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She laughed. “Oh these things,” she gestured to her legs. “I shave now.” She smirked. “It was a fun summer. We were on the beach nearly every day with my cousins. I hadn’t seen them in a few years, so it was awesome.”
Archie couldn’t help the way his eyes roamed across her. This wasn’t good. If he noticed, then others would too. “Have you seen anyone else yet?”
“Nope. I missed you the most and when mom and dad said they were coming over for game night, I had to too.” Her eyes squinted as she smiled again. “Did I miss much around here?”
Archie shook his head. He had missed her though.
They were both starting the seventh grade the following week and as much as he enjoyed seeing his friends daily, friends they shared, he wasn’t looking forward to the looks she was going to be getting. He’d make sure the message spread quickly and quietly before the first day. Tabitha was to remain off limits.
There was no way he could handle seeing one of the guys even attempt to flirt with her.
Including himself.
She was like family, and family looked after each other.
CHAPTER5
TABITHA
Present Day - Age 32
She smiledas she glanced at the old photos on the shelf. A mismatched collection of frames holding precious memories. Ridiculous smiles of her growing up. Family vacations with the Strykers. Her momma hadn’t changed out a single photo in over ten years. There was one missing from the last time she was here, the wedding photo.
It had been too long since she came home for a visit. Tabitha shook her head. She’d been too busy with herself to realize time was passing by and she hadn’t set foot in her childhood home.
She also never imagined she’d be thirty-two and divorced.
“Tell me again about what you’re doing. I don’t understand how you make money from this. You’re not selling naked pictures, are you?” Her mom rounded the corner and passed her a bottle of water.
She laughed. “No, momma. I dress up in costumes as characters and take pictures and videos as if I were that character. Sometimes it’s with others. As for making money, companies that produce those costumes or help create those movies send stuff to help market them. So it’s like advertising, but I get to dress up like the characters I used to read about.”
“That’s why you asked if we kept your comics?” Her momma shook her head. “It’s all up in the attic. We didn’t get rid of any of it. We were just waiting for you to ask for it.”
“Thanks, momma.” She placed a quick kiss on her cheek. “I’m excited to have a place that I can truly make my own. It was nice sharing with friends recently, but some peace by herself would be appreciated.”
“Are you sure that’s safe?” Her mom had been on edge ever since she opened up to her parents about most of what really happened between her and Ryan.
“Yes, I have a security system and the community I live in is gated with security officers around twenty-four seven. Not to mention it’s miles away from him.” She didn’t even like to talk about her ex.
“It’s not just that, honey. Some of those influencers who have numbers lower than yours have issues. I read this article the other day about one of them having a stalker. There are crazy people out there, Tab. I just want you to be safe.”
“I know momma.” She wasn’t going to admit that was the same thing her agent told her. The agency wanted her to get a bodyguard if she was ever going places. Tabitha wasn’t some A-list celebrity though. She didn’t need that kind of help.
A knock came at the door and it was enough to stop the conversation. Tabitha knew her parents meant well, they were just a little suffocating. Especially over the last few months.
“Hello!” A friendly voice she hadn’t heard in years.
She turned around in time to see Gracie, her mother’s best friend, walk in. Followed by her husband, Lee. Tabitha held her breath for a moment. She half expected Archie to walk in too, probably with his wife.
“Oh, sweetie!” Gracie pulled her in for a hug.
“Hi.” She hugged her back.
“Well, don’t hog the girl.” Lee laughed behind them as he waited for his turn for a hug.
Tabitha glanced at his vest before hugging him. The MC was something she hadn’t seen or been around in years. It felt good to be home.
Safe.
