Ihaven’tseenCallumin over a week. As promised, he left me with the bodyguard. At first, I struggle to get used to having a shadow everywhere I am, but today, I realize I don’t have a Peeping Tom anymore. Maybe having Scotty around isn’t so bad after all.
It’s also nice to have a personal driver on mornings that are cold. Like today. Usually Scotty follows me in the SUV while I walk, but whenever I’m not feeling up to it, I climb in the backseat.
Scotty waives as I lock up the house and head for the SUV. “Morning, Dr. Savino. Sleep well?”
I’ve been doing well. I haven’t touched any alcohol other than one glass of wine in the past eight days. When Callum came over and explained to me who Scotty was, he left a sense of peace in me that I’d struggled to find for years, and I hadn’t found myself thinking of Jason.
″Fine, thanks. I’m a bit late. Can you drive me?”
″Yes, ma’am.”
I know it’s his job but, like a gentleman, he opens the back door for me. I slip in, pulling my jacket off immediately. It’s already nice and toasty in here, as if he knew I would need a ride today.
Scotty pulls the SUV onto the street, and it takes a bit to get to the hospital. Because of traffic, it’s actually five minutes longer than walking. But at least all my fingers are nice and warm.
Scotty helps me out and checks in with the valet as he follows me inside. It’s only my third shift since he’s been with me, but we’ve sort of already fallen into a rhythm. He gives me space, hanging mostly in the cafeteria, and I have my cell phone if I ever need him.
He follows me through the automatic sliding doors, arms folded neatly behind his back. Though it’s hidden well, I know he carries a shoulder holster underneath his sleek black suit.
″Haley!” Drake’s familiar voice calls before I’m even behind the STAFF ONLY labeled doors. I roll my eyes and try to push through them, but he ducks in front of me, blocking the door.
If I swipe my badge, the doors will unlock, but he’ll just be able to follow me through, anyway. Scotty steps forward, coming to a stop beside me. He doesn’t give a fuck that Drake is dressed in uniform, as he questions his motives. “Is everything okay, Dr. Savino?”
“Who is this Haley?” Drake asks on a huff. He folds his arms over his chest. I haven’t spoken to him since our date, so I understand his frustration.
In my defense, we never exchanged numbers, so the only way to speak would be in person at the hospital, and this is the first time I’m seeing him after the date.
″He’s a Southie, Officer Kirkland.” A nurse pushing past us in the crowded hall whispers. A Southie? What does that mean?
″Ma’am?” Scotty says, waiting for my answer.
″It’s fine, Scotty,” I say, then look at Drake. “I’ve got to get to work.”
″I’d love to take you out again.”
″Thanks, Drake. But I don’t think so.”
″Come on, Haley,” Drake says, his voice strained. “I thought we had a good time.” His face twists, and he steps forward. My stomach lights on fire and I immediately step behind Scotty, my face burying in his back..
Scotty puts his hand out to stop Drake. “You should leave the doctor alone, lad.”
His choice of words throw me. He has an American accent but uses the Irish term for a boy the way Callum would.
As a panic attack builds, I try to focus on why an Irishman would have an American accent and why Callum hired him as a bodyguard. Are they family?
I try to count down from ten. Sweat accumulates on my forehead, and I choke as I attempt to catch air into my lungs.
Eight days sober, and it’s all about to fall apart.
″I need—” I pull in air, sucking it down. “To go—” Exhale, “home,” inhale, “Please.” Exhale.
Breathe, Haley. Breathe.
Scotty’s hands wrap around my shoulders, and he pulls me into him. He’s talking to me, but I can only focus on my breathing. I’m sinking, drowning in a pool of anxiety. I just want to be normal. Why can’t I just be fucking normal?
Normal is boring. It sucks.Andi’s words spin around in my head. She brings me back to the real world, even though she isn’t here with me. Of all the things she’s ever said to me, those are the truest. The ones that help bring me down when I can remember them. They ground me to reality.
Finally, I can breathe. “Haley? Are you okay, sweetheart?” Scotty’s voice pulls into my head.