Page 23 of Saved By My Buyers

“That’s mean,” I say with a laugh as Jack plops down next to me.

“I mean, I travel a lot and they’re new friends, but yes,” he says as he takes his skates off. “We met at a bar and hit it off. I’ve been to a few of their games when I’m in town. They’re professional hockey players.”

“Well that’s cool,” Bee says, nodding. She doesn’t really get star struck, probably because she’s used to being around famous people. “So what do you have in common?”

As we change our shoes, Jack explains how he helped one of the guys who had a stalker fan, and how he helped catch her in the act. His job does seem to come in clutch at times.

The rest of the afternoon flies by, and then Jack is dropping us off.

“If Gareth gets upset about your being out, please let me know,” Jack says as we open our doors.

“Promise,” I tell him, getting a glare. “Seriously, I’ll text you if he does.”

“I’ll keep her on the straight and narrow,” Bee says with a smile as we get out and wave goodbye.

“I leave in two days, Dolly. Seriously, don’t be a stranger,” he says, waving as we shut the doors and he pulls away.

“He’s so bossy,” Bee says, walking toward the front door.

“He is, but I really don’t mind it,” I say with a shrug.

The parental unit is chatting together in the living room as we walk through, and we stop to chat. They show us photos, we spend time together, and they don’t seem annoyed that we went out.

“Bronwyn, Lucia and I are going back to work tomorrow. I think it would be a nice gesture if you brought in breakfast for the main nurses station,” Gareth says expectantly.

“Okay,” she says, nodding. “Am I cooking, picking up food? I think I need a little more information. Otherwise, yes, of course I can do that.”

“Didn’t even hesitate,” he says with a proud smile. “Attagirl. The chef can make everything for it, but I thought it would be a nice touch if you baked? The kitchen is fully stocked.”

“What time do you want me to drop everything off?” Bee asks. It’s clear she’s trying to figure out when she needs to start baking, and if she has time for the movie we were talking about watching on our way home.

“Nine in the morning tomorrow. Please make sure there are enough treats for about fifty people,” Gareth says with a nod.

Hiding my face, I think about how much fucking food that is. It’s nearly nine at night at this point, she’s going to have to start immediately.

“I guess I should get started. Raincheck on our movie, Dahlia?” Bee asks, wide eyed as she touches my hand before she stands. “Good night, everyone.”

Bee races out of the room as if her hair is on fire, and I take a deep breath. I managed to be polite because she was with me, but I think it’s time for me to go.

“I can tell you’re also ready to turn in, Dahlia,” Gareth says as I turn toward him and Mom. The warmth that was in his gaze is now cold and calculating, his smirk cruel.

“It’s been a long day,” I say softly, standing. “I’m glad that you guys had fun.”

“It’s nice to be home,” Lucia says, looking up at me. “I’m going to be working a lot more now, though.”

“You don’t technically have to,” Gareth reminds her. It sounds like a conversation they’ve already had several times. “I do appreciate that you want to, though.”

“I don’t know how to stay home anymore,” she admits. “I really love how no day is the same at the hospital.”

“That is very true,” he says, standing. “Sweet dreams, Dahlia.”

The way he says it makes my stomach churn. I’m never going to be able to eat around him, because sometimes just looking at Gareth makes me want to puke.

“Thank you,” I rasp, even though I want to claw his eyes out. “Good night.”

Turning, I leave quickly, running up the stairs to my room. Panting as I take giant gulps of air, I lock the door behind me, my legs collapsing underneath me. It takes several minutes before I’m able to get up and change, suddenly exhausted after my encounter with Gareth.

The last thing I do before going to bed is text Jack, feeling as if I need to tether myself to the good things in my life.

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