“You think a B is bad?”
“Well, no, but I usually get all A’s. I’ve made the Dean’s list every semester of my college career. Mom’s always proud of me for it.”
“She’ll be proud of you for a B too.”
“I know. Now, let’s go sit down and discuss this asswipe situation.”
She lets me take her hand and lead her up to where Collin is already sitting in the gazebo. She sits down across from him and I take a seat beside of her.
“Uh, C, you need to put your phone down so we can talk.”
“Sorry,” he says and turns it off. “There’s so much they’re asking for. I was trying to get through a few that just required short answers.”
Fuck my life. Today is going to be brutal as far as paperwork.
“So what do you two want to discuss that it required coming all the way out here?”
Collin arches a brow. “Really, Red?”
She shrugs and looks away.
“We want to talk about last night.” I take her hand and squeeze it. “Those flowers obviously upset you. We’re in town for the next week, but then we’re gone for two weeks. I need to know you’re going to be safe and not try to run.”
“Run?” Collin glances at Daisy and then back to me. “What do you mean?”
“Daisy thinks it’s safer for everyone if she leaves.”
“That’s bullshit,” Collin spits out. “If you’re alone, you’re vulnerable and where no one can get to you because we don’t fucking know where you are.”
“And I talked to all the guys on the team. They’re aware of the danger and just shrugged. None of us like to see a woman get hurt and would willing put ourselves in danger to prevent that.”
A miserable sound escapes her. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.”
“You let us worry about that.” Collin shoves his phone aside. “Me and Hutch have been talking. We think it’s a good idea you get a restraining order.”
“I spoke with my lawyer and she said you can get a restraining order under seal if you want that. It’ll keep Ayers out of the press since it’s essentially a gag order for all involved to not say anything. The press won’t have access to it. The only people who will know about it are local police. That way he can’t come at you saying you’re ruining his chances at the draft.”
“But won’t they do a background check and find it, even if it’s under seal? They’ll ask him about it. They might ask me.”
“If they do, then you tell the truth. A restraining order gives you another layer of protection. Alegallayer we can use if he violates it. I’ve already talked to Jenny, and she’s agreed to add cameras to the house for security. Ones that no one knows about except for me, you, and her. Probably Dylan too since I’m recruiting him to help me install them while everyone’s in class.There’s a lot of people in and out of that house. I want a record of them and where they go. She and her Dad agreed.”
I hope she understands how many people love her. In the few months she’s been here, everyone has grown to adore her. Jenny was ready to fight asswipe herself, but Dylan and I calmed her down. Anything she does will reflect on Dylan and that could be bad for his chances at getting in the NHL. Now, if Ayers comes to her house and starts some shit, that’s completely different. She’s within her rights to protect herself and anyone in the house.
“So, Red, will you let us help you with a restraining order? Do you think Lucy will give a statement or submit an affidavit detailing everything about that day and the pressure the locals put on you not to press charges?”
“Lucy will go today and do it if I ask her to.”
“Then the question remains, will you do this? I know you don’t trust the cops, but at least we have an avenue in court if something happens. I’ll feel better about your safety if you have this.”
The emotions flickering through her eyes is painful to watch. She’s been through so much and I’m asking her to go before a judge and tell him what she went through if they don’t grant the restraining order without her having to testify. I squeeze her hand to let her know I’m here and I understand how hard this is for her.
“Okay. I’ll do it. Who do I need to call? And how much is it going to cost? And before you say you’ll pay for it, don’t even bother. This is my mess and I’ll pay the fees associated with it.”
There is my feisty girl. “My lawyer said she’d do it pro bono. Her firm has an entire pro bono program. She can’t stand assholes who beat on others. She told me last year she did a pro bono case in a same sex domestic violence situation. Guy was beating the shit out of his partner on the daily. She can’t stand that. I’ll call her today and have her come over to Mom’s forsupper. I forgot to tell you you’re invited over to celebrate and we get to meet Mom’s new boyfriend, Thomas.”
“Why don’t you sound excited?”
“I am, I’m just cautious. We don’t want her dating someone who will end up hurting her. She deserves only the best and C and I are going to make sure she gets it.”
