Page 40 of Protector

Now that we’ve finally gotten to the hotel and checked into our rooms, I can have some downtime to myself before we all go out to dinner here in the hotel. Yes, this is all a little overkill but Mom’s birthdays typically are. Anything to distract her from the fact that her son is in another country on yet another birthday. We used to celebrate hers and Dylan’s together since his is tomorrow.

Even if I wanted to bow out this year, I’m glad I didn’t. Being away from home is at least a distraction from everything I’m dealing with. I just can’t figure out why Brooks isn’t here yet. At first I told him not to come, attempting to keep some distance between us. But my mother insisted he be here or she’d call the whole thing off.

Brooks agreed but told me he had “an errand to run” first, and even though I know his office is only an hour away from here, I don’t think that’s it. I’ve been nervous he went to track down Brendan, and if he did, I’m afraid of what he might do to him. Not to mention I don’t even want to think about that night, and now it’s all coming back to the front of my mind. The more I think about him, the more I’m sure he isn’t Stalker Sam, so I regret bringing it up to Brooks.

My phone pings, and I snatch it up to find a text from Margo.

Margo: Sorry, babe, but I can’t make it tomorrow. Don’t hate me, but Serge is in town for only one day.

I smile and quickly type a reply.

Shay: No worries. Have fun with him.

At least someone is getting some this weekend.

Margo: I already told Cal. Drinks when you get back…

I heart her message and am about to check in with Brooks, when a text comes in from him.

Brooks: Should be there in about an hour or so. Where should I meet you?

I sit up in bed to type, realizing I’d better get moving if I’m going to make my mom’s birthday dinner.

Shay: I’m in room 846, but we’ll either be at the steakhouse or in the casino by the time you’re here.

Brooks: You gamble?

I don’t know why that sends my stomach fluttering, and a smile comes to my face. I suppose any time Brooks takes an interest in me, it makes me feel good. It shouldn’t—especially since I’m still smarting from his rejection—but it does.

Shay: Mom’s friends love it. I’ve played blackjack a couple times, but I get bored. You?

Brooks: I’m more of a Texas Hold ’em guy.

Somehow I knew that’s what he’d say.

Shay:Maybe you can teach me to play sometime.

Brooks: Maybe.

Though it’s a slightly annoying parent-type answer, I grin. I’m not sure what to say next, so I start to tell him to be safe when the little dots dance. I wait and nothing. I’m starting to think either he doesn’t want to come or he’s afraid to tell me something. So I race my fingers across the phone.

Shay: I’m sure I’m fine here if you want to just head back…

After a few moments, his reply comes.

Brooks: No, I want to come. I have something to talk to you about.

My heart jumps when I read his words. That is probably one of the worst things you can say to someone. Frowning, I reply.

Shay: Tell me now.

Brooks: I’m sorry, Shay, I shouldn’t have said it like that. Everything is fine. Trust me. We’ll talk soon.

I know what it is, but I’m not sure I want to hear how bad it was, or maybe it’s that he couldn’t even find him. I have a dozen questions, but I don’t want him to think I can’t handle things, so I settle on:

Shay: Maybe I should spend some time in the poker room so I can learn to read you better.

He sends a smiley emoji and then:

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