Page 10 of The Backup Plan

Like that’s easy at a new job.

He glances at his watch again. “I have to head out. Get ready for work and all that.”

“Yes. Oh my God.” My stomach rolls. How was I so selfish to not think about this man having a life and a job and . . . “How can I repay you?” I push myself upright, wincing as I do.

He shakes his head immediately. “No need.”

“Let me at least pay for the room.”

“It’s okay.”

“Or know your name.”

“Not necessary.” He adjusts his hat.

“My name is Emery. I guess you knew that, but—”

“I didn’t actually. I didn’t go through your things. Emery,” he murmurs as if he’s trying my name out. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Because of you. Thank you. I . . . owe you,” I stammer.

“Nah. Karma’ll return the favor in some way eventually. It always does.” He moves toward the adjoining door and turns to look at me. “Rooms are paid up. Stay till checkout if you need to. We’re a couple blocks from the bar, so it’ll be easy to get to wherever you need to go.”

“Thank you.” I sound like a broken record.

“Drink water. There are some crackers on the bathroom sink I managed to get out of the vending machine, and if you feel worse, I’m telling you, you need to go see a doctor.”

“I will.”

His smile is soft and cautious. “Take care of yourself. I’m sorry this happened to you.”

And then, he’s gone. Seconds later I hear the door of his room open and shut.

I sit there for a long moment, in a totally unfamiliar place, my body still shaking . . . but not from fear anymore. It’s from how close I came to something far worse happening.

I close my eyes, lean my head back against the wall, and inhale a shaky breath. The anger hits, quick and fierce.

Over what the man in the pink polo shirt did. Over how he decided to try and steal my sense of safety and security. Was I really such an easy target? I was so close to being—

“I gave them a description of the prick and told them the bartender would know who I was referring to. They agreed and sent someone.”

At least that’s taken care of because the last thing I want to be is a a victim. That would let the prick win and have power over me.

C’mon, Emery. Up and at ‘em.

First day.

New job.

Fresh start.

My stomach might be queasy and my resolve a bit shaken, but I’ve got this.

I push myself up and use the wall to steady myself for a few minutes as my determination locks into place.

I knuckle away the tears on my cheeks that I didn’t realize had fallen. I didn’t come this far to fall apart now.

And thanks to a humble stranger, I don’t have to.