CHAPTER TEN: EMILY

Late at night, or early morning—depending on what you'd consider five am to be—we finally locked up. My legs were killing me, and my stomach complained about the too-small meal I had several hours ago.

It had taken forever to get the customers out, count the money, and turn out the lights. But, when I stepped out of the building, I breathed a little easier.

Money was tight as it was—being a college student living off-campus in New York City, but this job helped considerably. The tips were great, as were the paycheck I got every other week when I worked that weekend.

"Do you want me to wait with you at the bus stop?" Mark, my manager, asked as soon as we got outside.

My pride wanted to say no, I didn't need anyone to watch over me, that I could handle myself. But... this was in the middle of the city. I would admit, I was scared of being on my own at this hour.

"It won't be too much of a problem for you?" I questioned, but I knew he would say no like he always did.

"Of course not, come