“You’ve read my books?” I ask, surprised and needing the confirmation that’s what he’s implying.
“I can’t do my job unless I know you, and in your particular case, that includes your books.”
“Huh.”
The exhale he releases is annoyed, the sound exaggerated and rude, but I don’t care about that.Tom Oakden has read my books.
And he thinks they’re good.
So, despite the way he’s scowling at me, I’m taking the win.
“Anything else?”
“I have a lot more questions.”
“Anythingrelevant?”
“Probably not,” I admit.
“How can we move this along then so webothcan get back to work? You’re on deadline still.”
“Rude.”
“I’ve been called worse.”
Deciding to push my luck, I square my shoulders and ask, “Can I ask Hazel to meet me for coffee this afternoon?” She’s the first person that comes to mind on such short notice.
“When?”
Surprised, I click the screen on my phone until it illuminates with the time. “In a few hours?”
“Yes, but I need you to find something to do until then.”
“Really?”
“Really what?”
“You’re going to let me go?”
“With me, yes. You’re not on house arrest because I think it’s fun. I’m here to keep you safe, and me being here does not negate the fact that you deserve a normal life.”
“Thanks,” I tell him honestly, my cheeks heating not because I’m embarrassed but because I appreciate the kindness, even if he was told to be that way.
But even without that, I know he’s not the bad guy
Blinking back tears, I stand and move toward the stairs.
“Kat,” he says, his voice gentle as I stop and look at him over my shoulder, “soon this will all be a memory. You just need to hold out a little longer.”
20
KAT
“I’m so glad you called,” Hazel says with a tired smile. “I needed to get out of the house and I miss you. I feel like it’s been so long since we’ve caught up.” Her statement catches me off guard in a good way. It feels more like the Hazel I knew before she lost her sister, and I’d love to see her find her spark again.
“I feel the same,” I admit as she brushes her light-brown hair out of her face. It’s cut into an adorable bob that frames her pretty face. She’s petite with oversized glasses that I know she wears when she’s on the computer a long time and a fashion style that’s somewhere between boho chic andI’m adorable and teach preschool kids.
“The sun feels so nice today. I definitely need to get outside more.” She chuckles and I feel myself relax.
