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“You’re not. Promise.”
She lets out a sigh. “That’s a relief, honestly. I’m not sure what I’d do otherwise.”
I wipe my hands on the kitchen towel, avoiding her eye. “You wouldn’t stay with Joel?”
She shakes her head. “He was being super weird last night. I don’t know what’s up with him lately. Maybe the study is stressing him out.”
“Isn’t he doing meditation for his part? Shouldn’t he be more chill?”
She rolls her eyes. “You would think. I don’t want to talk about him, though.”
Fine by me. “You call out of work today?”
“No, but I told my boss I’d be in late. I need to get ready now, actually. But all my stuff…”
“You want me to go over again and get what you need?”
She straightens, crossing her arms over her middle. “No, I… I’m ready to go there myself. But could you, um…”
She scuffs her toe along the carpet in front of her.
“You want me to go with you?” I ask when it seems like she won’t finish the question.
She looks up at me. “Would you?”
“Come on.” I wrap an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into my side. “Let’s get it over with while you’re motivated.”
She lets out a chuckle. “You’re getting to know me a little too well.”
I keep my smile at bay and lead her across the hall. Her door is slightly out of alignment, but it’s easy enough to push open. Everything looks the same inside since the last time I was here, nothing obvious taken. She’d know better than me, though.
I glance behind me where she’s standing in the doorway. She rubs her hands over her arms, appearing lost as she surveys her home.
I hold out a hand to her and she grabs onto it like it’s a lifeline. Then again, maybe it is for her right now.
“You’re safe, Tessa.”
The lost look in her gaze fades as she focuses on me. “For how long, though?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why would someone break in and take nothing? That cop said they could have been looking for me.”
“Why would anyone be looking for you?”
Her grip on me tightens. “That’s what I don’t understand. And how can I be sure they won’t come back?”
I rub at my chest with my free hand, hating this powerlessness creeping through me. “I’m sorry I don’t have answers.” I struggle with what to say to make it better. Words have never been my strong suit. “But I’m always here for you. I’ll protect you however I can.”
Her eyes fill with tears.
Fuck. I said the wrong thing, didn’t I?
She lets go of my hand and hugs my waist, squeezing me tightly as she sniffles.
I cautiously rest a palm on the back of her head, wrapping my other arm around her.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you,” she mumbles against my chest.
