I smile at her, I really want to get to know her better. But she lives here, and I live in Lake Renegade.
“Where are you guys from? And how long are you staying?” Lily asks as she looks at me.
“We’re from Lake Renegade, Illinois. We’re here for maybe a week,” I answer. I want to add that she makes me want to extend my time here.
We spend the night hanging out with the three of them. A few times I see Lily checking her phone and frowning. I want to ask her if she’s okay. But I don’t know if she would think I’m being nosy. I also don’t want to know if she’s talking to a boyfriend or something. Before the night is over, we all exchange numbersand make plans to hang out with them again while we’re here. Meeting Lily is making my time back here better. If only I could take her home with me.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Lily
Last night was so much fun. Meeting Tristan and his friends was an unexpected surprise. Paisley told us that when Armando came over to us, he whispered that he needed our help. He needed her to act like they were meeting us, because there was a group of women that were trying to hit on them. The women followed them over to us and it was hard not to laugh at them. They looked pissed that we were there. And then they still tried to get Keegan and Apollo to pay attention to them. Tristan was the one that held my attention. I really hope that we get to see them again while they’re here. They said they would text us later today, they had things to do this morning. Which is perfect because I need to get some writing done.
I also got a few more of those texts last night. This time, they were more threatening. What’s odd is there aren’t many people who know I’m a ghostwriter. I know I should tell Paisley and Cora, but I don’t want to worry them. So I called a security company that’s based here in Valor Springs, Lone Star Security.I talked to the owner, Grayson Calhoun, and explained the text messages. I told him I hoped I didn’t sound like I was overreacting and he assured me that it didn’t sound like I was. He was going to see which of his men he had available to help me. I also told him that I didn’t think I needed someone to be physically with me. But he said that the texts sounded like whoever is doing this, really means to harm me in some way. Hearing that scared me, why would anyone want to hurt me? I don’t even talk to anyone unless I have to, for work. Grayson said that I need to come to the office to meet in person and to sign paperwork. He also wants to see the texts, he has a guy that will be looking into that for me. I told Grayson that I could come in today, around lunch time.
Paisley and Cora left after breakfast, both said they’ll be back this evening so we can hang out. We usually spend the weekends together. And tomorrow is the start of the New Year’s Festival. It’s a week-long event that ends next Sunday. We go to it every year, it’s kind of like a mini carnival. Vendors, games, rides and even fireworks every night. There’s a big show for New Year’s Eve that the whole town comes to. It’s always a lot of fun. I wonder if Tristan and his friends would like to join us.
Since Carson disappeared, I haven’t let myself have a relationship. I’ve gone on dates, but I’ve never let it get past the first date. Meeting Tristan has got me thinking about dating again. The shit part is that the one man I’m finally interested in doesn’t live anywhere near me. And he’s only here for a week.
I spend a few hours working on Carter’s book. Then get ready to head to The Ranch to meet Grayson. The drive will take me about twenty minutes and I’m a little nervous. If he thinks I need security, how am I going to explain that to Paisley and Cora?
The Ranch is beautiful as I drive up to the main building and walk inside.
“Hi, my name is Lily Waterford. I’m supposed to meet with Grayson Calhoun,” I say as I smile at the woman inside.
“I’m Mae, I’ll let Grayson know you’re here.” She smiles back.
I wait for her to come back to get me. One thing I love about Texas is the ranchlands. They’re always so beautiful.
“You can follow me,” Mae says.
“This place is beautiful,” I say as we walk back to his office.
“Thank you, it’s our family ranch. Grayson, this is Lily Waterford.”
“Please, have a seat.” Grayson smiles.
“Thank you.”
“So I’ve been looking over the information you gave me and I think you’d be safer with a bodyguard. If the text message was a one time thing, I might say we can wait. But the ones from last night feel like more of a threat to you.”
“But what does that mean? I need someone to be with me twenty-four-seven? What if I asked my best friends to come stay with me?”
“Are they trained in any kind of surveillance or security?”
I sigh. “No.”
Grayson chuckles. “I know it’s not the best situation. But I don’t want to just send you on your way and find out that something happened. Something that we could’ve prevented.”
“I understand that. When would I get my security?”
“I have a few men that are finishing their current jobs in the next few days. Until I get one of them for you, I want you to take this phone. It’s linked to mine and Mae’s phones. All you do is press ‘1' and it’ll send an alert and your location.”
“I really appreciate your help.”
“We’ll keep you safe, Lily. And I’ll be calling you ASAP.”
I thank him again and head back home. I keep looking around and wondering who’s coming after me. I hate being scared.
