Just Play Along

By Ember Gray

Does love distort reality? Is anything ever black and white, or do we all live in the gray?

 

Harlow Hanson lives a regular life until she meets a stranger on the street. Ivy Hart stops her and asks Harlow to just play along and pretend they know each other. Harlow goes along with it, concerned for Ivy as she tells her she might have a stalker. Harlow is taken with Ivy instantly and wants to help any way she can. But Harlow's best friend Aria is worried that Harlow allowed a stranger into her life too quickly. How much does she even know about her new friend?

 

A suspenseful thriller, Harlow must decide for herself whether or not to continue helping Ivy, or, if she should heed her best friend's warning and leave her behind. What will Harlow do when things begin getting out of hand? When she finds herself also a target for the stalker, now that she's with Ivy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ember Gray
• Release date: Jun 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223288480

Ember Gray

Ember lives in Des Moines, IA with her two beautiful dogs, Zoey and Bonnie. When she's not writing she enjoys reading, crocheting, and watching lots of YouTube videos.

Book preview

Chapter 1

J ust play along. Please , she whispered in my ear as she embraced me. Her long chestnut hair smelled like coconut, and her silk pink blouse was soft against my bare arms. Confused, I hugged her tight until I felt her slowly pull away. She looked at me with watery green eyes, and I could recognize the fear in her face. I gave her a slight nod.

It’s been so long! Thank you for meeting with me for coffee this morning; I know you’re busy, she said with a timid smile. She tried to look excited, but I could still detect the scared undertone in her slightly shaken voice. She grabbed my hand, smooth and warm, and led me into the coffee shop we had been standing in front of. She pulled a chair out for me and nodded toward it, indicating that I should sit. I did as she wanted.

Slinking into the chair across from me, she smiled and let out a sigh. I watched as her eyes darted to the window, now four tables away. Her clasped hand loosened from tight fists, and I watched as her shoulders relaxed.

I'm.. I’m sorry. I had to pretend like you knew me, she said, reaching for a napkin tucked under wrapped silverware. She gently dabbed under her eyes, light tears dampening the edge. Thank you so much for going along with it.

No worries, are you okay? What’s going on? I asked with concern.

She glanced at the window again as she crumpled her napkin. Yes, I’m sorry. I’m okay. I thought I saw someone following me, so I needed a way to get off the street. But I don’t see them anymore. She took a deep breath and reached out her hand. I’m Ivy. I didn’t mean to scare you, you just looked friendly, and I hoped you might go with it.

I took her hand. Was it someone you recognized? Or a stranger? We let go, and I put my hands in my lap. Oh, sorry. I’m Harlow.

She smiled a beautiful, warm smile that showed perfect teeth and plump lips. Harlow, that’s a gorgeous name. It’s a long story. Would you like some coffee? Since we’re in here anyway. Oh, I’m sorry; I don’t even know if you were on your way somewhere. If you need to go, please feel free.

I shook my head and smiled back at her, my smile unremarkable compared to hers. No, actually, I was just leaving a friend’s house. We had lunch, and I was just on my way home. I’ve got plenty of time. I could stay for a drink.

Her eyes lit up as she clapped her hands together. Oh yes! Perfect. What kind of coffee would you like? My treat.

As she walked back to our table carrying our drinks, I took in just how stunning this woman truly was. Her clothes were freshly pressed and swayed as she took each step. Her small heels made a pleasant clicking noise across the tile. Her chestnut hair fell over her shoulders with a subtle bounce. I suddenly felt completely underdressed. I was wearing a black tank top with my favorite band’s name across the chest and gray shorts. My messy hair was up in a bun and my glasses had fingerprints all over the lenses.

I tried to tame my hair a bit as she sat back down, sliding my cappuccino toward me. Even her fingers were beautiful with glistening lavender polish.

I grabbed my cup and took a sip. The hot coffee hugged my throat and warmed my insides as it slid behind my sternum. A sweet taste of vanilla and cinnamon danced across my tongue. I set my cup down and looked at Ivy.

Thank you for the coffee, you really didn’t have to get it for me.

Ivy shook her head vehemently and let out a musical laugh. It’s the least I could do! I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t pretended to be my friend. A slight shiver shook her shoulders and she straightened in her seat. So, what did you and your friend have for lunch on this gloomy Tuesday?

She took a big gulp of her coffee and looked at me with a soft grin, her green eyes seemingly staring through me. I took a sharp breath under her gaze.

We had tuna salad sandwiches with steamed veggies and a mimosa, or three. I smiled, thinking back to my lunch just an hour ago with Aria. At least, I did. Aria just had some juice.

