The room feels too small, too suffocating. “But something like that on my record?—”
“I’m sorry, Mia.” Her tone is low, almost apologetic, but it doesn’t dull the blow. “It’s the best I can do. But I can promise to keep this discreet.”
I know she’s trying to help, but it doesn’t feel like help. It feels like I’m being punished for something I didn’t do. For someone else’s obsession.
My voice wavers as I force out, “What am I supposed to tell my girls?”
Mrs. Meyers looks down at her desk, unable to meet my gaze. “Take the time, Mia. Figure out your next steps. The hospital will be here when you’re ready to come back.”
But will it?
And will I come back?
“If there’s anything I can do to help…” Mrs. Meyers adds.
But she can’t help. Not really. Not in the ways that matter.
I nod, the movement mechanical, and turn to leave the office. The security officer steps aside, his expression unreadable as I push the door open. Outside, the fluorescent lights of the hallway seem brighter than usual, glaring against my watery vision.
I don’t know how I’ll explain this to Emma and Ella. I don’t know how I’ll pay the rent.
My chest is tight, and I sniff sharply, trying to push back the tears threatening to spill. I don’t want to break down here. Not where anyone can see.
I almost don’t notice him there, leaning casually against the wall, until he straightens at the sight of me. Asher.
“Mia. I was looking for you,” he says.
“I was just…” What can I tell him? That I was just unofficially kicked out of my job. I don’t want to see the pity in his eyes.
His eyes narrow slightly, taking me in like he’s assessing for damage.
My heart betrays me, skipping a beat at the sight of him. I mentally scold myself. How can I even feel this way about someone, especially now? My life is chaos, my job is slipping away, and my girls…
Asher doesn’t say anything at first. Instead, he steps closer, his presence grounding me in a way I hate to admit. When his hand brushes the small of my back, I stiffen, startled. But I’m too shaken to pull away, and he doesn’t move it.
Asher’s jaw tightens, his hand pressing ever so slightly, a reassurance I didn’t know I needed. “He won’t hurt you,” he says. “Not while I’m here.”
I want to believe him, but doubt claws at me. I shake my head, looking away.
“He already has,” I say bitterly. “He’s taking my job, my security. How long before?—”
“He doesn’t take anything you don’t let him,” Asher interrupts gently. There’s a calm certainty in his voice that’s hard to ignore. “You’re not fighting this alone anymore, Mia.”
I open my mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in my throat. His hand lingers on my back, warm and solid, until I finally find the courage to meet his gaze.
“What are you even doing here?” I ask, half-expecting some flippant answer.
“We’re supposed to be here for you. Round the clock protection, remember?”My laugh comes out humorless. “You can’t do anything to help me.”
He frowns. “Why are you saying that?”
I don’t answer, afraid that I’ll fall apart any second.
My phone rings. The school’s number flashes on my phone, and my heart lurches so hard, it feels like it stops altogether. My fingers fumble as I answer, dread coiling tight in my chest.
“Ms. Henson? I’m sorry to call you at this hour?—"
I don’t hear the rest. My stomach plummets, my vision tunneling until only the panic remains. Jason.
