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Yes, I remind myself by grazing my freshly installed braids. Today marks my first visit to Kayla and Trinity since moving in with Aris last week. They’re the reason I’m taking advantage of being out. I’m shopping, an activity I rarely had opportunity to enjoy.
When I reach the crosswalk, someone jostles me from behind. I swing around, but can’t distinguish who pushed me. There’s no way my father’s men are here. I can usually spot them, but there aren’t any familiar faces in the crowd. With so many people trekking across the street, I feel exposed.
I try to shrug off the incident, but with my unease increasing by the second, I cut my shopping short and return to the car. My sense of safety doesn’t return until I see my driver, Cosmo, exiting the car to greet me.
He takes my bags and opens the door for me. Ferb stands to attention in the back and whimpers until I settle on the seat and scratch behind his ear.
“Don’t worry, where we’re going you’re in for a lot of attention.”
As the car pulls into traffic, a shiver runs down my spine. I hope my reaction is unfounded, making this trip to see Kayla and Trinity necessary for my peace of mind.
The car pulls up to the Lake Michigan home and the familiar sounds of the Sandhill Cranes saturates the air. Ferb leaps out of the car and stands by the door until I exit. A guard comes out to meet me, standing still until Ferb completes his sniffing inspection. All Aris’ guards have to meet Ferb so that the dog becomes acquainted with their scent.
Two days ago, Aris began teaching me the commands to initiate Ferb’s protective responses. Unlike Aris, I have to repeat myself before Ferb follows my directions.
“Your sisters are in the back,” the guard says.
I nod and go around the house. My sisters’ voices float to me, and Ferb pleads with a whimper. I give him permission and he jets off, barking.
When I turn the corner, Ferb greedily soaks up the attention from both women.
“And here I thought you missed me.” I hand them the shopping bags. “I picked up a few things for you while I was out.”
Trinity digs into the bags, but Kayla ignores the gifts to focus on me.
“You look good, Niyah; happy.”
I sit at the table and pour a glass of iced tea from the pitcher. “Will you judge me if I say I am?”
“She’ll judge you regardless, but way less if you’re in a good place. Is this for me?” Trinity pulls out a flirty pink dress.
“It definitely doesn’t have my name on it.” Kayla rejects the dress after a glance. “I’m happy for you Niyah.”
We spend the rest of the afternoon talking and taking in the breeze off the lake. When I’m about to leave, Ferb stills and growls.
“Ferb?”
The dog ignores me, and I watch as two guards run toward the possible threat.
“Mrs. Glezos, you should leave while we search the area.” Another guard, whose name I think is Anthony, escorts me to the car.
“What about my sisters?”
“We’ll keep them safe, but you need to return home. Once the boss gets our report, he’ll inform you if there’s any change.” He closes the door and signals for Cosmo to leave.
Once we’re on the road, Ferb calms. I envy him. My mind races as I recall the earlier incident today.
“Agapiméni mou.” Aris turns off his computer, indicating his work for the day is over. “It’s been two weeks since you went out. Why don’t we go somewhere today?”
I glance at the windows. The mid-morning sun is bright and full of promise, but ever since the incident at the lake house, I can’t drum up any excitement to leave the safety of the house.
“We can start interviewing interior decorators that will help you make this place feel like your home.”
“Just how long ago did you buy this place?” I uncurl from the sofa in his to join him at his desk.
Aris laces his fingers together over his stomach while staring at me with his usual intensity. “It used to be an investment property until a few months ago when my last tenant’s lease ended. By then I still hadn’t found you, so I applied the principles of the laws of attraction to my life and moved in.”
“Which principle was that?”
