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His fingers glide down my cheek. “You are my heart and soul, Dee. I’ll do anything to protect you.”
I feel the depth of love in his touch, in his words, but they give me little reassurance that he won’t keep shutting me out. “I need honesty, Mick.”
“You’re right, I should have told you about the bodyguards,” he admits. “But I promise you won’t even notice them.”
“That’s not the point.”
“It is to me. I’m trying to give you normal, and keep you safe from my fame at the same time. I won’t compromise on that.”
“Relationships involve both communication and compromise. It has to be a partnership. 50/50.”
“50/50, huh?”
“You’re not taking me seriously.”
“I take you very seriously.” He pulls me to him. “We’ll negotiate terms over dinner. I have a meeting downtown that may go late. I’ll arrange for a car to pick you up at 7:00.”
I squint up at him. Stunned that he would chance us being seen together after the conversation we just had. “Do you really think dinner out is a good idea?”
“I want to take you on a date.”
“I’d love that but—”
“I’ve already made the arrangements. You’re going to love this place. One of my investments. I want to show it off to you. Make it a night you won’t forget. So, just sayyes, Mick.”
His tone turns playful, but I can see how much this means to him.
“We’re really going to have to discuss this partnership thing,” I mutter.
“Over dinner.”
“You’re relentless.” I nip his chin. “But an unforgettable date with the restaurant’s sexy investor does sound too good to refuse. Do you think he’ll put out?”
With the consummate skills he’d shown on the dance floor, Mick dips me dramatically. “I’d say he’s a sure bet.”
I drive to work ina state of renewed optimism. The thought of us being together without the imminent risk that reporters could turn up out of nowhere and catch me off guard allays my previous worries. And yet, with the sweep of relief comes the realization that in continuing to hide our relationship from the media, a bodyguard will be tailing me wherever I go. How can we operate with any kind of normalcy when someone is constantly watching my back? When I’m paying for my anonymity with the price of my valued independence?
I turn into the parking lot and exit my car, scanning the lot in search of some telltale sign. Surely, I’d notice something. But all I see is the typical flow of morning commuters. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just as Mick promised.
Of course, his security people would be trained to blend in. Which means my bodyguard could be the man in the blue suit walking beside me, or the guy in the jeans and cap that is leaning against the lamppost as if he’s waiting for someone. Fact is, it could be anyone.
Okay, enough with making yourself crazy.
I enter the six-story building, looking forward to the distraction that I’ll find at work. Many of my colleagues couldn’t understand why I left a large, reputable family law firm with a view of Grant Park and a lucrative salary to start a child advocacy practice twenty minutes away from the popular downtown Loop. My clients are mainly kids in the system. Most of my cases come through the courts and Social Services. It’s not high profile or glamorous, but I love what I do and I’m proud of what I’ve built.
Bypassing the elevator for the exercise, I take the stairs up the five flights to my office.
“Morning, Boss.” Lena pops out from the kitchenette in greeting. Her pink Mohawk, multiple piercings, and black combat boots would be out of place in most law practices. But the avant-garde style suits Lena and her strong work ethic suits me.
“Morning.” I shrug out of my coat and hang it on the hook. “How did the audition go?”
“We got the gig!” Her face lights up and the jeweled stud winks in the corner of her smile. “Next Friday at the Atomic Freeze.”
“Congratulations,” I say, coming forward with a hug, knowing what a big break this is for Lena and her all-girl band. “That’s great news.”
“We’re just filling in for an opening act that had to cancel. But we’re still stoked about the exposure.”
“If they’re smart they’ll soon be booking you as the headliner.” My sincere words taste bittersweet. I’ll hate to lose Lena when the time comes, but I understand following your dreams.
