24
JESSA
I get out of the jeep and pull my trench coat on. It’s a dark khaki that goes well with my light sweater and jeans.
Everything I’m wearing is new. I spent most of last evening delving through the new wardrobe Anton had delivered for me while we were in England. I was so busy having a fashion show that I didn’t have time to panic about my lunch with Chris. But now that I’m walking towards the restaurant, my heart is pounding.
I’m halfway to the door when I notice Lev and three personal bodyguards clamber out of the jeep. I stop and turn to face them.
“Um, what’s happening?” I ask.
Lev gives me a puzzled expression. “We’re coming in with you, of course.”
“What?”
“Did you think we were just gonna wait in the car?”
“Um, yes," I admit. “I can’t walk in there with all four of you.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s just not… not cool.”
The bodyguards turn away, trying to hide their smiles. Lev, of course, looks completely unmoved. “Our orders were clear.”
I roll my eyes. “Forget Anton. He’s not here.”
“If you think he doesn’t follow up on whether his orders were carried out, you’re more naïve than I suspected.”
I narrow my eyes at his jab. “Then lie.”
Lev looks over his shoulder at the three men standing behind him. “Any of you boys willing to lie to the don?”
All three shake their heads “no” in unison like a row of bobbleheads.
“Seriously?” I ask. “None of you can stand up to him?"
“Stand up to him?” Lev asks incredulously. “We took an oath to do exactly the opposite.”
“Jesus,” I grumble. “Fine. Can you at least keep your distance?”
“Two tables down,” Lev negotiates. “That’s the best we can do.”
Rolling my eyes again, I head into the restaurant, feeling extremely self-conscious all of a sudden. I’ve known Chris a long time. He’s going to notice the changes in me.
He’s there already, of course. Probably showed up half an hour early to play that goofy castle game he loves on his phone while he waited. Sure enough, I see him tuck it away when he catches sight of me.
“Hey, J,” he says, standing up to give me an awkward hug.
I was expecting as much, considering the last time we spoke. Or texted, rather. Still, we hug each other and sit down in the booth.
He looks a little concerned as he slides back into his seat. “Are you aware that there are four huge guys who keep looking over here?”
I sigh. “Um, yeah. It’s nothing.”
Chris’s expression changes immediately. “Nothing?”
“They’re my… security.”