Tonight went better than expected.I saw my dad, and it didn’t hurt that Jace told off everyone. I confronted my family years ago about taking Taylor’s side, but talking to them felt like I was hitting my head on a brick wall.
It really hit me today—Hayden and Taylor aren’t worth my time or inner turmoil. Having Jace by my side made me realize that. The best thing is I didn’t ask him to defend me. He took it upon himself to tell off the people who had hurt me. Having his support meant everything.
The only moment that caught me off guard was Jace joking that we should get married and have a reception. I wasn’t sure if he was serious. He can be a little impulsive, and I don’t want an off-the-cuff offer. It’s not the same as a declaration of love, and call me dumb, but that’s what I’m holding out for.
In any event, tonight went better than I could’ve imagined. And if Jace is considering getting married for real, maybe we’re on the right track. At some point, maybe he’ll give me a genuine offer.
I’m feeling so good about myself, I’m not going to second-guess my decision to encourage Jace to share Marlowe’s Uber.He went through a lot of trouble for me tonight, and a man only does that if he truly cares, right? I think I’m starting to really trust him, and that’s a huge leap for me.
Smiling to myself, I’m headed toward the elevator when the hotel receptionist calls out, “Ma’am. I have a package for you.”
At first, I’m wary because the last time I had a delivery, it was from Jace’s stalker. But this one is in a pretty pink gift sack with cascading polka dots instead of a nondescript grocery sack. There’s even fancy tissue paper. Did Jace get me another gift?
Grinning, I reach for it. “Thank you.”
I don’t want to wait to open it, so I do the honors at the front desk. But once I remove the decorative paper, I’m confused by what I see.
Reaching in, I pull out… a shredded garment and a card.
It takes me a second to realize what I’m holding. It’s my lavender sweater.
The one I lost in Fort Lauderdale.
On the other side of the country.
Someone took scissors or a razor blade and destroyed it.
My hands tremble as I open the card. The handwriting is a weird block lettering.THOUGHT YOU MIGHT MISS THIS. IF YOU DON’T GET YOUR HANDS OFF WHAT’S MINE, THIS IS WHAT I’M GONNA DO TO YOU.
What the dickens is going on here? I read it again and again, looking for clues to who could have left such a psychotic gift.
“Miss, are you okay?” the woman behind the counter asks.
I force myself to breathe. “Did you see who dropped this off?”
“It was waiting for you when I came on shift.”
“What time was that?”
“I clock in at three.”
That makes no sense. How did someone know we were staying here? We hadn’t even checked in by three.
I glance out toward the curb. Did Marlowe do this?
As quietly as possible, I unlock our hotel room, but it makes a loud noise when I swipe the keycard. Dang it. I hope that doesn’t wake up Layla. I rush through the door and shove that “gift” and my purse in the hallway closet. Knowing the band’s stance on not calling the police and potentially getting bad publicity, all I can do is pray I’m doing the right thing by not reporting this.
Fortunately, Susan is sitting on the couch on the opposite side of the long room, and she can’t see the entryway. I don’t want her asking about the package.
“Thanks so much for babysitting,” I whisper as I smile down at Layla, who’s asleep on one of the queen beds. Susan tucked pillows around her. “Did she give you any trouble?”
As our manager’s wife gathers her things, she waves a hand. “Not at all. That baby is such a darling. Oh, did my husband reach you?”
“Yes, ma’am. Jace returned to rehearsal.”
She presses her hand to her chest. “Thank goodness. You know these musician types—they can be so flakey. I told Frank not to be upset. Jace is a good kid. Did he join you at that reception? He raced out of here in his suit so fast I didn’t get a chance to ask.”
I don’t want to lie when Jace might tell Frank a different story, so I search for a way to deflect. Luckily, I trip because I’m not paying attention to what I’m doing and nearly crash into the coffee table, but I manage to stay upright.
