Burning Bridges (Part I)

Chapter 9

We are both quiet as he drives me to work. I don't want to speak, and I feel him glancing over at me the entire way. I know this is not his fault, but I feel mad at him. Sort of like it's not a fire's fault that is spreading.

We reach the street where my office building is located and I see a crowd of people from the distance. I wonder what could have happened, when I soon spot cameras in their hands. Oh crap!

"Shit!" says Shawn and hits the steering wheel.

"How did they find out where I work?" I yell at him.

"I have no idea" he says and turns right instead of going straight towards the crowd of paparazzi.

He parks a little down the street, takes out his phone, God knows which one, and dials.

"Nate, yeah listen, listen... I know I just saw them too. Can you come to Adelaide street. I need your help." he says and hangs up.

"Don't worry I have an idea." he turns and says to me.

I say nothing back and he keeps looking at me.

"Baby?" he says softly and touches my cheek.

I can't stay mad at him when he touches me, so I lean my head in. We sit in the car, both quiet for some time. I see headlights flash from behind and see Nate seating behind the wheel of a black Suburban.

"Come on." Shawn says to me.

We get out of the car and walk to Nate's. Shawn opens the back seat door and I slide in. He closes the door and sits in the front. I see the windows of Nate's car are blacked out as well, it must come with the territory.

"Nate, here's the plan. I'll drive Mila in through the garage and you follow us in her car. After I drop her off you'll give her the keys and you and I are off. They won't be able to inside here, and I can't risk it driving her car."

"Yeah man, sounds like a plan." Agreed Nate.

"Hey Mila. I know it's kinda scary but it will blow over soon. I'm just sorry it's happening to you." Nate says to me while Shawn turns back and looks at me with puppy eyes.

I look down at my hands.

"Thanks Nate."

Nate gets out and Shawn sits in the driver's seat. He starts the car and drives to the crowd of paparazzi. Nate follows behind in my car. We pass them, and as we turn the corner to head for the garage, they all turn and stare directly at the Suburban. They look like hyenas ready to attack, but don't make a move. I now they can't see inside, but still I start panicking a little. We drive in the garage while they just keep staring and I relax immediately after we are inside. Shawn looks at me in the rearview mirror.

"They were trying to figure out whether it is us or someone else who works in the building. They don't know this car so they didn't make a move." he explains.

I see Nate driving in behind us and no paparazzi around him. Good, that means they don't know my car as well, and that's a plus. My happiness is short lived as I figure out that my Ford does not have blacked out windows, and even if they didn't know what I was driving, once they see me, it would be on record forever.

We reach my spot and Nate parks the car. Shawn gets out and opens the door for me. I get out and he catches me in his arms. He tilts my chin up and looks at me.

"I will be back at 5, right here, to pick you up."

"And how long will we be doing this? I have to use my car from Monday." I ask tired.
He purses his lips in a line and says nothing. He lowers his head and kisses me softly, gently. I kiss him right back. No matter what is going on around us I will always respond this way to him. I can't help it.