“It’s all right,” he said. “You’re safe now.”
“Bryce,” she said, trying to get up to go and see if he’d made it back inside. What if the attacker had a weapon? A gun? Or a knife? The security man blocked her path with his arm.
“Stay here,” he said kindly, but firmly. “We’ll take care of this. And don’t worry. Bryce is a professional. He’ll be fine.”
Hayley glared at the man but relented. The threat was real and serious. From now on, someone would have to protect her around the clock. She hoped Bryce would be up to the task.
9
Feelings And Intentions
Hayley sat nextto Bryce in the backseat of Nash and Steve’s company SUV.
Her face was tear stained, and it was taking everything in Bryce’s power not to reach over, and wipe her cheek dry. In the chaos of the crowd spilling out of the building, the stalker had landed one punch on Bryce’s jaw before disappearing into the sea of bodies. Bryce had given chase into the parking lot, but he might as well have been chasing a ghost. He was much better at pursuing people in the digital realm; not even ghosts could escape without leaving a footprint there.
“I’m going to head inside and check the security footage,” Nash said from the driver’s seat, as he pulled in front of Hayley’s house. “The police already spoke with the gate attendant here. No suspicious activity, but I’ll make sure no one’s dared to prowl around.” Nash turned off the engine and got out; Steve had stayed behind with the police to finish filing a report of the attack.
Hayley’s legs were so close to Bryce’s, he could have touched it with his knee, if he’d let his own leg fall just an inch further to the middle of the car seat. He pulled a tissue from the box the venue manager had given her from his office and handed it to Hayley. She took it and blew her nose.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Don’t be. You couldn’t have foreseen this. I know you’re scared,” Bryce replied,“He tried to get to you twice already. He won’t get another chance. I promise.”
“I think it was the same guy,” Hayley confirmed. “From the car accident. And the one who sent the text messages.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“He wore the same baseball hat,” she said. The first time, he had sunglasses on when he got out of the car. But I couldn’t really see his face tonight, either. He kept looking away. But he shoved this in my hand. I think he was going to try and put it on my finger as he was dragging me.” She held up a simple gold wedding band.
“He said he’d give you one in the texts,” Bryce said, taking the ring and examining it. The inside inscription read:Sealed Forever, but he covered it with his thumb so Hayley wouldn’t see. “Can I hold on to this?” he asked. He put it in a small plastic bag and slipped it into his pocket, as Hayley nodded.
Hayley kneaded the tissue in her hands for a second. “I should have listened to you,” she finally said. “About going out in the crowd. I just didn’t want to disappoint my fans. I don’t want them to think I’m any different than they are, you know? Because I’m not. I was just like them a few years ago. Going to concerts. Writing songs at night. Then, all of a sudden...a lot of people liked my songs.”
“Everyone understands there has to be some separation between a celebrity and the public. Especially when you’re in character,” Bryce said gently.
“This isn’t a character. I’m always myself.”
“I mean…” Bryce struggled for words. How could he explain this in terms that were relatable? “When you’re in performer mode. Putting on a show for people. They can forget their rights to you stop at the edge of the stage. Most people remember that. But there’s always some that think otherwise.”
Hayley nodded, sniffling. “I guess. On my last tour, a boy climbed up on stage and tried to kiss me. Security grabbed him. They asked if I wanted to press charges. I refused because he was just a teenager and I didn’t want to punish him after he apologized. I didn’t want to turn into my father and create conflict. You know how teenagers are. They act on impulse. He made a mistake and he learned from it.”
“I’m glad you have security,” Bryce said. “You’re gonna need them more than ever now. Especially if you want to continue singing.”
“I don’t know how to do anything else,” Hayley admitted. Her face reddened and she wiped her eyes. “That sounds kind of pathetic, doesn’t it? Not knowing how to do anything else but sing. It’s probably not even your kind of music. You must think I’m helpless.”
“I like your music,” Bryce said. He drew in breath, suddenly nervous. “I was a fan before I got this assignment.”
“You were not.” Hayley smiled.
“It’s true. I know all your songs.”
“From your demeanor I never would have guessed that.”
“Would you have taken me seriously if I’d walked in and asked for your autograph?” Bryce asked reasonably.
“Maybe.”
“Ok,” Bryce smiled. “Then can I have your autograph?”
