She's His Everything (He's My Body Guard Sequel)

(5) Country Club Drama

I couldn't pretend Rayner's comments hadn't troubled me. Truth was they currently still were floating around in my head like a sickness. They had gotten to me so badly I even got a job at the country club I hadn't been to since my parents passing. Of course the minute I walked in there asking for a job they welcomed me with open arms. In more of a pitied, 'I'm sorry you are poor now,' kind of way. They likely had no idea that I had inherited my parents fortune and was only getting a job because my boyfriend had planted a seed in my brain.

I didn't intend to correct them either because I honestly didn't care what they thought of me. I wasn't looking for approval or seeking comfort from them anyway. It also made working easier when I pretended like I actually needed to. Rayner and I hadn't spoken much since our last visit and it upset me that he wasn't trying harder to apologize and make up for his hurtful words. I'd decided to be stubborn and not contact him as often in hopes he might try harder. I was waiting for him to get off his high horse and come to me.

I had work at three this evening, the club was hosting a Christmas party for the Parker's. They had one every year about this time for their employees at their car dealerships and family friends. My parents had attended enough of the clubs parties for me to understand it was just some decorations and booze. Usually these things went smoothly. Or so I was told. What I was going to be in charge of I had no clue yet but I was not in a very party type of mood.

Today was Friday which meant I only had a half day at school and I was thankful for that because I was feeling extra paranoid. There was no way I wasn't being watched though, there was no one around. I turned a corner cutting between some buildings to get to my car and things were eerily quiet. I quickened my pace hearing a second set of footsteps somewhere behind me. I didn't look back. I just started walking quicker and the steps walked quicker until I was snatched by the arm and twirled around into someone's arms.

I didn't recognize this person so I fought back to look at his face holding back the scream in my throat. Jackson. I could have broken down right there. I was instantly relieved and confused as to how he'd gotten here. I didn't care at this point I just squeezed him for dear life feeling too emotional. He chuckled into my hair and hugged me tighter. I clung to him inhaling his familiar ashy scent. "How are you here?" I asked feeling tears spring to my eyes. He pulled away to look at my face still clutching my arms.

"I needed to see you. I just took a leap and hoped you'd be here." He smiled widely. His face was normal and there was no sign of the hell we had experienced many months ago. "I got spooked Tori. I ran. I'm sorry. I'm a piece of shit." He looked so sad thinking about his disappearance. "I've also been following you around for about a week or so... I'm sorry I was pretty much stalking you. I was too afraid to confront you. I just had to today because you look extra beautiful." I wasn't sure whether to be entirely creeped out or flattered so I just smacked him in the chest. "Owe. I deserved that." He nodded still smiling with his full lips. Typical Jackson grin. I pulled him back into a hug still not believing he was here.

"Look Tori there is so much I need to tell you and so much I know we need to talk about but can we just pretend that we are normal for a few days?" He mumbled into my hair. I nodded my head thinking that sounded great. "Also... can I stay with you? I'm kind of in a rut with my motel and money... I didn't know LA would be so expensive." He pulled away scratching his head uncomfortably before stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Of course!" I agreed unable to tell him no. I was still in absolute shock that he was standing in front of me in the flesh. He looked relieved that I had agreed to let him come home with me. "We can go pick up your stuff where are you staying?" He looked sheepish and almost embarrassed to tell me.