The next day was the longest of Maya's life. Every time her phone buzzed, her stomach tightened. Part of her hoped it was Leo with some simple explanation. Another part feared it would be another message from that unknown number.
She tried to distract herself with work. She cleaned her apartment from top to bottom. She called her mom. But nothing could push the worry from her mind. Who was Lisa? And why would someone send her that message?
Finally, it was time for Leo to call. When her phone rang, Maya took a deep breath before answering.
"Hi," she said, trying to sound normal.
"Hi," Leo said. He sounded tired. "My last meeting just ended. I fly back tomorrow morning."
"That's good," Maya said. There was a pause.
"Maya, is everything okay?" Leo asked. "You've been quiet since yesterday."
Maya's hands felt cold. This was her chance to ask him. But the words felt stuck in her throat.
"I got a strange message yesterday," she said finally.
"What kind of message?"
"From a number I don't know. It said... it said I should ask you about your friend Lisa. That you work together in Chicago."
There was silence on the other end. For a moment, Maya feared he had hung up.
"Leo?"
"I'm here," he said quietly. "Maya, I can explain. But not like this. Not over the phone. Can I see you as soon as I get back tomorrow?"
The worry in Maya's chest grew tighter. "Just tell me now, Leo. Please."
"Lisa is my boss," he said. "She's the reason I got this job back in the city. We used to date, Maya. But it ended months ago. Before I ever contacted you again."
Maya felt the air leave her lungs. He had dated someone else. His boss.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she whispered.
"Because it didn't matter," he said. "It was over before anything started with us. I didn't want to complicate things."
"Who sent the message, Leo? Why would someone send me that?"
"I don't know," he said. He sounded frustrated. "Maybe someone from work who knows we dated. Maybe Lisa herself. She wasn't happy when I ended things."
Maya didn't know what to think. She wanted to believe him. But it hurt to think he had been with someone else. And it scared her that he had kept it secret.
"Please," Leo said. His voice was soft. "Let me explain properly when I get back. Let me look you in the eyes when I tell you this story. What we have now is real, Maya. I don't want to lose it because of my past."
Maya closed her eyes. She thought about their recent days together. The way he looked at her. The way he made her feel.
"Okay," she said softly. "We'll talk tomorrow."
"Thank you," he said. "I'll come straight from the airport. I promise."
After they hung up, Maya sat in the quiet of her apartment. Her mind raced with questions. Was Leo telling the truth? Could she trust him?
She looked at the unknown number again. She typed a reply: "Who is this?"
The response came quickly: "A friend."
Then another message: "Be careful."
Maya put her phone down. She felt more confused than ever. Tomorrow felt very far away.
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Questions for you:
What do you think about Leo's explanation? Should Maya believe him? Who do you think sent the messages?