Page 34 of My Damaged Protector

“Hello,” the lady in front of me greets me. She is about the same age as me, I think. She doesn't look that old, but she's definitely not young.

“Hi, how can I help you?” I ask her out of mere courtesy. I'm sure she's got the wrong room. I don't know her.

“I'm the hotel's Manager, Teri. My sister, Susie, is the one at the front desk, and I've been made aware of how bravely you stood up for our motel last night.”

This again?

I honestly had forgotten that I got into a fight with someone, well, two someones, last night. As a matter of fact, I've not taken the meds given to me at all today. I should probably do so when I have dinner tonight.

“It's fine, it was nothing.” I try to play it off, but the smile that touches her face followed by the frantic shake of her head tells me she doesn't share my sentiment.

“No, it wasn't. What you did was brave, and I just stopped by to thank you and tell you that you'll always have a room here with us whenever you're in town again.”

“Sure,” is all I say to her in response, forcing a fake smile so I don't appear rude. I honestly would like it if no one reminds me about last night ever again.

“I heard you're leaving tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I uh, I'm sorted with what I came to town for.”

“Good. That's good. We hope to see you again, and don't hesitate if there's anything we can help you with.”

“Of course. Thanks.”

She walks away, and I watch her. I have a strange sense of happiness. It feels good to have made an impression, I guess.

I dash back into the room and pick up my wallet and phone. I need to get dinner, and since they didn't allow me to pay for the extra night, I certainly can't take their food. I rummage through the jeans I had on yesterday to get the meds I was given. I takethe dosage for tonight, wash it down with water, and then step out of the room.

I am able to get a decent dinner of cinnamon rolls and milkshakes. When I'm done, I remain seated and watch people come in and out of the café like it's the best thing I've seen in my life.

Gosh, I'm so bored. It's a wonder I haven't lost my mind just yet.

Just call her

No.

Even if I do cave, what the hell am I supposed to say to her?

I miss you?

I want to see you?

I'm sorry for always being such a prick?

The door to the café opens again, and a group of three girls step in. They look around before they come to sit at the table arrangement right ahead of me. As they sit, my eyes meet with one of them, and she smiles at me sympathetically.

Great. I look just as awful as I feel.

I look away from her and try my best to not listen to their conversations. Sometime during the night, they leave. Another couple takes the seat and leaves, too. Then another lady. She's alone, and she has a book.

I'm surprised I haven't been chased out yet. I've been here for over two hours. Just when I decide to leave, my eyes stray to the book in the hand of the new lady, and I see it's a book by Sarah.

Shame on You.

The title of the book feels like a slap to my face. Especially because of how I've treated the author.

Did she have me in mind when she picked the title?

I wouldn't be too surprised.

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