CHAPTER 008: The Man In The Corridor

Oh. My. God. I'm face to face with Mr. Hart, and there's no doubt he's talking to me.

His blue eyes stare right into mine, and I can't look away.

This is the moment I've been waiting for, but now that it's here, I'm completely speechless.

I just keep staring. And staring.

“Cat got your tongue?” he says.

I shake my head, trying to gather my thoughts. Maybe if I pretend this is a casual encounter with a cute barista, I’ll remember how to speak.

“Why are you following me?” he asks.

I’d pictured this moment so many times. What I’d say. How I’d say it. I practiced in front of my mirror, perfecting my body movements. Don’t smile too much—it makes you look cheap. Don’t slouch—it decreases your height. Don’t look away—hold his gaze. Don’t speak too fast—it makes you sound demented. Don’t flip your hair—everyone does that. But in none of those rehearsals did I say what I’m about to say now.

“I was just looking for the restroom,” I blurt out.

He looks me up and down, as though he's not