The Return Of His Ex Wife
Chapter 35: Stalker

Chapter 35: Stalker

Arlo’s POV

"What?" Oh, I forgot I was suddenly the boyfriend Tara cared about so much all of a sudden...after she’d used me! "Not so long ago, actually."

"Well at least I can be happy for you and her too. I know it seems like I hate Tara, but I really don’t. It’s just that in the Aniston household, they can be really obsessed with their career and achievements and all. In fact so busy that it’s causing a huge rift between Mike and I."

"He’s like that too?"

"Sure. They might be half siblings but they sure are similar in most ways. I mean it’s Mike’s birthday next week and here we are, he’s busy fighting with his sister over some work project."

This actually brought a smile to my face. "And you just stick with him? I mean, what do you do, really?"

She shrugged. "What’s there to do? He seems passionate about stuff like this, so I support him all the way. While hoping he would come to realize that family should come first. I tell him from time to time though."

This actually stuck in my head. "Maybe you’re right." From that moment on, I vowed to remain by Tara’s side more. Whether she wanted my help or not, I would be a good friend to her at least.

I got up with the intention of running to the store to get something for her, anything. A nice gift. Ali called my name and I turned to face her. She got up to meet me, looking all tense.

"I don’t know if you noticed but Richard and my kids really vibed well. They’re begging to spend time with Richard,"

"Oh that’s true. I don’t think they’ve ever got to spend time together due to their parents’ beef." I said and her face flustered.

"I really will be better. I’ll make sure Mike settles with Tara."

"And I’ll try everything on my own end too." I promised.

"Tara’s really lucky to have you." Ali said with a relieved smile. She must have really loved Tara more than I’d imagined. "You will ask Tara for me? About the kids hanging out? If I do so myself she’ll straight up turn me down. And I just don’t know what to tell my kids...Richard is such a nice kid."

"Oh, yea I’ll ask Tara. They can hang out, I’ll quickly head out and stop to speak with Tara on the way." I assured her.

"Thanks!" She jumped on her feet and ran out, excitement filling her eyes.

"Alright, let’s have a little chat, Sunflower." I thought about where she would be at the moment, hopefully alone without Richard so there wouldn’t be an uproar when Ali...

Something strange happened all of a sudden. I knew my sister Sofia rented most of the place for us, yet why was this strange man on black wandering about?

The way he dressed spelt it out that he was strange with his dark shades and facecap covering most of his face. But as soon as I chased him down, he had found a nice hiding place and disappeared right before my eyes.

"Hey, are you heading out?" I turned to find my sister with pouting lips and baby eyes. I shook my head.

"Please, where is my sister who isn’t this sweet and nice." I teased. She smiled, then held my arms tight and led me outside. I knew she was only trying to care for me, just so I don’t end up like last time...

I managed to hit my P.A up and ask him to look into any stranger watching me or any of us at the hotel. On the way, I had already told my story to Sofia, asking for ideas for an apology gift for Tara.

"What do you think she loves the most?" She asked for the tenth time, earning a frustrated groan from me.

"You think I’d be here asking you if I knew the answer to that?"

"Arlo, focus! This isn’t a gift for a pretty girl you like or find hot. It should mean something, an apology gift, remember?"

"I know. I’ve mentioned bags, food, music--I don’t know, hire a musician?" I was too stressed to think. I really wanted to get her something amazing!

Then it dawned on me. "I think I know what to get her." I said, "her ex husband was supposed to get her a necklace, with a little diamond pendant on it. He divorced her before getting it for her. She acts like she’s not bothered, but I know she’s a little hurt."

Sofia’s smile made the moment all special. "That’s great then."

My phone buzzed all of a sudden just as I caught an image of my dumb stalker who followed Sofia and I all the way from the hotel. "Hey Diego, who’s this creep? He’s here at the mall with me. Sofia is here with me too."

She locked eyes with me at the mention of her name. "Get back to me soon, Diego--"

"--his face matched that of a freshly graduate from TimbersSays Media, and he has been seen very close to Miss Timberwood plenty of times on her page." Diego said.

I heaved in a deep sigh. "I had my suspicions. Thanks D." Hanging up the call, it didn’t take long for Sofia to guess what had just happened.

"So she’s back in town?" She asked.

"I guess so." I replied, not sure myself.

"Well, whatever. Hurry up and select the perfect necklace while I steal your phone for a minute." Before I could say anything, she snatched the phone from me and hurried out.

"Where are you even going t--oh, who am I kidding. She’s gone already." I turned to locate the section for jewelry and was met by one of the store attendants.

"Do you need help sir?" She asked with a friendly smile.

"I do, actually. I’m looking for the jewelry section. Direct me there please."

"Sure sir." She led me towards a section long and wide, and for a minute, I got confused.

"Uh, where’s the ladies section?" I had to ask. I never really got jewelry for a lady before. My mom never fancied them and Sofia took after her.

"Sure sir. This gift, is it for your girlfriend?"

I didn’t know why but I felt my heart skip a bit. Just for a moment. "Uh, yes. We got into a fight, so it’s an apology gift." I found myself saying. If only it were true and Tara was actually my girlfriend.

"Understood sir. I have just the right collection!" She said with a delighted smile brightening up her face. Great, at least I could trust that smile.

After about an hour, I had my perfect gift with me and had already met up with Sofia. We were on our way back to the hotel when I checked my phone to see eight missed calls from Tara.

"Sofia, what’s this? Tara’s been calling and you couldn’t locate me to hand me the phone??" I roared out.