I opened my mouth to disagree when Noah cut in.
“With pay,” he added.“And I want to see what we’re paying her.I’m guessing it’s not enough, and she’s due a raise.”
Harper’s eyebrows went up.“That’s confidential information between Black Hat Productions and my employee.I can’t divulge it without her permission.”
I shook my head.Like hell did I want Noah to know what my paycheck was.Talk about demeaning.
“Fine.But give her a raise.”Noah lifted a hand before Harper could protest.“Take it out of my share if you need to.”
“Noah.”I shook my head.“You’re being ridiculous.”
“No, I’m taking care of my friend.And she’s going to need security.”
Harper nodded and shifted some papers on her desk.“Already done.”
“Wait.What?”I looked between them incredulously.
“Black Hat is paying for someone to escort you to and from the venue and your home.Non-negotiable.You were attacked in our parking lot and that’s not acceptable.I’ll be damned if anyone under my employ doesn’t feel safe working for me.”Harper’s voice hardened until she was practically spitting out the words by the end.
And then I remembered what’d happened to her over a year ago in London.One of the security guards attacked her in the restrooms after soundcheck.She’d found him doing drugs, and he thought the best way to get away with it was to incapacitate the witness—who also happened to be his boss.
Noah had been the one to save her then.
It was becoming a habit for him.
My eyes darted to his spot where he was sprawled out on a plush leather chair.He raised his eyebrows back at me.I had no doubt he’d arrange security for me if I managed to wiggle out of Harper’s safety net.
“Fine.”I sighed.“I just…I’m sorry I brought this to work.I never thought he’d follow me here.”
“Not your fault.”Harper’s voice was firm, but her eyes looked gentle.“Never apologize for asshole men.His actions are not on you.”
Tears burned the back of my eyes again, so all I could do was nod in agreement.
“Good.Again, I’m so sorry that this happened, Alice.”Harper gave me a sad little smile.“If you need more time off, just send me a text.And I can arrange it if you want to talk to someone.”
“Thanks.”I knew better than to complain at this point.They were just showing their support.
Harper went on, “Our lawyers will push through the restraining order on your behalf.I’ll need you to come in and sign the paperwork once they have it drawn up.”
I nodded my agreement.
“I know how it feels.If you ever want to talk to me, I’m here.Emotions will hit you later.That’s perfectly normal.Whatever you’re feeling is okay.It wasn’t your fault.Some guys are just assholes.”
I laughed wryly.“You know you don’t have to tell me that.”
“Sadly, so true.”Harper shook her head.“But please, take the day—or more if you need—with pay of course.”
“Thanks.”
She turned to Noah.“I think we still have some time before soundcheck if you want to go through your thing.”
“Oh, I’m staying for that.”My laugh was more of a croak, but I fought to sound somewhat normal.“Noah invited me.”
“I did?”He frowned.
“You did.”I stared back at him.
Harper’s eyes bounced between us like she was watching a tennis match.Judging by the smile on her face, she found us to be a really entertaining tennis match.
