She takes a bite of the omelet, her eyes widening slightly. “This is really good.”
“Thanks.” I lean back in my chair. “So… is there anything at Preston’s place that you need? I can try to figure out how to get it.”
Her expression shifts, something guarded sliding into place. She shakes her head. “No. There’s nothing there that’s sentimental. I don’t really have personal things of importance—just clothes and toiletries. Any gifts would’ve been from him, and I don’t need those.”
The way she says it—so matter-of-fact, so resigned—tightens something in my chest.
“Okay,” I say quietly. “Then we’ll get you whatever you need. Fresh start.”
She looks up at me, and for a second, I see something vulnerable flash across her face.
“Fresh start,” she repeats softly, like she’s testing the words out.
My phone buzzes on the table, vibrating against the wood. I glance down at the screen and smile. “Oh, this is Cole,” I say, looking up at Tessa. “He’s letting us know we have a visitor.”
Tessa takes a sip of her coffee and sets the mug down carefully. “Who’s Cole?”
“Oh—right.” I lean back in my chair. “I hired two bodyguards. They’ve worked with Anna in the past, and she vouched for them, said they’re excellent. Cole and Jack. We’ll have someone stationed at the entrance twenty-four hours a day.”
“Really?” Tessa’s eyes widen slightly.
“Of course,” I say, my tone matter-of-fact. “I’m serious about you being safe. Especially when you’re at school. Penny is working on the restraining order today, but we both know that won’t guarantee that Preston will actually stay away. So I want to make sure you’re always covered—whether you’re in class or at work, if that’s something you want to continue doing. I don’t want you without security. Ever.”
Tessa nods slowly, her expression overwhelmed. She picks at the edge of her croissant, pulling off a flaky piece but not eating it. A lot has changed for her in less than twenty-four hours, which is why I’m glad she has a visitor.
I smile, trying to lighten the mood. “You’re going to love who it is.”
Right on cue, the elevator dings. The doors slide open to reveal Layla, wearing ripped jean shorts and an oversized T-shirt, her blond hair pulled into a high ponytail. She’s carrying a large tote bag over her shoulder.
“Tessa!” she exclaims, her face lighting up as she holds her arms out wide.
Tessa pushes back from the table so fast her chair scrapes against the floor. She crosses the kitchen in three quick steps and wraps her arms around Layla in a tight hug.
“How are you?” Tessa’s words tumble out in a rush, her voice muffled against Layla’s shoulder. “Was it awful after I left? Did he say or do anything?”
“No, no,” Layla says quickly, rubbing Tessa’s back. “He got agitated when you didn’t come back and went up to the counter demanding to know where you were. I told him I didn’t know—played completely dumb.” She pulls back slightly to look at Tessa. “He started to get angry, and that’s when Logan’s hockey guy friends stepped in and asked if I needed help—or if they should call the police. That made Preston back off real fast.”
She exhales, shaking her head. “He stormed out of the coffee shop without another word. I haven’t seen him since.”
“Oh good,” Tessa says softly, relief washing over her face. “So you think he believed you when you said you didn’t know where I was?”
Layla shrugs, her mouth quirking into a half smile. “I can’t be certain, but I think so. As you know”—she dips into a small, exaggerated curtsy—“I’m a very good actress.”
“Of course.” Tessa chuckles, the sound genuine and warm.
Layla releases Tessa and glances at me with a teasing grin. “So question guy turned out to be quite the knight in shining armor.”
Tessa shoots me a quick look, color rising in her cheeks. “Yeah. He’s definitely been great.”
Layla makes herself at home, setting her tote bag on the counter and pouring herself a cup of coffee like she’s been here a hundred times before. “Isn’t it crazy that this is the first time we’ve ever hung out outside of work, and it’s because you’re onthe run and hiding?” She shakes her head, carrying her mug to the table and sitting down. “The irony.”
“Wait,” I say, genuinely surprised. “You two have never hung out outside of work?”
Tessa sits back down beside me, pulling her coffee closer. “No. I guess you could say my life was pretty controlled with Preston.”
Layla scoffs, wrapping both hands around her mug. “Yeah, that’s an understatement.”
“Well,” Tessa says, rubbing her hands together with a spark of determination in her eyes, “no more. He’s no longer controlling things. He’s no longer controlling me.”
