Page 34 of Finding My Bodyguard

“Tell me again what the bitch had on!” Tessa squealed into the phone. This was my second time giving Tessa the rundown on what had happened a few nights ago, and it felt good to be able to vent to her. London had gotten me a new phone that blocked my location and wasn’t trackable, making it okay for me to talk to Tessa. I was glad too because not talking to her for the last couple of days had been hard.

“Girl, nothing, the bitch was naked!” I shouted. My blood boiled again at the thought of seeing the naked woman sprawled across London’s bed. At first, I wasn’t sure what I’d seen. I thought my eyes had been deceiving me, but when London hung up and kept rejecting my calls, I knew what I’d seen was real. The scene had bothered me more than it should, but it made me realize that I was getting too wrapped up in London. He was helping me regain my life, and that was supposed to be it.

“Well, you had to know a man that damn fine had hos.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t expect to see her legs agape on his bed the night of our wedding.”

Tessa laughed, but I didn’t see anything funny. The whole thing had rocked me to my core. “It just reminded me why I need to chill on him. He’s been preaching that I needed to heal, and I’ve been the one pressing him for more.”

“I bet you have. The man is fine and seems damn near perfect.”

“He is perfect. He didn’t gaslight me about the situation. He apologized, answered my questions, affirmed me, and reassured me that I had a special place in his life. He’s so different, Tessa, except for the whole being a ho part.” My thoughts traveled back to last night and how London had spoken life into me. It was beautiful, and it filled my heart in a place that had been empty for so long.

“Stop, he’s not a ho; he’s single. You said he put her out, right?”

“Yes.”

“And he told you the truth?”

“Yes, Tessa, the man basically told me he would wait for me to heal. He told me to go out into the world and live life, and when I come back, he’ll be waiting.”

“Girl, that is beautiful. You’re living a true fairytale. I’m a little jealous,” Tessa replied and I giggled.

“I wouldn’t say this was a fairytale—more like one of those urban romances I like to read.”

Tessa and I shared a laugh.

“Girl, exactly like it!” she shouted into the phone still in laughter. This felt good. Tessa’s laughter had been one of the only things I missed.

“How do I look?” I asked her as I twirled in front of the camera. I was wearing a pair of jeans and a white button-down shirt. The red apron that read Vanessa’s was tightly wrapped around my waist. I had taken Aunt Vanessa up on her offer to help around the restaurant. I figured it would be fun and help pass the time while I was here.

“Perfect. I can’t believe you're going to work at a restaurant.”

I couldn’t believe it either.

“It’s London’s aunt's restaurant, and I figured it’ll help me gain work experience.”

“You're crazy; restaurant work is hard.”

“Probably, but I won’t know unless I try.” I gave myself one last glance in the mirror before running down the stairs. I had to be at work in ten minutes.

“I guess you’re right. You're on an island somewhere and you choose to go to work.” She shook her head back and forth in disapproval. Choosing not to respond, I grabbed my purse.

“I have to go before I’m late on my first day.” I disconnected the call before she could say anything further. I liked being able to talk to Tessa, but I didn’t need her opinion now. I was doing this. Placing my phone in my purse, I headed out the door. The sun and fresh breeze sailed through my nose. It felt weird walking the path to the market without London, but there was a certain peace that came over me as I walked the beach alone. I was starting my first day of work. I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. I rounded the stairs and walked into the door of the restaurant.

“Monroe!” Alyza greeted me, throwing her arms around me in a hug.

“Reporting for duty.” I fanned my apron.

“Great; come with me. I’m going to show you the ropes.” She walked off, signaling for me to follow her. I moved my feet quickly across the tiled floor. There were no customers yet, just a bunch of empty tables and chairs. As we walked around the restaurant, I could see Alyza’s mouth moving, but my nervousness wouldn’t allow me to focus on what she was saying.

“Girl, are you listening?” Alyza came to a stop, and my body crashed right into hers.

“Huh… y-yeah,” I stuttered. “I’m sorry, just nervous.”

“It’s okay, you’ll pretty much just follow me around today and show guests to their seats. That’s it.”

I nodded, attempting to calm my pounding heart.

---