My heart leaps into my mouth. The way her eyes gleam when she peers at me, as if she believes in that dream.
How do I tell this sweet girl I don’t believe in such premonitions?
* * *
Once Mere falls asleep, I step out of her room and return to mine. There is an email waiting for me from Ann. It contains the details of our flight and he’s confirming again that Vanessa is okay with security following me as long as it doesn’t impact the show.
His words force me to remember my conversation with Keith and Lukas a few days after we started living in this apartment. Upon their insistence I’d asked Vanessa if someone from Kings Security could accompany me to Italy.
That time, I’d thought Keith was feeling the same for me as I was for him. But now I know none of Keith’s emotions are the same as mine. His worry, concern, fear and…love were all already taken.
But I also know traveling without security would be the stupidest mistake, maybe bigger than falling for Keith Adams. My body shivers just remembering the hours I spent in that warehouse before Keith and the guys found me.
Clutching the phone tight, I dial the number I never thought I would use.
“Irene Hawthorne.”
“Mom, it’s me.”
“Clementine?” There’s genuine surprise in Mom’s voice. I’m most likely the last person she expected to hear from. “Are you alright? Where are you?”
“I’m fine. I’m in St. Peppers.” I pause, not knowing how to say more, my heart hammering in my chest, screaming at me to end the call, but I ignore that voice. “I’m traveling to Italy as the design lead for Vanshionista.”
“I’m aware of your success, Clementine. You don’t need to gloat.”
“I’m not gloating!” I take a deep breath before blurting, “Can you send someone from your security team to accompany me, just until my kidnapping case is solved and the guy is caught?” My mouth is parched by the time I finish my sentence. Not only because I’m asking for my mom’s help, but also because it’s the first time I’m taking charge of my own safety and that’s scary.
“What about Kings Security?”
“They are working on the case. It doesn’t feel right to pull one of their men away,” I lie. Though guys from Kings Security, especially Lukas, have become close friends to me, but they are first and foremost Keith’s friends. Taking help from anyone here would mean taking help from him. And now I know I can’t take any more favors from him. There’s nothing for me in his house, his world, or his heart.
“Send me your travel details and Tony will meet you at the Kings Security campus.”
“Thank you, Mom.” My throat thickens with emotion. I’m not only thanking her for her security, but also for not spewing something like I did come crawling to her for help.
“I know you want to think of me as some monster, Clementine. But I’m your mother, who like every other mother wants the best for her child.”
Silent tears spill down my cheeks at her words and I end the call.
“Thanks, Mom,” I whisper into the air.
29
KEITH
It’s six in the morning when I unlock the apartment door.
Nothing has changed in the living room.
I twist a streamer hanging from the ceiling, hoping it’ll ebb some of this anxiety, but to no avail.
“Dad.” Mere pokes her head from her bedroom door.
“Sorry. Did I wake you up?” I ask, not meeting her eye. How can I after last night?
“No. I’ve been up since Clem left.” She crosses the living room and scuffs toward the kitchen.
“Left?” My heart trips in my chest.