Page 2 of Protector

“I’ll be better when this is all over…and when we know what’s going on with the show.”

Catherine shoots me raised brows, but I don’t say anything. She knows I’ll wait until we’re alone. Catherine has become like a second mom to me—she’s not old enough, obviously, so between us two she’s the “cool aunt.” I would never tell Adele that because I would never hurt my mom that way, but it’s been years since I’ve felt like I could confide in her about anything other than my career. As our relationship slowly transformed to more of a manager-client one than mother-daughter, I made a point to keep a side of myself from her.

Thankfully, the restaurant is not as busy at lunch as they are at dinner, and the hostess walks us toward a booth in the back corner.

“Can you tell Han and Chewie to wait outside?” I say to my mom, and Catherine sniggers.

Mom speaks to them briefly, then orders a mimosa as soon as her ass hits the seat. Catherine orders raspberry tea, and I find myself doing the same, though I could probably use something to get me through this meeting.

I check the server’s name tag and say, “Thank you, Vince” with an appreciative smile for his thick curly hair and boyish features.

“So…” Catherine says when the server backs away, a silly grin on his face, “how long are you staying here at the hotel? Have you spoken to the police?”

My mother and I exchange a glance, then I shake my head.

“Why?” Her tone is not just surprised; it’s annoyed. Still, I love that she’s more concerned for me than she is my public image.

Mom covers my hand with hers, a move she’s perfected over the years so she can speak for me. “Catherine, despite our history with the law, it just doesn’t seem necessary at this time. Someone as beautiful and well-known as Shaylene is always going to have this type of thing to deal with.”

We all know another reason is the TV show, my relationship with clients, future jobs. People in the industry might shy away from me if they know. Catherine’s mouth purses before she answers. “Whoever this was, made it past the gate…onto your private property. You don’t think that’s a problem?”

“Probably just another fanatic who wants to say they got close to Shaylene Cane.”

Leaning back in her chair, Catherine eyes me, and I shrug. She’s been on me to take more control of my career, my decisions, acting more like a mentor than a publicist. Feeling like I’m letting her down, I shrug. She turns back to my mother. “If you’re not worried, then why the bodyguards?”

Mom waves her off. “Precautionary. If someone does try to get too close, they’ll see what they’re up against. Plus, with how Shay’s presence on social media has exploded, and now with this show…having some protection around just makes sense.”

That explosion, along with several top-tier magazine covers, is why I was offered the reality show.Shay and Tay—referring to Taylor Whitmore and me—will follow us through our various ventures: me primarily as a model and social media influencer and her as an entrepreneur, having recently launched a successful makeup line, which actually puts me in the entrepreneur category, too, as I’m working with her on a special new project. We’re both twenty-four and have done a few projects together, appearances at parties, photo shoots. We’ve come to like and respect each other, so for that reason, I do hope the show goes through.

Catherine turns her attention back to my mom. “Listen, Adele, I think the bodyguards are a good idea. In fact, I suggested the same thing to Shay. However…no disrespect, but those guys…”

“They’re perfectly capable.”

Leaning forward in her seat, Catherine reaches over and touches both our arms. “You know my husband runs a security company…”

“Is that what this is about?” Mom snaps.

“Look, we both want what’s best for Shay.”

I blow out a breath and fall back into my seat, feeling like I’m twelve years old. “Shay’s right here, by the way.”

“Sorry,” Catherine says with a wince. “I’m just going to say it because there’s Billy.” She nudges her head up to the entrance, where Billy is looking around anxiously. “I had my husband send someone over to meet you.”

“What?” Mom says a bit too loud, then lowers her voice. “That wasn’t necessary.”

“Just meet him. Please. He’s got a military background, experience with this very thing, and Jackson says he’s the best there is.”

Mom shakes her head just as Billy arrives at the table. “Ladies.” He nods at Catherine and my mom, who gets up so he can squeeze his thin frame into the space next to me. “Sorry I’m late, love.”

I grin instinctively, though I’m nervous to hear what he has to say. Billy’s British, but he’s lived here more than half of his forty-plus years, and though his assistant is constantly reminding him of current PC behavior, he still calls me “love” and treats me like a little girl. I’d never admit to anyone that I actually like it, having been away from my own father half of my life.

“So, are we eating or what?” He raises his hand to flag our server, who looks annoyed at Billy’s command. Still, he complies, striding over to our table.

At the same time, my mother pulls Billy’s hand down. “Please, let’s wait to order food until you tell us what’s going on.”

“Fine, bring me a Bloody Mary, mate,” Billy says to our server, whose eyes flick to me. I can tell by his expression he knows who I am.

When Vincent leaves, we all stare at Billy as he leans back in the booth, tossing an arm behind my head to rest on the back. “They’ve decided to put filming off for a bit, two, three weeks tops.”

---