Page 41 of Pick Yourself Up
She’d never tried manifesting, but maybe she could make it work.
Gray wished he’d relayed to Troy or Sam how much Amber hated being the center of attention, and that crowds were difficult for her. He hadn’t expected the group to show up when Knox had texted the men about needing a security evaluation for the farmhouse.
But Troy was an expert at taking care of people. He and Sam grabbed all the stock they had, told their buddies what was up, and here they all were.
Amber had put away her fear once they’d realized friends were approaching, not the Lauzon family. He wondered if Troy had picked up on their tension when he’d driven in. That’s probably why he’d lowered the window to reveal himself. They’d also spent a few minutes longer than necessary gathering the equipment from the cars, giving him and Amber time to settle.
If spending a few tours overseas in the army taught a person anything, it was to read a situation and body language in moments. Evaluating people became second nature. Fear and anger were probably the easiest to recognize.
As Ford toured Sean and Aisling around the exterior, Gray kept Amber’s hand in his. She wasn’t shaking and her voice had lost most of the tightness he’d heard earlier, but she wasn’t her usual self, either.
Sam drew them into a conversation about the gardens, and Amber relaxed further with the attention off her.
It didn’t take long for the conversation to turn to where to best place security cameras. Amber looked over the farmhouse. “At my last job, we had discreet cameras in the lobby and the hallways. I don’t feel the need for that here. Maybe on the exterior entries, though.”
Gray nodded. “I don’t think we’d go wrong with wiring up the first-floor windows. What do you think?”
Amber shrugged. “Maybe. It’s a good long-term plan, but I won’t be having guests in the building for a very long time.”
Sam nodded. “Your call. We’ve got lots of options and can do whatever it takes to make you and your future guests safe here. It might be easier to wire things in while you’re doing the renovations. Tansy’s always working to improve the tech, so she can probably offer some fun options. But we’re here to help you, not to force you into something you don’t want. It’s always your choice.”
Amber nodded, but didn’t say much more. Aisling and the others returned from the tour with wide smiles. “This is a great building. The foundation is solid and I don’t see any signs of rot or insect issues. You won’t have any major expenses in those areas. Any chance I can talk you into letting me see a bit of the inside?”
Amber smiled and led the way into the lobby. The group spread out and searched the floor, but no one asked to go further.
Gray led Amber to a quiet corner. “Better?”
She nodded. “They’re good people who want to help.”
He chuckled as he pulled her into a hug. “But they’re still a lot.”
She hugged him back with a nod. “I’m okay.”
He kissed her forehead and released her. “I know. What are you thinking for the cameras and alarms?”
Another shrug. “I don’t want to invest much until I’m sure this is all going to work. I think alarms on the first-floor doors and windows should do it. As Sam said, it makes sense to do it now before we drywall.”
That was a good compromise. He didn’t plan on being farther away than his gardens if she was working inside the inn, so the alarms should be enough for now.
In the end, Sam had enough equipment for the request and they spent the rest of the afternoon running wires.
He was relieved when Amber seemed to hit it off with everyone, especially Piper, who was so enthusiastic about the project.
Troy and Sam helped Gray work on the front door, where they could keep an eye on everyone. Troy kept his voice low. “Sorry about not warning you we were coming. It should have crossed my mind, but it didn’t. Hell, you were asking for security systems, so I should have clued in not to drop in without letting you know.”
Sam nodded. “Is there an active threat?”
Gray shrugged. “Potentially. An incident happened a few months ago in Chicago. We don’t have any intel that anyone’s looking for her.”
His friends exchanged glances. Sam spoke. “Or you? Were you involved back then?”
Gray wasn’t sure what had given it away, but he nodded. “We met when someone came after a guy I was guarding at The Sidderlight back in Chicago. Amber stopped them from getting past the lobby. The details are hers to share, but if we find out it’s not over, I’ll loop you in with more information.”
Troy nodded. “Good. If you need us for anything, we’re here for you both.”
By late afternoon, they’d finished up the security system. He was surprised when Amber asked the group to stay for a meal, but he shouldn’t have been. She was generous, and she’d spent years in hospitality.
He and Sean, another Italian boy, mixed some pizza dough and cooked up enough for the entire group while Amber chopped up vegetables and fruit. Because it wasn’t raining, they spread out on the back porch of the farmhouse.
