“I’m sorry I make your job so hard,” she says meekly.
Point blank, I retort her statement. “You don’t. Trenton does.”
She sighs as if I haven’t spoken the truth and it’s all a big misunderstanding. “He doesn’t mean to. There are things he’s been through that just makes everything tougher.”
“But he shouldn’t be taking that out on other people. Especially you.” It may not be my place to step across the line of judgment, but I just want her to know she’s safe with me here. “I just want you to know that you have people behind you, that I’m here for the long haul.”
Anger comes across her face now. “You and Raleigh are the same,” she says, leaning back with her arms crossed. “You just don’t understand that I love him.” She whispered it quickly and firmly, but I could still hear the uncertainty in her voice.
***
Later, in the darkness of night, I hear my phone buzz. Merle senses my movement, leaping immediately from his bed on the floor and laying his muzzle on the mattress beside me. The light of the screen lights up the room, and I’m put at ease when the notification turns out to be a text from Raleigh. She’d said she’d call, but I figured she’d gotten hung up because no call had come before I’d turned in for the night.
Raleigh:Sorry for the late night info dump. I did want to tell you what went down before you inevitably get roped into a conversion by somehigher up. Mae and Trenton had an unfortunate argument that turned physical early yesterday. Nobody was hurt, but Mae wanted her space.
There’s a pause before another message comes through.
Raleigh:Unfortunately they had to be together for that premiere so Mae sucked it up and went, but he wouldn’t leave her alone. He tried to give her a very touchy hug and that was her last straw.
Three dots appear, disappear and then reappear again.
Raleigh:I see you hanging out. Feel free to chime in, Mr. Bodyguard.
Dalton:Are you looking for security advice?
Raleigh:Hardly… I just thought I’d let you know all of this and also tell you that we have an impromptu meeting tomorrow and I’m not too excited about what it’s for.
Dalton:I hadn’t heard.
Raleigh:I don’t expect they want you there, but we do.
Raleigh:The label is going to ask us to join Trenton on his tour dates early next year and I’m not sure if we will want to accept it or not. I think Trenton feels like he’s losing Mae a bit after everything that happened, and I’m scared of what he might try. I’d feel better if you were there.
I pause at her choice in words. I’d be there either way, but she’d chosen to single herself out in feeling better if I were there.
Raleigh:*we’d feel a lot better if you were there.
I smile at that and contemplate teasing her, but at the end of the day, their safety isn’t a joking matter.
Dalton:What time?
Raleigh:You’re the best. I’ll send the details first thing in the morning.
Raleigh:Thank you. For yesterday, and tomorrow, for all of it.
It’s my job, but I doubt she wants to hear that cheesy statement. The truth is that I’ve become attached to these twowomen, a part of their team. I want them both to succeed, and I know I can be a part of that.
Dalton:Anytime.
Chapter 15
Raleigh
I’D EXPECTED Dalton to want out after yesterday’s fiasco, but to know that he wasn’t going anywhere truly bolstered my resolve. I think I’ve finally moved on to fully trusting him, and Mae is also well on her way there. After stepping in yesterday, I know he’ll take care of Mae. And that’s all that matters. Now, if we can just get through today, we can regroup and figure things out for the long haul.
The boardroom is fortunately void of Trenton. His weasel of a manager is at the head of the table, flanked by a few men in suits. Once again, Mae and I are the only women in the room. As the door closes, I take peace in knowing that Trenton doesn’t show and that Dalton is right outside. Mae gives me an easy smile, feeling the same things. I pat her thigh under the table to tell her it’s okay to let her anxieties free. Without Trenton, we’re able to make our own choices without his pressure.
I half expect there to be some comment on last night’s argument and ill-mannered behavior by Trenton, but all of that is ignored. Instead, they jump right to the conclusion I’d feared.
