Instead, I just lifted the trash bag in my hand and gave it a little shake. "Don't overthink it. I'm just taking out the trash."
Maybe it was the string of misunderstandings finally catching up with him, but his tone softened as if offering a truce. "After you throw the garbage, let's grab something to eat. That barbecue spot is pretty good."
Thinking this might be our last dinner together, I nodded.
Twenty minutes later, James dropped me off on the side of the road in front of a rundown barbecue stall. Before I could even look around, he floored it, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. The dirt splashed right onto my face. I quickly covered my eyes and turned away, realizing the stall wasn't open tonight.
Nearby, two other food stands cluttered with greasy tables caught my eye. Shirtless, middle-aged men with bloated bellies sat around, casting lecherous glances my way. I hadn't realized how quickly I'd rushed out. I was still in my nightgown. Then, I found myself huddled on the steps by the road, feeling vulnerable and alone.
It was nearly midnight.
This deserted alley wasn't exactly buzzing with available taxis. I felt a cold sweat starting to form. Just as I was about to reach for my phone to call the police, a drunk man staggered toward me, swaying with a beer bottle in hand.
I noticed a wedding ring on his finger as he slurred, "Hey girl, how about a drink? Out here alone this late? Two hundred bucks, come with me."
My face went cold as I stepped back. "Get lost! Stay the hell away from me!"
Fueled by the alcohol, he got angry, lunging at me and smashing the beer bottle on the ground. Luckily, the noise caught the attention of a passing car. The driver stopped and offered to take me home. I couldn't stop shaking from fear the whole ride back.
As soon as I got home, a sharp pain shot through my abdomen. I downed a glass of hot water, trying to calm myself, just as James stormed in, slamming the door. "How could you come back without telling me? I circled that alley a dozen times, scared out of my mind that something had happened to you! I almost called the cops! Do you think this is some kind of game?"
I froze, gripping the glass tightly, my expression going cold. If James had been looking for me, he would've seen that the barbecue stall was closed.