“You need to be cautious, but let us do the heavy lifting. We’re here so you can go about your normal business.” Like we could do that knowing we had a full-time bodyguard. “I’ll go over safety protocols when I get back.”
Having clearly lost the battle, I asked with an exaggerated sigh, “Starting when?”
“Starting now. AJ will stay while I run home to pack my bag.”
Maybe I can talk some sense into AJ.
Nathan stood. “I won’t get in your way. You don’t have to entertain or take care of me while I’m here.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t,” I said.
“Don’t be rude,” Gran chastised me. “I assume it’s okay for you to have meals with us?” she asked Nathan.
“It is, but only if you let me help with cooking, cleaning, and buying.”
“That won’t be necessary, dear.”
I rolled my eyes at Gran’s over-the-top sugary-sweet performance.
“I insist” was all he said.
Nathan asked for a piece of paper and wrote down his number. “Call me if you need anything.”
What I needed was for him to leave me alone. I wanted him, but couldn’t have him. Nathan’s presence would be a constant, painful reminder of that reality.
AJ must’ve waited near the door, because he came in as Nathan left.
He walked over and gave Gran a gentle hug. When it was my turn, he said, “Sorry this is happening, but we’ll figure it out.”
“Thanks,” I said, racking my brain for a way to convince him we didn’t need Nathan here.
AJ narrowed his eyes, studying my face. “I know this is disruptive, and you’re already searching for a way out, but there isn’t one.” He crushed my hopes. “We won’t risk your safety.”
“But—”
“No buts. It’s a done deal unless your grandmother kicks us out.” AJ turned to Gran. “Gran?”
“You can stay.”
It wasn’t fair that I didn’t have a say in any of this. Or that they were using my grandmother against me. No matter how well-intended their actions.
“Thank you. We want to install cameras at the front and back doors. Is that okay?”
“What?” I yelled more than asked. “Nathan didn’t mention that.”
“We thought you’d be more reasonable if the request came from me.” AJ’s calm, all-business tone made me more nervousthan Nathan’s overly aggressive one. No, aggressive wasn’t the right word. He was matter-of-fact, protective and pushy, but not aggressive.
Finn was aggressive.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened with Craig.”
Gran gasped. She knew about Emily’s abusive ex, and his actions that led to his death.
“You told her?” he asked.
“I don’t keep secrets from Gran,” I said. My hand went to my belly, knowing I was keeping the biggest secret of them all. But only until I saw Dr. Greenfield and confirmed the positive test result. An internet search said a false positive was less likely than a false negative, but I was hoping and praying, none-the-less.
AJ’s eyes followed my hand.
