Chapter 22: Chapter 22

“Girls,” Fran said, pulling the hesitating Dez inside by his good arm. “Here he is, the man of the hour. My hero, Dez!”

The women broke into a round of applause and a couple of cheers. Fran let go of Dez’s arm and picked up a frosted cake. Piped on top were the words “Our hero,” alongside some cat-shaped decorations.

“The cats insisted I got you this.” Fran winked, which was extremely cute, but Dez found it hard to appreciate when his heart was pounding like it wanted to smash though his ribs. The space was too confined. There were too many people. They’re just women, he tried to tell himself. Waitresses and cat-carers. They’re no threat. Get a hold of yourself.

He couldn’t breathe…

He backed up, bumped into the counter, knocking something off. It bounced and clonked on the tiled floor. “I…have to go.”

Fran was still holding the cake, but his face became a mask of concern. The women stared and the applause stopped.

“Dez…the cake…you don’t want…” Fran faltered the words.