Page 48 of Trick or Stalk

Presley looks fondly at Penny.

“Margaret said as long as she behaves, she’s welcome.”

Gracie claps her hands. “Perfect. Bring her in during your lunch break. I’ll make special drinks for you both.”

“Sounds amazing. I’m in.”

I glance at them.

Presley wears a huge smile. Eyes crinkled slightly. Happy. Different from the woman I watched through the window two nights ago.

I want to see more of that.

That realization comes too easily.

Keep walking. Leave her alone.

But my boots stay rooted in place.

“Come on, Walter,” Gracie says. “We should let Presley get home.”

Presley shrugs. “I’m heading to the grocery store before my stomach riots.”

“Have fun.”

“Impossible.”

“Buy snacks. Snacks make everything better.”

“Solid advice.”

“See you later.”

“Bye.”

I look up, watching as Presley walks away with Penny, completely oblivious to me.

I slowly step away from the bench, glancing at Gracie as she pleads with Walter to move. He takes two steps before stopping and staring longingly at Penny.

My eyes drop to the sidewalk, hiding my grin.

Good luck, Gracie. Walter wants Penny.

And I want to know everything about Presley.

I ignore that thought, slowly trailing behind her as I head to my truck.

Once inside, I watch as she drives toward the grocery store.

But I don’t follow.

Instead, I download Instagram.

I haven’t used social media in years. Never saw the point of voluntarily posting where I am, who I’m with, what I’m doing, or what I’m eating. Especially when I spent years wanting nobody to know a damn thing about me.

It always seemed fucking stupid to post so much about your life for strangers to read.

The app opens.