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Gus sat down across from her, glanced over at Oliver, who gave him a shrug, then looked at Adelia. “We just want you to be safe while you’re here.”
Adelia set her fork down and took a drink of orange juice. “I have to admit, it is a little creepy, hidden away out here. Back home, it’s not unusual for someone to photograph you when you don’t know it because paparazzi are everywhere. Here, it just feels stalker-ish.”
“We’ve had photographers follow us around Grand Rapids plenty of times, but none have ever come here before, which is why we wanted to take extra precautions.”
“I just don’t think a bodyguard is necessary, Gus.” She looked at Oliver. “No offense.”
His gaze met hers. “None taken.”
“We all agreed, we’d feel better about you staying here if Oliver was with you. What if the person comes back?”
“If things escalate, we’ll need to move you,” Oliver added.
“Escalate?” Her heart skipped a beat. “Like get violent? It was just some photographs.” Her mind reeled.
“That’s often where it starts. And maybe they’re harmless and just out for your money, but we can’t be careless about this.”
Adelia groaned. “I can’t deal with this right now. I’ve got enough to worry about.”
Oliver reached over and squeezed her hand. “It’ll be okay.” He smiled, and the corners of his eyes crinkled, which she found incredibly handsome. There was a kindness in him that made her believe he could be trusted.
It was then that they both seemed to realize Gus and Merritt were staring at Oliver’s hand on hers, and he pulled it away.
Adelia saw them exchange a look and knew what they were probably thinking, but thankfully, they didn’t put a voice to their thoughts.
“Okay, Olly can stay,” Adelia declared as she stood and took her plate to the kitchen sink.
Oliver followed her into the kitchen and started loading the dishwasher.
“I can do that,” Adelia offered. “You made breakfast.”
“It’s fine.”
She shrugged and returned to the table, and Merritt gave her a look.
“What?” Adelia mouthed.
Merritt’s eyes traveled across the room to Oliver and back.
Adelia shook her head and waved her off. “Can I stay with you guys next week? I have a press junket, and I don’t want to stay at home. Once people know I’m back in town, they’ll be staking out my house, and I don’t want to deal.”
“Do you think it’s safe to travel alone right now?” Merritt asked.
“I’ll be fine. Besides, the creep is here in Michigan.”
“Creeps can board planes too,” Gus said.
Adelia rolled her eyes. “I’ll be fine.” She glanced over and noticed Oliver watching her and listening intently.
“You know the interviewers will ask about your parents,” Gus remarked.
“Iris is on top of it. They’ll all be told ahead of time that I will not be answering those questions.” She turned her attention to Merritt, anxious to change the subject. “So, how’s the fall product launch going?”
“Really good. People are loving the new line. They want to look just like you look in all the new colors.”
“The pictures turned out amazing.” As the face of the Merritt Cosmetics ad campaigns, Adelia was thrilled to be a part of helping her friend’s wildly popular organic cosmetics company grow. “Are you working on the spring launch now?”
“Of course. And we’ve got some great ideas for the ad campaign too.”
“I’m ready.” She smiled. “So, can I stay with you guys?”
“You know you don’t even have to ask,” Merritt replied.
They talked a while longer before Gus and Merritt said their goodbyes and headed to the airport. And then she and Oliver were alone again.
“Are you sure about going back to California right now?” Oliver asked.
“I’ll be fine.” Maybe if she kept saying that, she’d actually convince herself.