Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 49416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
“When you put it that way...” I sigh. “All right,” I say, unable to argue with that logic. “But it won't be forever, right?”
“Of course not,” he says. “It’ll only be for as long as it needs to be. I'll set up the contract for six months, and we'll reassess at the end of that. Hopefully this business is handled well before then.”
Six months.
Six months of having someone follow me around day and night? I’m no stranger to having the paparazzi spot me and my father coming out of a restaurant, looking for something to stir up an otherwise slow news day, but having a constant presence around me? Somebody hired for the sole purpose of protecting me? That’s a new concept, and I’m not exactly sure how to prepare for that.
“We'll have to discuss his schedule,” I say. “And where he'll be when I'm treating clients. The last thing I need is someone scaring my patients.” I was hoping I wouldn’t have to tell my patients about this situation, but if I have a full time guard here, there will be questions. I’ll have to explain the reasoning behind it. I mentally make a note to add that to my to-do list.
The thought of them pausing or stopping their treatment because of this situation worries me. I’ll totally understand, but my heart sinks just thinking about them not feeling safe here. Once again, anger bubbles to the surface at the position Spencer is putting me in.
“Of course,” Dad says. “I’ll ensure he has all the information during our meeting today. I’ll emphasize how critical it is that your patients feel comfortable and safe and not like they're going to be interrogated or intimidated.”
“Thank you,” I say, truly meaning it. “It’ll be a relief to not have to constantly worry about Spencer coming through the door.”
“I would’ve done it sooner if you had let me,” Dad says. “And the offer still stands to move back in with me for however long you need.”
“I know,” I say. “But you know I love my home. I’ve worked hard for it and I have plants to take care of.” I smile at him. “And it’s a little unnerving to think about having someone always watching over you, not to mention I have no idea how my patients are going to feel. Have you gotten used to it?” I ask, knowing his two security details are standing just outside my office.
“I don't know if you get used to it,” he answers. “But you certainly form trusting relationships with those invested in protecting you. Are there times I wish I could go out without worrying about being harassed or attacked because of my position? Absolutely. Would I take the risk without them? Never.”
Dad slides out of his chair, and I follow him to the front of my building, giving him another hug. “I appreciate all you do for me,” I say, truly meaning it.
“And I appreciate you for all you do,” he says. “As long as the meeting goes well today, I'll have him show up before opening tomorrow.”
“Sounds good,” I say, nodding to his two guards before they head out of the building.
I walk back into my office, settling into the chair behind my desk, noting I have twenty minutes before my next appointment. I do some breathing exercises, trying like hell to calm the nerves that the envelope I’ve now thrown into the drawer with the others has caused. I hate how on edge I've been since this situation started, unable to hear my door open without holding my breath until I see who's walking through it.
I'm in the middle of another deep breath when my phone rings, and I smile as I pick it up.
“Luna,” I say by way of answer. “How are you?”
“I'm good, I was calling to check on you. I just drove by on my way to the shop and saw your dad and his security guys outside? Something going on?”
I laugh. “Nothing gets by you, does it?”
“Not in Sweet Water,” she answers.
“Everything's fine,” I say. “Dad just finally convinced me to let him hire a security detail for me.”
“Oh, I'm so relieved,” she says. “I know you were conflicted about it, but until this guy has decidedly backed off, I think we'll all be a little more comfortable knowing a trained professional is watching out for you.”
“I know,” I say. “I feel incredibly privileged to be in the position to have something like this. There are countless other people in the same situation as mine who can't. It feels unfair somehow.”
“That's so not fair to you,” Luna says. “Even though I totally get where you're coming from. If we could, we’d help every single person who’s in the same situation. Don't you think they’d take the extra help if someone offered it to them?”