I look across the booth at Elle. “So, what do you think of our road trip so far?”
“It’s awesome,” she says with a grin. “Thank you so much for doing this. I think it’s just what we need.”
“Definitely. What could be better than spending time with my girl and going back to my home town?” I reply.
I’m continuing to battle my conscience as I shift unevenly between guilt and relief. Guilt that I’m still lying to her about how I came into her life and relief that she has no idea the danger she is in so can lead a relatively normal carefree life right now.
“Here you go, enjoy your meal,” the waitress grunts, putting our food on the table before stomping off.
“Thanks,” Elle says, smiling at the waitress who just nods in response before turning back towards the kitchen.
“Cheerful folk round here,” I muse, earning a giggle from Elle. I’d gladly spend a lifetime making her giggle like that.
After a surprisingly good lunch at the diner, Brax stands up from the booth, holding out his hand for mine before leading me towards the door and outside to the car. I look around and spot a black Honda parked over on the far side of the parking lot and feel myself tense up immediately. I look up at Brax and can tell that he’s seen the car too.
I remember a few months ago when I asked him about the black car hanging around my street. I didn’t tell him that I thought it was a rogue journalist because at that time, I still hadn’t told him about my parents or Brightlight. But now, considering we’re out in the middle of ‘Nowhereville’ Virginia and nobody is supposed to know where we are except Shay, I’m officially spooked.
I feel Brax’s hand move to the small of my back as he speeds up and directs me to the passenger side of the car.
“Get in the car and lock the doors, sweetheart,” he says sternly, the look on his face telling me that now is not the time to argue.
“Okay,” I say tentatively. I’ve never seen Brax act like this. It’s kinda hot, but scary too. He hasn’t taken his eyes off the black car and not once has he turned his back to it. He closes my door, waiting until he hears the locks click before heading in the direction of the Honda. He gets within thirty feet of the car before it revs up and takes off, leaving Brax standing in a cloud of dust. He tries to run after it, but has to turn back when the car disappears from sight. As he walks back towards me, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and starts texting. This whole situation is very strange to me. When he gets back in the car I’m going to find out what the hell is going on.
I unlock the doors when Brax reaches the car and as soon as he hops in, I hound him.
“What’s going on, Brax? Who was that?”
“I don’t know, hon, I really don’t. I’ve seen a similar car hanging around a couple of times since I moved in. Have you seen it recently?” Looking at his face, I can tell he’s genuinely concerned about this.
“Remember I told you that there had been a black car hanging around a bit and I thought it was strange?”
“Yeah” he says slowly, urging me to go on.
“Well, I’ve noticed it a couple more times in the past few weeks and once on Christmas Day when you were out getting beer.” I wince as he suddenly hits the steering wheel with both hands in frustration.
“Shit, Elle! You should’ve told me.” Why do I suddenly feel like I’ve done something wrong?
“Why, Brax? Why would I tell you? I don’t know who it is or what they want. It could just be a huge coincidence, don’t you think? I mean, no one knows where we are, right?” I’m starting to panic now, I can feel that old lump in my throat returning and fear closing in around me. Brax can see on my face that I’m losing it and puts his hand on my arm, keeping my gaze as he tries to calm me down
“Hon, it’s okay,” he says softly. “I’m sorry I got angry, you’re right, this could just be a big coincidence. But because of your money and your past, we can never be too careful. I’ve sent Shay a text and asked him to get his security contacts to check the number plate. He’ll let us know if we need to be worried, okay?” he looks really worried about me now.
He pulls me in for a hug and I wrap my arms around him, moving as close as I can, which is rather difficult given we’re in a Mustang with a stick shift in the way.
“I’ll always look after you darlin’, I’ll never let anyone hurt you,” he murmurs in my ear. What? Why would anyone hurt me? The only person in the world that has the power to hurt me right now is Brax. This is all bit weird. He’s just told me that he doesn’t know about this and I know he wouldn’t hold out on me, I’m sure he wouldn’t.
“I know you won’t. I just wish I knew what that man wants.” I’m exasperated now and I wish this person would just leave us alone.
Brax holding me has a calming effect. Once he’s assured that I’m okay, Brax starts the car and we start driving again.
After another couple of hours we finally reach Richmond, Virginia. Apart from the Coldplay CD playing in the background, we’ve both been quiet since we left the diner. I’m still reeling that we were followed from home and Brax has gone back to being very distracted and contemplative.
“I’ve never been to Richmond before,” he says, breaking the silence.
“Me either,” I reply. He knows I’ve never been to the East Coast before.
“I’m glad I get to come here with you first, then,” he says with a wink, slowing the car down before pulling over and parking. “We’re here.”
I look out the car window and see the most beautiful bed and breakfast I’ve ever seen. It’s a two-storied old house, painted a dark slate grey with the entire front full of windows. It looks romantic and homely, exactly what you’d imagine a traditional B&B to look like. I turn around and grin at Brax.
“It’s perfect,” I say excitedly, earning a huge smile from Brax.
“Glad you like it, baby, now let me get our bags and we’ll get checked in.” He turns the car off and opens his door. I’m glad we’ve finally stopped for the day. As much as I love Brax’s car, it is definitely nice to be able to walk around and stretch our legs.
I’ve never been one for road trips. Until now, the longest road trip I ever had was with my parents and Paige when I was thirteen and Paige was eight. Mum and Dad took us to the Grand Canyon—it took almost eight hours to get there, which we did all in one day. It was our last family holiday together before they died. I’m hoping that this trip with Brax will give me new holiday memories to replace the now painful ones from my past.