Page 33 of Bookgasms
For a moment, I think we’ve gotten disconnected as silence fills the air.
“Maya? Are you still there?”
“Oh, I’m still here. Just trying not to lose my shit because it sounds like you walked to your car by yourself—something you promised you weren’t going to do.”
Well, fuck.
She’s right. I promised Victor, Andrés, Jason, and her I wouldn’t walk out to my car by myself.
“Damn it. I’m sorry. All I was thinking about was getting out of there and away from him.” I hesitate. “But you’re totally proud of me for flipping him off, right? It’s totally something you would do.”
She laughs.“Yes, I’m very proud, and you’re right—it is something I’d do. In fact, I’ve done it on more than one occasion. Does this mean you’re heading home?”
“I am. I might stop somewhere on the way home, though. I didn’t really get to eat any of my dinner.”
“Or you could head home and have something delivered.”
“Ugh. I’ll just go through a drive-thru. You’re all blowing this out of proportion, but if it’ll make you feel better, then I’ll have something delivered.”
“Thank you. I still don’t think you’re taking this seriously enough, Danielle Vanessa Williams.”I wince at her use of my full name. I hate it when she full-names me.“Whoever vandalized your car knew exactly where all the cameras were. They knew when security would do their sweep through the parking lot. They’ve clearly been watching you and your building. And because they knew all of this, they were able to hide their identity. You heard the detective. They have no leads.”
I bite back a groan. This really isn’t what I need right after my fight with Gary. “I’m well aware of what he said, Maya. But I’m not going to live my life in fear. I’m not going to lock myself in my building and never leave. Not only would I go crazy, but that’s not who I am.”
There’s a moment of silence before she lets out a deep sigh.“And that’s not what I want for you. I’m just scared.”
I soften, wishing she were here with me so I could hug her close. “So am I, but I can’t stop living because of it.”
“I know you can’t.”There’s a muffled sound before I hear her talking, but it’s also muffled.“I have to be on stage in five minutes, Dani. Are you going to be okay?”
“Of course I am. Have a great show!”
“If you don’t want to be alone, call one of the guys. You know they’re more than happy to hang out with you.”
“I’ll be fine, but thanks for worrying about me. Love you!”
I disconnect the call and pull out of the parking space.
As if I can’t spend a night alone. I’ve been by myself multiple times since my car was vandalized. They just worry entirely too much.
Plus, I have more work to do for the calendar shoot and video. The photoshoot and video recording are next week, and I just want this to go off perfectly.
This really is a huge deal. Especially since I was handpicked by Lorna. I don’t want to let her down.
I’m not planning to make Behind the Lens a lifelong career, but I enjoy working there. I would hate to embarrass Lorna in any way.
The drive back to my place doesn’t take long, but I’m a good girl and call the front desk to have someone escort me inside. I now have an assigned parking spot right beside the handicap parking that the cameras have direct access to.
The board is taking the vandalism seriously. Nothing like this has ever happened before, and I’m just grateful they’re not blaming me for it.
An email was sent to all residents the next day to let them know what happened and what they were doing to make sure it didn’t happen again. They’re working on finding someone who can do a gate for the community now, but advised that it would take months before it would be able to be completed. They also said that anyone who wanted to be walked to or from their cars would just need to let the guard on duty know. Guests already have to be signed in at the front desk, but they informed us that all guests would need to be on an approved list and would be escorted to our doors.
They also brought on another four men for each shift so that someone can patrol the parking lot twenty-four hours a day in the brand new golf cart they purchased. One of the men will stay at the front desk so they can escort people to their cars. The other two will patrol the grounds on foot.
A second email was sent to me, letting me know in no uncertain circumstances that I would be using the new escort service. All of my packages, deliveries, and mail are being screened.
I think they’re going a little overboard, much like my friends, but I’ll admit it makes me feel a hell of a lot safer.
A knock on my window makes me jump, nervous laughter spilling out of me as I see Ben through the window. I shut the car off and step out with a self-deprecating smile.
