Page 74 of Protecting the Boundary
“Hello?” I answer, a tinge of worry in my voice.
“Are you at your hotel?”
“I’m just heading back there now. I was out grabbing dinner. Is everything okay?”
He hesitates before he says, “Yeah, everything’s fine.”
“Dad,” I say, dragging out the word. “Are you sure? Why’d you call?”
“Can’t I call my daughter?”
“Yes, but not when you sound like you’re up to something.”
He huffs a breath. “How far away from the hotel are you? I’ll stay on the phone until you get there, just so I know you get there safe.”
I smile and shake my head. “Dad, the restaurant was just around the corner. I’m safe, I promise.”
“You can never be too careful. You know that.”
Growing up in a big city, my dad drilled the importance of being aware of your surroundings at all times. “I know, Dad.”
I turn the corner and dash up the hotel steps. “Okay, I’m back at the hotel. I’m gonna go.”
He hesitates. “Meredith?”
I slow my steps as I reach the elevator. “Yeah?”
“I love you. Don’t be mad at me.”
“Mad at you for what?”
“Call me tomorrow after your interview,” he says, not answering my question.
“Dad, mad at you for what?”
“Have a good night, Sweetie.”
“Dad!”
The line goes silent and I realize he hung up. What the hell was that about?
It doesn’t take long to figure out, especially when I get off the elevator and turn the corner to find Romel leaning againstthe wall outside my room.
He watches me as I get closer, my steps slowing and my heart racing. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s where you are, and I had to tell you something.”
I frown. “It couldn’t wait until I got back to LA?”
He shakes his head.
Deciding it’s better to be mad at him than find it endearing that he traveled all this way for me, I open my door without looking at him again and walk into my hotel room. He’s right on my heels as I head to the small desk on the other side of the room and set down my Chinese takeout. Then I remember what day it is.
I spin around to face him. “Wait, don’t you have a game tonight?”
“I told my coach I had a family emergency.”
“Romel, that’s insane. The guys need you.”
