Page 83 of Catch
Chapter Forty-Eight
LOXLEY
I madea pot of coffee and we settled into Miles’s living room. Everyone found a spot on the couch, with Easton leaning on the armrests and Jesse taking the floor by his feet. The air was thick with anticipation, everyone wanted to know what happened in Chattanooga.
So Miles and I filled everyone in. He explained how his captain had lectured him the entire drive back from Chattanooga. And I explained the intense visceral change in me that happened right there on stage. “I wish I had known it was as simple as saying, no all along. But I was so scared and alone,” I explained.
“There is no fault,” Grams assured me. “Sometimes we need people in our corner to help us feel strong. You knew in that moment you had Miles, your mom, and now us.”
Everyone agreed and I felt the warmth of having people inside my heart. It really did empower me to know I was no longer facing anything alone.
“So, what’s the plan?” Jesse asked, practically buzzing with excitement.
I had been prepared to face the consequences of walking off the tour. Truly. But now that I had the chance to return on myown terms it suddenly felt like something worth doing. Not just to finish it, but to reclaim it. And the best part? Miles would be by my side. Making me feel safe. Making me feel likeme.
“I think…” I took a breath, surprised at how right it all felt when I said it out loud. “I think I’m going to do what Miles suggested. I’ll go back on tour but with changes. I’m going to learn to say no. To stand up for myself. I’ll create actual boundaries.”
I thought that was enough, but everyone leaned in a little closer, wanting more.
“I’m going to insist that Sam is taken off the tour. And if the label gives me grief, I’ll threaten them the way Sam threatened me. If they have any sense, they’ll realize me finishing the tour is a better PR move foreveryone. Then we can all go our separate ways.”
West nodded, impressed.
“And you, Miles?” Gramps asked.
Miles, calm as ever, said, “I’m turning in my badge tomorrow.”
Silence.
Everyone froze, including me. It wasn’t just what he said, but how gently he said it. Like it had been decided a long time ago and we were just now catching up.
It was fast. A little reckless. But I didn’t doubt for a second that it would work out. And judging by the looks around the room, everyone else was excited about this wild adventure we were about to jump into.
“It’s not like I’ll be bored,” Miles added, grinning. “Loxley, all by herself, keeps me on my toes. But I also want to be what she’s needed all along. Something that should have been provided for her a long time ago.”
“Oh, dear,” Grams muttered, “do I need to buy more condoms?”
Everyone burst out laughing. Everyone except Miles and I, who sat there blinking like two deer in headlights.
“Grams!” I sputtered, covering my face.
“What?” she shrugged, totally unapologetic. “I raised three boys, not to mention I raised their father. I learned to get real a long time ago.”
“I meant,” Miles said, trying not to laugh, “I meant she needs a bodyguard.”
I looked at him, wide-eyed, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “You sure about that?”
“Yeah,” he said, eyes soft. “Like that night we talked about Adam. He wanted someone to keep an eye on you. He wanted to do it himself. But I think he’d want me to step in on his behalf. And as capable as you are, it’s not easy to protect yourself and live your life when the world’s always watching. This way, you can do both. And honestly? It’s a better use of my skills anyway.”
“That’s actually a great idea,” West said, nodding. “I can’t believe you’ve never had a bodyguard before. You know, someone to make sure you can do normal things. Like going to get a coffee.”
I was almost in tears. Not because Miles was offering to be my bodyguard, but because he was honoring Adam’s memory in the most tangible way possible. And maybe more importantly, he was doing something that truly fit him.
“Do I get to pick out your new uniform?” I teased, wiping my eyes.
“As long as it includes handcuffs and a gun.”
Easton rolled his eyes. “You’re not gonna be able to use the handcuffs without a badge, dude.”
