Page 53 of A Constant Reminder

Chapter 33 – Sam

We spent our remaining few days of winter break cooped up in the house. We’d talk, watch movies, and laugh, all while not being able to keep our hands off each other. It was perfect. For just a little bit, we could forget our problems…or at least pretend to.

But when Monday came, it was time to get back to the real world. Classes were starting again, and I had some tutoring appointments already booked.

Since Tyler and I had to completely different schedules, he was entrusting my safety to Gabe, my new behemoth of a body guard. But before I put that same trust in him, I figured maybe we should have a little talk.

I’d gotten Gabe’s number off of Tyler’s phone and asked him to come early so we could chat.

Ty had already left for the day when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, I ushered the large man into the kitchen and offered him some coffee.

“Sure. I take it black,” he said sternly.

Of course you do.

We sat at the table, silent long enough for us to both begin sipping from the steaming cups.

“What’s on your mind, Miss Flemming?”

My eyes widened when he spoke first. This time, his tone wasn’t so stern.

“For starters, we are going to be spending a lot of time together, so let’s ditch the formalities. Call me Sam.”

“Alright,” he said, his face void of all emotion.

“Next, I don’t know if Ty told you, but I don’t want any of the stalker routine. No keeping fifty paces behind me. Walk with me but try to look normal.”

He cocked an eyebrow at me, but I continued.

“We both know I’m not exactly happy about this arrangement, but I appreciate the sentiment. I know Tyler means well, and I know he’s the one writing your paychecks. But just know that I’m the best judge when something’s off. I’ll tell you if I feel something is wrong, but you have to give me a little breathing room.”

He considered my words carefully for a moment. “Far enough, but if shit hits the fan, you get down and let me handle it.”

“Okay, I can live with that.”

Even though I still wasn’t thrilled about having a constant shadow, maybe it would eventually give me a little bit of peace.

I just silently prayed that this wouldn’t be a permanent situation. I didn’t want to constantly live my life in fear. Ten years in the future, I didn’t want to still feel like a victim.

Less than an hour later, we were walking on campus headed to my first class of the new semester.

Although Gabe kept his word about walking next to me, it honestly didn’t make it any less awkward. The giant bald man accompanying me still created a lot of unwanted attention.

Eyes seemed to follow us everywhere. Some of them questioned if he was my father, and others questioned if I had some sort of “daddy” issues.

Gabe was a tall, burly hoss of a man who had a completely shaved head. He dressed in all black from his collared shirt, to black slacks, to black boots.

I assumed he felt my apprehension when he brought my attention to him instead of the nosey crowds.

“This psycho guy do that?” He pointed to the cast on my arm.

“Oh…yeah. A few weeks before Christmas.”

“Not the first time he’s hurt you, is it?”

I wondered how it was so obvious, but it didn’t matter. He was right, so I said, “No, it’s not. And the first time was worse.”

“Well, as long as I’m here, I won’t let him do it again.” And then against everything I thought I knew about the man, he took off his sunglasses and smiled at me…or what I assume is the closest thing to a smile that Gabe could give.

A small sense of calm washed over me. I don’t know why I believed him, but somehow, I did.

So, right then and there, I decided to just let them stare.

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