Page 24 of A Temporary Forever

“Or smart. With all of you stepping forward, he didn’t need to, and if it all goes to shit, he can still play nice with the management.” My words ring true, but Leon’s neutral stance was kind of disheartening.

Not so much for me as an individual, because I didn’t expect any of my colleagues to step up likethat. But for me as a team member. I took him as a guy whose loyalty would remain with the team, not with the management.

“Frankly, if Reinhard hadn’t hired you, he’d have sunk this theater already. I don’t know why the new owner keeps him around.” Jose takes a swig from his water bottle.

“I didn’t know there was a new owner.” I’ve paid little attention to the goings-on of The Pulse Stage beyond my performance.

“They’re not new, Jose,” Matilde says. “It’s been a year, at least.”

“Still.” He rolls his eyes. “Why did they buy it if they don’t care?”

Matilde shrugs. “I get my paycheck. Not my business.” She looks at me. “So what’s the plan?”

“I know someone who can help.” Though just knowing him would hardly allow me to continue in this production.

I better figure out how to reach Caleb. I check my watch. Shit. Saar is in the air already. Can I call Finn’s wife Paris and ask for his number? I can make some innocent reason for that, can’t I?

“Ms. Delacroix?” A uniformed driver calls out when we turn to the main road. He stands beside a large black SUV polished to the nines.

“I wish.” Matilde curtsies, and I laugh despite everything.

I’m overwhelmed by all of my conflicting feelings. The idea of offering sex to sweeten the deal for Caleb wars inside me.

A part of me embraces the decision as the best way to keep a level playing field with him. Quid pro quo.

The other part is protesting the use of sexual favors as if it’s something dirty and tainted.

And the irony of it all is that I drove him away when he was offering his help for free. But then again, nothing is free.

“That’s me. How can I help you?”

“Mr. van den Linden sent me to drive you home.” He bows his head briefly and opens the door.

“So, therewasan admirer last night.” Matilde toots.

I quickly say goodbye to her and Jose, and cross the sidewalk to reach the car parked by the curb in a non-parking zone. I guess Caleb’s employees are above the law.

But the legality of the matter is my last concern. I need to play this smart, because this is an unexpected, somewhat outlandish development, and maybe I can leverage it to my advantage.

“I usually take the subway.” I stop by the open door, but don’t get in.

“Mr. van den Linden wanted to make sure you got to your apartment safely. I’m instructed to walk you to the door.” He beckons his head to the seat, his expression tense.

“Like a bodyguard?”

“Miss, could I perhaps answer all your questions during the ride?”

I stare him down, which doesn’t seem to impact him at all, his expression remaining stoic. Like he’s waiting patiently for me to get to my senses and do as I’m told.

“Why do I need an escort?”

He assesses me with a ghost of a smile. “To keep you safe.”

“Does Mr. van den Linden routinely send his car to keep the citizens of New York safe?”

“That’s something you’ll have to ask him.” He steps to the side but slightly forward. He isn’t exactly crowding me, but subtly suggesting the direction of my next move. In other words, get in the car, woman.

I don’t move. “But you know the answer.”

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