HIS BODYGUARD

Chapter 7: Happy Belated Birthday

"I can't believe we're actually going!" Harley shrieks at the other end of the line.

"Same. This is amazing, Lorelei. We're proud of you," Kennedy says, her sleepy undertone clearly audible.

"Are you asleep already, Ken?" Harley asks.

"What? No." Kennedy yawns, making Harley chuckle.

I've never felt more selfish than I do right now.

"So, I'll see you guys at eight?" I ask.

"Yeah," they reply in sync.

"Can't wait!" Harley adds excitedly.

I cut the call and toss my phone onto the bed.

Opening the door to my closet, I pick out a lacy skirt and an off-shoulder top. After putting them on, I take a moment to admire myself in the mirror.

I've never really owned the kind of clothes I wanted. This is a first.

I take a minute to look at all the clothes decked in the cupboard.

Then, I duck down to the bottom row of the shelf where I spot a white box with my name on it.

Huh?

I pull it out, bumping my head on the upper shelf in the process. Ouch.

I place the box on my silky bedsheet and lift the lid.

A gasp escapes me.

I thought this was lost.

Dad must have found it. He knew how much it meant to me.

My old necklace.

I open the heart-shaped pendant. On one side is a picture of me, and on the other, my mother. She gave it to me on my tenth birthday.

This is the best gift ever. Like, ever.

As I put on the necklace, it's gleam mirrors back at me, invoking a wave of happiness and nostalgia in me.

A smile creeps onto my face, and for a moment, my worries vanish—until my phone rings again.

"Yes, Kris?" I answer.

"Little McNeil, slacking already?"

"This is Kris's number," I reply firmly.

"Well, lucky for you, I can reach you from any number," Manzel says.

"Uh-huh."

"Anyway, good luck with the mission. Remember, the deadline's July 31st." The line goes dead.

After fixing my hair, putting in my earpiece and stuffing a few things into my clutch—including my phone and a tiny revolver—I head out of my room.

I waltz into Dad's room, giving him a big hug.

The scent of booze doesn't go unnoticed, but I choose to ignore it.

"Thank you, Dad. I knew you wouldn't forget," I say.

He returns the hug, albeit a little slower.

"And I know it must've taken a lot of strength for you to give me something like this, but it means the world to me."

"Sure," he mutters. Seeing that he's drunk already, it's clear that movie night is off the table for tonight. As I pull away, I tell him I'm heading to The Heiress Club with Ken and Harley.

"Have fun," he says, returning to his previous position.

*****

I throw my hands up in the air as we head to the dance floor. The upbeat music pulses through the club, fueling our energy as we lose ourselves in the rhythm. Our moves are effortless, synchronized with the beat—spins, steps, and laughter blending seamlessly.