I type a message to my sister. Since she goes to school in Boston, I’m six hours ahead of her.
Me:
Hey, Savannah. I’ve got some good news! I got a job this weekend that will put me right over the edge for my savings goal. Girl, I’m coming home sooner than we planned. WOOT!
Savannah:
Oooooh. OMG I am so excited!!
Me:
Right? I can’t wait to be back home with you.
Savannah:
Same! YESSSSS! What’s the job??
I pause. I will never tell her what it is I do.Ever.
Me:
Oh, just some consulting work.
Savannah:
Yayyyyy
I reach my door as my phone buzzes with another text. Hope soars, then plummets again when I realize it isn’t him.
What the hell.
What’s going on with me?
My pulse races when I put my key in the lock. I can’t forget what happened yesterday. My throat tightens when I realize my sanctuary—the one place I go to so I can be safe—is gone. Yes, this is the place where I do my business. Yes, I work hard at keeping it impeccably clean and comfortable for guests. But it is my home, and now something that mattered to me has been stolen.
I clench my fists at the thought. Someassholetried toviolateme. He took advantage of me. He would have assaulted me and taken what didn’t belong to him in a way that might have scarred me forever.
And Fabien—no matter what they say about him—was the one who sought justice on my behalf.
And that matters.
I’m glad I’m taking a break. I’m glad I’m getting away. And no matter what, I will grin and bear it and make damn sure that I earn this money.
I ignore the way my hands quake when I go to open the door. He isn’t here. The guy who tried to hurt me is probably dead if my friends are to be believed. Still, I wish I’d taken someone with me when I came back here for the first time.
I push open the door. It’s dark in here, but a light, flowery fragrance nips the air. What is it?
I flick the light on and gasp.
Oh my God.
The entire living room table overflows with stunning pink roses. They’regorgeous,large layers of silky petals clustered in vibrantpink swirls. I walk unsteadily toward them. What if this was a mistake? What if they delivered these to the wrong room?
How did they get in here? I look over my shoulder, but I’m still all alone. Did… how… there’s only one way to find out.
I reach for the little heart-shaped card with scalloped edges.
A little something to brighten up your room with an apology for what happened earlier. ~Fabien
