Page 48 of My Damaged Protector

Before I can drive myself mad with speculations, my phone starts to ring, and this time it's Ian calling.

Guess he saw the news, too.

Great.

15

IAN

Of all thepeople I expect to be making news, Sarah isn't one of them.

Is she successful?

Hell yeah.

But I know for a fact she's not the type of person to publicize a good deed she's done. She wouldn't want anyone to know.

And how is it that she has a father all of a sudden?

I thought he was dead?

Well, I assumed he was dead because not once has she ever spoken about him. But to find out he's not just alive but dying and Sarah is offering to help him?

I don't know what to make of that. Grabbing my phone, I dial her number as my head roams with thoughts.

Was that why she came crying to my door the other day?

Oh boy, I have so many questions. Which is why I am grateful when she answers my call.

“You're in New Jersey, and you didn't tell me.” Those are the first words that leave my mouth.

Stupid! Stupid!! Stupid!!!

Accusation, Ian, really? You speak as though she has any reason to be accountable to you.

Sarah seems to share the same sentiments as my subconscious, and her next words express that.

“I wasn't aware that I'm obligated to share my movements with you.”

Her words are scathing, but her tone is soft. Joking even. I decide to take the out she's offering.

“Only when you're in my city. How am I supposed to protect you from the vultures if I don't even know you need me?”

“Hmmm. Next time, I guess you'll be the first person I call.”

Next time, just come to my place directly. I bite my tongue from voicing that thought and clear my throat instead.

“So your dad?”

“Ugh. It's a long story.”

“You can make it short.”

“I could, but I'm just not sure it's something I want to do right now.”

More than anyone, I understand what it's like to not want to talk about what you're going through just yet, so I let it go and switch gears instead.

“How long are you in the city for?” I ask her.

---