“And you were twenty-one when you opened it?” she asked, clearly already knowing the answer.
I nodded. “My boyfriend is a silent partner. He helped me get started. But I do everything for it. He’s just there if I need advice.”
“Sounds like someone who supports you,” she said.
I shrugged because I wasn’t sure that’s what he did anymore.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I misread things?”
“I have no idea about anything anymore,” I explained. “It’s like that night turned everything in my life upside down. Anything I was the least bit confused about before feels foreign now.”
“Life as you know it will return to normal. It’s just going to take time.”
I closed my eyes, wishing I knew how much time it would actually take to regain control of my life. To recapture my sanity. To live without fear.
10
GISELLE
When we arrived to the log cabin—make that log mansion—Kincaid had rented for Kason, we were greeted by two massive security guards in black cargo pants and black long-sleeve shirts. They informed Kason that they’d just swept the interior of the home and assured him that one of them would be with us at all times, while the other would remain outside in an unmarked vehicle. Their presence definitely eased my trepidation about entering the unfamiliar home.
Inside the house, everything was modern-rustic. The wide-open floor plan—complete with kitchen, dining room, and living room—took up the entire main floor. Three overstuffed leather sofas formed a U in front of the huge brick fireplace.
Shay scurried toward the bathroom while Kason and Thayer dropped onto the sofas.
“Gotta love Kincaid,” Jesse said as he opened the fridge that was stocked with food and beverages. He took three bottles of beer into the living room and passed them out to Kason and Thayer. They cracked open their bottles and lifted them in a silent-cheers before tipping them back.
I stood there, feeling awkward with my bag in my hand and my headphones on despite my music being off. “I’m gonna go find my room,” I said, before making my way toward the stairs.
“Hold up,” Kason called. “What’s the plan for tonight?” he asked everyone.
“Pick up girls?” Jesse mused.
Thayer laughed as he looked to Kason. “Did you say you wanted to get some runs in tonight?”
“Could grab some killer footage,” Kason said.
The thought of them leaving the house sent alarm bells wailing in my head. I didn’t want the boys to go. And, though I’d never admit it to them, I needed them around.
Realistically, I knew Shay and I were strong. I also knew security was right outside. But it didn’t mean I didn’t jump at every noise or worry that a masked man would step out from every closed door.
“Wanna go find our room?” Kason asked Shay as she came out of the bathroom.
“Sure,” she smiled as Kason jumped to his feet and they made their way upstairs with me on their heels.
Safety in numbers.
“I guess that leaves you and me, bro,” Jesse said to Thayer.
Once we reached the second floor, Kason pointed to the room at the end of the hallway. “That one’s yours.”
“Where are you guys staying?” I asked, trying not to sound as alarmed as I suddenly felt in this unfamiliar place.
He nodded to the first room on the right. “This is where the magic happens.”
Shay playfully bumped him with her shoulder, but he didn’t budge. “Don’t be crude.”
He laughed, and I couldn’t be sure it was her words or the fact that she thought she could move him with her shoulder.