Page 60 of Protected

“Really? Who was he?”

“He told the receptionist he was a good friend of yours but had lost contact. She told him you no longer worked out of that office, but I don’t think she gave him your contact information.”

“Good. Can you describe the guy?”

Chelsey had no clue on who would’ve been looking for her. Anyone who was important to her would call her directly. Or they’d already know she worked at Supreme now.

“I only glanced at him. He was tall, good-looking with medium-brown skin.”

Gwen rattled off more details of what she remembered, and the person she described could’ve been Terrance. Not many people knew where she used to work, but he did. Only because she’d had him pick her up from there once.

“The only reason I’m calling to let you know is because he sounded like he was desperate to talk to you.”

“I think I know who it might’ve been. Thanks for letting me know.” Chelsey wasn’t sure what she was going to do with the information, though. Probably nothing since she was done with Terrance.

After she finished talking to Gwen, Chelsey spotted India and climbed out of her vehicle. She headed to where her friend stood on the edge of the basketball court.

“Welcome back,” Chelsey squealed. “How was Madrid?”

“Don’t even try that small-talk mess. I have barely been gone two weeks, and I return to find you engaged and maybe moving to Miami!” India screeched and flung her arms around Chelsey’s shoulders for a hug.

Chelsey laughed and ignored the attention they were getting from a few people strolling through the park.

“I know. I’m still pinching myself. I can’t believe it either.” Chelsey held her hand up and wiggled her fingers to bring attention to her ring.

India grabbed her hand. “Damn, girl, I’mma need my sunglasses, because you have some serious bling going on here. Chelsey, it’s beautiful! I’m so happy for you and Parker, and I hope you know that I’m taking full credit for you guys getting back together.”

Chelsey grinned. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Because it’s true, and my man has good taste. That ring is stunning,” she said as they started walking toward the trail that they’d run on.

“Yourman?” Chelsey said on a laugh. “Don’t you meanmyman?”

“I said what I said. Remember, I was the one who was rooting for Parker even when he broke my best friend’s heart.”

Chelsey nodded. “True. You never gave up on him.”

“Nope, I didn’t. He’s the only man you’ve ever dated who I would’ve broken the girl code for.”

They both laughed and started their run in a slow jog before picking up speed.

For the next hour, they chatted nonstop about Madrid, India’s clients, Miami, and Parker’s new job offer. Chelseyhadn’t told her friend about Parker’s past and the revenge he was planning. She didn’t even go into details about Rock’s past, basically glazing over everything regarding the trip to Miami. Still, they had plenty to discuss during their run.

Once they made it back to their starting point, they were both winded.

“Whew, that was a good run,” India said, and they slowed to a walk. “I needed this.”

“I know, right? Me too. I have to work tonight, so I’m glad we were able to meet up in the middle of the day.”

They chatted about their work plans for the rest of the day, and Chelsey was even more thankful they’d been able to hook up. Seemed they both were busy these days, and anytime they could get together was precious.

“Are you walking home or do you want me to…” Chelsey’s words trailed off when she saw the person leaning against her car.

“What is it?” India said, following Chelsey’s line of sight. “Who is that?”

“Terrance.” They were at least fifty yards from him, and he hadn’t seen them yet. Chelsey pulled India behind a tree and near some bushes. Where they were standing, she could still see him, but he couldn’t see them.

“Terrance the Loser?That Terrance?” India asked, glancing at him again. “What is he, like, stalking you or something? How’d he know you were here?”

---