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“Good enough for me,” she says. “Remember, there isn’t a time frame on healing. There’s no rush.”
“My bank account would disagree with you,” I joke half-heartedly.
Jessa scowls. “There is always FMLA, and we can apply for programs to assist you financially. Has your boss been pressuring you?”
“No, not at all.” I hold up my hands in surrender. “Eventually, I have to go back to work, though. I can’t leave them hanging forever. It’s not fair to them.”
Hugh’s been a godsend through all of this. Not only did he alert my dad that I was missing within hours of my disappearance, but he held my job for me without any pressure about returning. I’m the one who reached out to him because I’m going stir-crazy sitting in my apartment alone while everyone else is at work.
“Our hour is up for today.” Jessa untangles her legs and stands. I follow suit. “Call me if you need to meet before next Wednesday. Good luck at lunch today, but remember, don’t rush yourself.”
“Thanks, Jessa.” I drape my purse over my shoulder. “I appreciate it. I’ll see ya next week.”
Before leaving the building, I spot my vehicle and slowly push the door open. I whip my head around, taking in all my surroundings before I briskly walk to my car. I climb in, lock the door, and start the engine. My phone connects to the speakers through Bluetooth, and I dial the same number I’ve dialed every week since I started seeing Jessa.
“Hi, baby girl.” Dad’s voice soothes me instantly. “How was your appointment?”
“It was good.” I put the car in drive and head toward downtown. “I’m on my way to meet Hugh for lunch now.”
“Aurora,” Dad draws out.
“Dad,” I interrupt before we have the same argument, we’ve had for the past two weeks. “I appreciate you want to help, but it’s time for me to take back my life. I’m not going to decide anything today. It’s just lunch.”
Dad sighs. “I know, but I’m your dad. I worry, it’s my job.”
“Have you heard from Jaxson?” I ask, nonchalantly.
When I woke up in the hospital, Jaxson and his team were gone. Dad explained that they had to get back to their assignments. I never did get to thank them all for rescuing me. To be honest, ever since they left, I haven’t felt safe, either. I’m always looking over my shoulder, and I’m afraid that will be my life from now on. I wish I could’ve said goodbye.
Living in a building with twenty-four hour security helps, but it doesn’t stop my fear completely. Dad wanted to hire a security team, but I fought him tooth and nail. If he knew how scared I still am, he’d probably have me locked up at Quantico with him and Vera, my stepmom.
I shudder at that thought.
“Not since the night they left,” he responds quickly.
“Oh.”
“What’s wrong?” Dad goes on full alert.
“Nothing,” I deny. “I wish I could’ve thanked them and told them goodbye.”
“When I talk to them, I’ll let them know,” he assures me. “They should be checking in soon.”
“That’d be great, thanks Dad.”
“Anytime, baby girl.”
“I’m pulling into the cafe now,” I announce.
I agreed to meet Hugh at a small cafe down the street from the office. I didn’t want to take him away from work for too long, but I also didn’t want to face anyone from work quite yet.
“Okay, text me when you get home,” he orders.
“I will,” I promise. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you.” He disconnects the call.
When I enter the restaurant a few minutes later, Hugh is waiting for me. He stands and pulls me into a hug. I tense, and he releases me quickly.