She had invited me over last night with excitement in her phone call.

Please come over tomorrow for lunch; I have exciting news to tell you! She squealed into the phone. I could hear her dog, Taco, barking in the background.

Why can’t you tell me now? I mean, I can still come over tomorrow, but can’t you tell me the news now? You know I lack patience.

Aria giggled her sly laugh and I knew she wasn’t going to tell me. She loved to torture me like that. No no, you have to wait. I want to tell you in person. Taco had stopped barking and I heard her sliding glass door open. He must have needed to go out.

I groaned into the phone. Ugh fine. You win. I’ll be over at noon?

That’s perfect! See you then, love you! I said I love you too as I heard her start to yell for Taco to come back to the deck before she hung up.

Ivy’s eyes were shining as she looked at me, curiosity beaming out. That sounds delicious. I can’t remember the last time I had a tuna sandwich. Mmm, a hot tuna melt with provolone cheese? Sounds perfect.

I began to feel a little more relaxed after hearing her say that. Something about her well-put-together appearance and radiant beauty had been making me feel inferior and on edge. But watching her sip her coffee and hearing her talk about an average tuna sandwich like it’s an entree she would order at a five-star restaurant put me at ease.

Yeah, it was delicious. My friend Aria always makes great meals.

Amazing. I envy a great friendship like that. Just having lunch together on a Tuesday, how divine. Ivy picked up her cup and noticed it was empty. I didn’t notice how much time was passing while we sat, just chatting. I looked at my own cup and noticed it was nearly gone as well. I figured I needed to ask now if I wanted to know.

So, why do you think someone is following you? Was it someone you know? I asked as casually as I could. Her gaze landed on the window again, her fingers tightening on her empty cup. I’m sorry, if you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to. We just met, I didn’t mean to be prodding into your personal life.. I stammered.

Ivy dragged her eyes from the window to me and I felt my face get hot. Her eyes held the same fear I saw on the street. I really shouldn’t have asked.

I–I can tell you the whole story. But uhm, could we possibly go somewhere else? More, private? She stood up in one quick, fluid motion and pushed her chair in. I’m a bit wary to head home just yet... and I know we just met, but... She shook her head to herself while looking at the tiled floor.

We can go to my place if you’d like. It’s not too far from here, and I live alone, so no one will be around to listen. I should warn you though, my place is a bit of a mess. I haven’t had anyone over in a while. I stood up too, my thighs sticking to the plastic seat cover. It was around 75 degrees outside, but the coffee shop felt even warmer. Maybe it was the machines running, making dozens of hot coffees. Or maybe it was from being around Ivy. Something about her made me feel nervous. But a good kind of nervous. Like an excited, anxious feeling. Sure, I just met this woman on the street 20 minutes ago, but I didn’t want her to leave yet.

Ivy’s perfect smile dazzled me as she grasped my arms and pulled me in for another hug. Oh, how wonderful! Thank you, Harlow. And I promise, no matter the state of your home, I’m sure it feels comfortable and warm, like you.

I felt my face blush as the bell above the door chimed to signal our exit.

Chapter 2

We reached my building after about fifteen minutes. The short walk had sparse conversation, but I knew Ivy would open up again once we were alone. I caught her glancing around her, looking for someone following. I reached the heavy green door and held it for her as she walked into the lobby. Warm vanilla and coconut wafted from her as she passed, filling my nose with a sense of peacefulness. We turned down the hall on the left and continued down the next corner as I pulled out my key. With a bit of jiggling, the lock clicked, and I pushed open the door.

Right away, the glaring messes of my small apartment lit up. The sink was full of week-old, dirty dishes. An empty pizza box sat on the crumb-covered counter. Cat toys were strewn about the floor like a minefield. My couch had a pile of hairy blankets thrown all over it. My desk was cluttered with papers and empty coffee cups.

Sorry about the mess, I said as I hurried to fold the blankets and clear a place to sit. I stuffed the blankets into a wicker basket next to the couch and fluffed the pillows. I swiped the cushion quickly, trying to get any loose cat fur. Like I said, I haven’t had visitors in a while.

That wasn’t exactly true; I had just had Aria over a few days prior. The pizza box–the remains of our emotional evening. I still didn’t know what exactly had happened, but she showed up at my door, completely hysterical.

I got her to breathe evenly long enough for her to attempt to tell me what was wrong. It was all a breathy mess, but I was able to string together enough words to figure out that she and Mason had had a fight. I couldn’t