One thing I learned early in life was not to become too invested in a person or a situation because, ultimately, I’d wind up hurt or disappointed. That belief served me well during my time in the military and made even more sense as a bodyguard. Care for your principal, but don’t get emotionally involved.
Unfortunately, I may have crossed that line already, which will only damage my chances of landing that position with Dame Maxwell.
Maybe getting out of the apartment is a good idea. A little time away from Payton might help reset my perspective. Del’s covering surveillance and has constant eyes on the situation, so I really don’t have a valid excuse not to go.
I send a quick text to Sophie, telling her I’ll be there, to which she replies with one of those celebratory emojis.
Now to figure out what to wear, so I look the part. Myprofessional attire might bring up questions I’d rather not have to answer with more lies. So jeans and a cute top it is.
And just for the record, and contrary to what Payton thinks, I’m not going to enjoy this.
Tantalizing aromas fill my nose as I walk into the Turtle Tide. Payton said to be sure to try the hush puppies because that’s one of their specialties. Along with the house-made remoulade dipping sauce. Something his former roommate turned him on to.
Sophie waves from a booth near the back, and as I approach, I see the top of Mia’s blonde head. But nobody else. Unless you want to count the basket of hushpuppies already sitting in the center of the table.
To be polite, I sit on Sophie’s side since she’s patting the spot next to her. “Where are the rest?”
Mia gives me a confused look. “Rest of what?”
“The other wives and girlfriends?”
“We’re it so far.” Sophie lets out a giggle as Mia snorts.
She dons a conspiratorial expression. “We’re the ones who count.”
Their silliness makes me grin. “You’re joking, right?”
“Not really. But we’re just getting started, so I’m sure more will join in once we have things figured out.” Sophie taps her pen on her notebook.
I bounce my gaze between them. “Okaaaay, then what’s the fundraiser for?”
“Underprivileged children. The team wants to do something really special this year, so we’re trying to come up with ideas.” Sophie pulls a notebook out of her tote. Pink, of course.
After a pause, Mia sighs. “I was thinking we could do some kind ofamusement park.”
A fundraiser for kids in need? An amusement park? I think my heart just clenched, and not in a good way. When I was twelve, a state fair arrived in town, close to the foster home where I lived. I’d never been to one and asked if we could go. My foster father looked at me as if I’d sprouted horns, then cracked open his next can of beer. Yet another moment that taught me to keep expectations low.
“Um, I’m not sure I’d be much help with this kind of thing.” I glance at the door, trying to figure out an escape. Maybe Payton needs me to babysit him after all.
Sophie blinks her large eyes at me. “When Payton texted me your number, he said you had some experience with stuff like this.”
“Like what?” I ask with a hefty dose of caution. Did he share details about my life? Because I don’t normally tell anyone about my past. Payton only knows because it seemed necessary for our cover story. Not that I have anything to hide. I’m just not a fan of sharing my life history.
“Organizing people and events.” Sophie blinks at me as if what she’s saying is obvious. “What kind of work did you do in London?”
“Security.” That’s generic enough and should satisfy their curiosity.
Sophie looks thoughtful. “Like with large groups?”
I give her a quick nod. “Sometimes.”
“That’s great! You can help us avoid complications.”
Mia tilts her head at me. “We had so much fun together at the game, we figured we’d make a great team.”
A great team? Anything I might have wanted to say is lodged in my throat. My heart’s melting at the thought of Payton thinking about me and these two women believing I’m worth their time and effort. But my head wants to knock him a solid in the skull with one of those pucks he plays with for the same reasons.
This is a job, not my life. I can’t get invested. Or attached.My time here is limited, but they don’t know that. They can’t know that. And then there’s that annoying tug on my heart that appears to be winning. Wait until Del hears about this. I can hear her laughing now.
