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When my phone vibrates, I jump. Everything is panic-inducing at the moment, but when I see Mack’s name on my screen, my body calms almost instantly.
“Hey,” I say, walking out of George’s office and into one of the recording booths that’s not being used. It’s quiet and soundproof, perfect for a phone call with my fake boyfriend.
“How’d it go?” Mack asks, sounding concerned, which makes me concerned.
“Fine, how did it go on your end?”
“Good, I was just worried your boss might be a dick.”
I huff out a laugh. “He’s always a dick, but he was actually pretty cool about the whole relationship thing.”
“And with the detective?” he asks. “Did you have a talk with him too?”
I tell him everything we discussed, including the new information about Miss Dunkin’s purse and how the guy got into my building. Every so often, Mack lets out a curse under his breath and it does something to my body. It’s not the fight or flight response I’ve been experiencing, instead he makes me feel other things, things that take my mind off the fear—comfort, attraction, lust…
But more than anything, he makes me feel not alone.
“We need a plan for when I’m gone,” Mack says when I’m finished catching him up to speed. “My house is secure, but I’d like to implement a few more measures before I’ll feel good about you being there alone.”
Shaking my head before he even finishes, I squeeze my eyes shut, placing a hand on my forehead. “No, I don’t want you going to extremes for me.”
“It’s not extreme,” Mack replies firmly. “It’s necessary and I’ll benefit from it too. I’ve been meaning to beef up security for a while. Bo’s already hooked me up with a guy they’ve used at their place and he’ll be coming out in a couple of days to evaluate the property. He said it should be complete by the time we make it back from Seattle.”
Tears threaten to spill from my eyes and I can’t speak right now. If I do, Mack will be able to tell I’m on the verge of crying and I’m trying really hard to keep it together. I can handle scary situations. I can handle a stalker. What I can’t handle is people taking care of me.
My therapist said it’s because my mom and dad have always been so calloused, so when I experience genuine care, it triggers my emotions. The only person who truly cares about me and shows it often is Sophie, but over the years, I’ve learned to accept her care and not get emotional.
Mack is another story.
He’s unexpected.
“I also wanted to mention that I talked with Owen and Ross and filled them in about ourarrangement, so I think you need to talk with Sophie. Maybe you can stay with her while we’re on the road.”
Normally, I would take offense to someone telling me what to do, especially Mack, but he’s right. Not only do I need to talk to Sophie, staying with her and the kids for the week is the only logical solution.
“Okay,” I manage to say while still keeping my emotions in check.
There’s a long pause, but I know Mack is still there because I can hear the faint sounds from the field in the background. Glancing down at my watch, I check the time and realize he’s probably at batting practice. And there go my damn emotions again, getting all twisted up. Because he should be focusing on tonight’s game and not on me or my safety.
That’s something a real boyfriend would do and we’re just pretending.
“You should get back to practice,” I tell him.
After another elongated pause, Mack exhales and finally replies, “Please be safe.”
“I will.”
“See you tonight.”
When the call ends, I take a moment to collect myself and then I send a text to Sophie. She’s probably still at school and I don’t want to interrupt her day with a phone call.
Me
Hey, I know this is last minute and you can totally tell me no, but would it be okay if I stay with you guys this week while Owen is gone? Also, I need to tell you something really important, but I don’t want to do it over text.
Surprisingly, she texts me right back.
Sophie
