“I still think you’re a bit biased, but I appreciate it nonetheless.”
“And besides, this is good for you. You aren’t working in your old job anymore, and it’s looking more and more like it will be difficult for you to hold a normal job. Not when you have security trailing your every step and everyone knows your name and your face.”
“That wasn’t a problem at Langford Holdings since that’s normal for Asher, but things definitely shifted with the office environment once Asher and I became official.”
My mom looks contemplative. “Maybe you could switch to another department at Langford Holdings and get some space from Asher at work. What if you went back to marketing?”
I shrug. “Part of me would love that. I’ve been thinking about this a lot these last few weeks since I haven’t been working, but I think you’re right in the sense that it’s hard for me to work a normal job. Everyone treats me differently now. I’m not Ella Hale the marketing rep, I’m Asher Langford’s girlfriend. Like it or not, his reputation has sort of enveloped and consumed mine, so it’s hard to be taken seriously as I am.”
“So, what is it you’d like to do?”
“Honestly? I think charity work is what feels right to me. I don’t need to work anymore with all the money Asher transferred into my account.” I nearly had a heart-attack when I opened my banking app and saw the insane deposit Asher made to it, and when I approached him about it, he adamantly refused to take even a penny back. “I’ve been throwing the idea around in my head of starting a foundation. Asher has so much money it’s kind of fun to spend it where it’s needed. Between that and modeling occasionally, I should be able to keep busy and feel fulfilled.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
I nod.
My mom scrunches her nose, the same way I do sometimes, as her eyes roam over me. “You seem a little sad.”
I sigh. “I have some mixed feelings about all the changes in my life.”
“Oh, sweetie. I’m sorry. It’s hard to move into new chapters.”
“I really am excited by what’s to come, but I think I’m kind of mourning what was. Being a marketing and PR rep wasn’t glamorous, but I still really enjoyed it. I was part of a team and had colleagues. Now, I’m on the outside. Asher’s world is big in some ways, but it’s incredibly small in others. I’m lonely when Asher’s not around.”
And confined.But I don’t tell my mom that part. She only knows a portion of what’s going on. She thinks the poison on the stalker letter came from the stalker. I haven’t had the heart to tell her about any of the other threats.
“What about Zahra? Are you spending time with her?”
“As much as I’m able. She’s busy with her job at the restaurant. Her new boss is an asshole, apparently, so she’s just trying to keep her head above water at work. Then when she’s home, she spends her time with Alec, since he’s in residency and he’s also always working. I don’t want to take away their time together.”
“Well, you have Asher. And once Maya’s back, maybe she can live nearby. Asher could probably get her a job at a big fancy museum in New York.”
I also don’t have the heart to tell her that Maya doesn’t want to come back to New York.
“Yeah, maybe.”
“But you’re good?” she asks, her eyes imploring me. “You know I like Asher, but I still worry about you.”
“I’m good. Really. Things have just been a little crazy and we’re all adjusting to a new normal. I just have to figure out what my future looks like now that everything has changed.”
“Well, you know I’m always here for you. I’m a phone call or a plan ride away.”
“Thank you.”
She gives me a hug. “I love you, Ella Bella.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
“Ma’am?” Jenkins says as Andrew pulls up to the airport curb. “I just got confirmation that your new security officers have arrived at your home.”
“How many are there?” she asks, her eyes a little wide.
“There are three now, ma’am.”
“Isn’t that excessive?”
“Mr. Langford has some big dealings going on right now, so we are being cautious.”
