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She laughs again and I can’t help the small smile that comes at the sound. She’s got this infectious laugh that almost insists on you joining in.
“What would you get out of these lessons?" I ask her. “I can’t teach you anything when it comes to being social.”
She smiles and shakes her head. “I’ll handle all the social lessons.” She toys with the hem of the blanket in her lap, suddenly shy. “I’ve noticed you don’t care about what other people think of you.”
“Correct,” I reply in a blunt tone and she playfully rolls her eyes.
“Well, I care probablytoomuch. And if you haven’t noticed, that makes me ramble and become increasingly awkward. I need your confidence.”
I don’t think she needs anything at all, but I don’t say that. She seems sincere, so even if I think her rambling is endearing, I don’t want it to seem like I’m discounting her opinions.
“Are you sure I’m the right person to help you?” Skepticism coats my voice.
“Well, you’re the only one around,” she jokes, shooting me a wry smile. “But you’re also … safe. I know you won’t hurt me.”
My spine stiffens. The way she says that makes me all the more certain that there was a time when she wasn’t safe. I’m honored to be considered someone who could be, but also certain that I’m unworthy of this designation. Can I handle this kind of commitment? I know this isn’t a romantic relationship, but we’re going deeper than acquaintancesfast. It’s like jumping into a pool, but as soon as you hit the water you’re in an ocean instead.
I drink my tea so I don’t have to respond right away. If it were anyone else I think I’d say no, but there’s something about Juliette that has me wanting to learn how to be her friend. Helping her in return would keep me from feeling like I owed her anything, too.
I look at her–decision made–as cold air whips at my skin. Even the warmth of the tea can’t stave off the early morning chill. Juliette looks as cozy as ever though under her mound of blankets. An idea comes to mind to even the playing field further, making me smirk.
“I’ll do it,” I say and her face lights up. It almost makes me reconsider what I’m about to say. “Ifyou go on a run with me tomorrow morning.”
Her face falls.
“Why?” Her question comes out in a whine and she gives me a look that says she’d rather jump in the freezing lake.
“Because running quiets the mind, which it sounds like you need. And it makes us even because I’m sure whatever lesson you’ve got planned is going to be torturous.”
She groans, letting her head fall back dramatically. “Fine. I will go ononerun with you if you agree to attend Wednesday bingo night at the church.”
“Bingo night,” I deadpan and she pastes on an innocent smile, blinking her emerald eyes at me. “As in tonight.”
“Yep! It’s one of the most popular community events and the perfect place to practice talking with people. Also, friends make sacrifices, like doing things they don’t want to do for their friend.”
“So my first lesson is going to be talking to my elderly neighbors while they try to beat each other at a game of chance?”
“Bingo!”
“I’m starting to regret my decision.”
It’s almost five o’clock and I need to sneak out of the office unnoticed. This is going to be rather difficult because everyone knows I’m the last person here most nights. As many times as I’ve sought to remain undetected in my line of work, I know that routines are the easiest way to be noticed by others. Deviating from a routine everyone knows I follow is going to get eyes on me fast.
For the majority of my staff, a stern look should get them to stay away and not ask any questions. But there’s one person here who is not deterred by my sharp looks: Grayson. He’ll stop me and ask a million questions. The last thing I want to do is admit to him that I’m leaving early to go tobingo nightwith Juliette. He’ll probably do some awful rendition of a TikTok dance he learned from Maddie to celebrate and then tell my entire family that I’m getting married.
So, to avoid all ofthat, I need to avoidhim. His office is across from mine and not only is it encased in glass windows, but his door is always open. I can see him lounging in his chair, feet up on his desk, tossing his rubberband ball as he talks on the phone.
A normal person would think this means he’s distracted and won’t notice me slip out, but Grayson is always more observant than he appears. It’s what made him a great air marshal and what makes him the best trainer for the security teams we send out. My best bet is to make myself inconspicuous and pretend to be doing something other than leaving. Which is why even though it pains me, I’m going to leave my laptop open on my desk overnight. The screen will be locked, but my entire office is going to look like I stepped out for a minute.
I keep my gait relaxed, but nottoorelaxed as I pass Grayson’s office. I’m holding a file folder filled with blank paper, so it looks like I’m heading to give someone their next assignment. Once I’m out of his line of sight, I make a sharp turn toward the lobby.
“Mr. Carter!” Chloe, our receptionist, smiles at me from behind her desk. “Are you leaving early for the day?”
“Just stepping out.”She’ll tell theotherMr. Carter any information I give her, so I’m purposefully vague.
“Have a nice evening!”
I spare her a nod and barrel through the doors. There’s no need to pretend to be relaxed now. I need to make it to my car before–
