'll see you soon, I promise. You knew the arrangement, Ashley. I've been busy.”

Is he really talking to another woman while I wait? He can see whoever he wants, but I dislike that he's making plans with someone else while I’m expecting him. Who does that?

“I can’t tonight. I have a prior engagement. Maybe tomorrow night.”

Prior engagement? That's what he's calling me? Annoyance overwhelms me. I shouldn’t be upset because we aren’t together. Coming here tonight was a bad idea.

He keeps talking. I shake my head, turn, and leave. Grabbing my bag and coat, I walk out of the bar before he can come back through. I refuse to stay for a man who is planning to be with someone else. Yes, I was flirting with someone earlier, but I didn’t intend to sleep with him. I did it to irritate Callan, who was teasing me.

I hesitate as I step outside, scanning for a cab, but can’t find one. I'll walk home; it might take a little longer, but I’ll manage. I can take care of myself and have pepper spray in my purse for safety. Plus, I am trained in self-defense, so if anyone tries anything, I will make sure they regret it.

After walking for five minutes, my cell begins to ring. I reach into my bag and see that Callan is calling me.

“Yes?” I answer.

“Where are you?”

“I am walking home,” I reply simply.

“What? You are walking home alone! Why did you leave? We had plans. Please come back," he sighs.

“I can handle myself. Call Ashley. She seemed eager to see you tonight.”

I end the call before he can speak again. I clutch my coat close and carry on walking, remaining alert to my environment. You never know who might be lurking nearby. I wish I hadn't chosen to walk, but I’m already here.

I walk at a quick speed, but when it sounds like a car is slowing down right next to me, I panic and walk even faster. The car seems to pick up and makes sure to stay hot on my tail. The car comes to a stop as I walk. The sound of a car door opening puts the fear in me. Yes, I can handle myself, but it doesn’t mean I want to have to. I really need to keep an eye out for a cab to hail. I refuse to stop.

“Danielle, wait, it is only me.” The sound of a familiar voice behind me makes me stop and turn.

Callan rushes towards me. “What the hell happened?”

“I refuse to be the kind of woman who waits for a man while he's making plans with another woman. That's not me—I'm neither pathetic nor desperate. Why are you stalking me in the dark? Are you trying to scare me?” I snap.

Callan moves closer and asks, “Why are you jealous? She called, and I answered. I didn’t plan to see her tonight instead of you.”

I roll my eyes. “This isn’t about jealousy; it’s about respecting myself. You could have called her back tomorrow, but honestly, it’s nothing to do with me. I swear, Callan, if you have a girlfriend, I will seriously kill you.”

“I promise I do not have a girlfriend, Danielle. Ashley is someone I hook up with occasionally. I think you are overreacting.”

I shake my head. “Of course, you do, because whenever a woman shows any emotion, she’s overreacting, right?” I sneer.

I turn to walk away, but Callan grabs my hips from behind and turns me to face him, pulling me tightly to his chest. “I didn’t mean that at all.”

“Let go of me. I have pepper spray in my bag," I warn.

He chuckles. “You won't use that on me. You can be angry at me, but please let me take you home. It's too risky to walk alone.”

I am tempted to walk home again, but that’s just me being stubborn, not actually prioritizing safety. “Fine, but you drop me off and leave. Nothing is happening between us tonight. If you want to get laid, call Ashley.”

I walk briskly to his car, hearing him chuckle behind me, but I ignore it since it only irritates me further. Why does this bother me so much? I don’t usually react like this. I’m not a drama queen. I get into the passenger seat and wait for him.

“Are you seriously angry with me about this?” he asks as he climbs into the driver’s seat.

“Please take me home. I am exhausted,” I say, ignoring his question and turning to stare out the window.

Callan sighs, starts the car and heads towards my place. I watch the city fly by, silence filling the car for the entire ride. He draws up outside my building, locking the doors, so I can’t get out.

I glare at him. “What the hell? Let me out.”

“No, not until we talk.”

“We have nothing left to discuss. Callan, just open the damn door!”

He doesn’t. Instead, he smirks at me. “Then it seems we have a long night ahead, huh? What are your thoughts on sleeping in a car?”

“God, you are so annoying; do you know that?” I complain, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I do. We talk, you leave afterward—it's that simple."

I throw up my hands. "Alright! Speak!"

If I don’t agree, it’s going to be a long night—one I’m not in the mood for.