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“Hey,” I said, taking in her face. “You alright?”
“Yeah. A little tired maybe.” She glanced behind me to Whitney. “Hey. I know I don’t have any classes today, but they let us out of class early so I thought I’d stop by and see if you needed me for anything?”
“Oh. I’m not sure... I guess you can watch the front desk until Deanna gets here. That’s about all I have today. Sorry.” I could only imagine she was just trying to keep herself busy, poor girl.
“No problem.” She shifted her backpack from one shoulder to the other. “I can get an early start on a project I have for history class. Or maybe I’ll just go relax down at the pond.”
“The pond?”
“Yeah.” Her smile was big and bright. “There are some hiking trails behind my dorms, and when I was walking one day, I found this pond with some cute benches and stuff. Not a lot of people know about it, so it’s quiet. I like to go there to sit and catch my breath when I’m stressed out. It’s peaceful.”
“Sounds nice.”
“It is.”
I was sure she could use a little peace and quiet after the last few days. I hoped she also had someone to talk to. “I can cover the desk if you wanna just head out.”
“No. I don’t mind.”
When she walked away, Whitney rose. “I need to get ready for my class, but we will finish this discussion later.”
“Okay.”
I sat and got busy with my paperwork, then it was time for my own ballet class. We were just letting out when Sofia appeared at my door with a strange look on her face.
“There’s a man here to see you. Says he’s a friend?”
My stomach clenched as I knew I had to start acting. “A friend? Okay. Be right there.” I smiled and said goodbye to the rest of my students before grabbing my water bottle and heading out front.
Sure enough, there was Justin in the lobby, still looking delicious in his black clothes and stubble, studying one of my professional ballet photos on the wall.
He must’ve sensed me there and those icy eyes turned my way, making other parts of me clench. “Olivia,” he said, his voice low and friendly, lifting his hand in a wave like we were long-lost friends.
We were supposed to be acting. Right.
I swallowed. “Justin?”
He smiled. “Sorry to barge in on you like this after all this time... you got a few minutes?”
“Um...” I could feel Sofia’s stare as she watched the interchange. “Sure. Follow me to my office.”
He moved my way, his smile growing as he got closer to Sofia. “Thanks.”
She didn’t reply and didn’t smile back, her protectiveness palpable.
Justin and I got to my office, and he closed the door. “You good?” he asked. “Everything been normal here today?”
“Well.” I sat down. “Except for needing to have a full-time secret bodyguard, everything is just awesome.”
He ignored that and spun to examine the security system panel on my wall. “Did you tell anyone?”
“Just my best friend, Whitney.”
He nodded, then pulled out his phone to show me the screen. “Is this your number?”
“How did you... never mind. Yes, that’s me.” I shook my head. Of course, he had my number.
“Great. I’m texting you now so you’ll have my number.” I second later, my phone pinged with an incoming text. “I want you to use it if you need it. Anytime. Day or night.”