Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(82)

Seventy Eight


I settle in back home pretty quickly over the next few days, only forgetting a couple of times in the beginning to text my bodyguards when I leave the apartment other than taking Sadie outside for our morning routine. I know they’re here for my protection, but I’m starting to feel more like I’m being babysat. I keep my outings to a minimum, mostly just taking Sadie out early in the morning when there isn’t anyone on the streets and late evenings after the sun has set, unless she really needs to get out.

Jared and I only see each other over video chat, which ends up including Pop-Pop and Nathan on occasion. We’re trying to minimize being seeing together as I keep hoping that the news will find a new story to occupy their A.D.D. minds. Unfortunately, it looks like Jared and I are going to have to give an official statement and we’re debating on how we want to approach it.

Nathaniel’s has been closed the past several days since it’s been completely out of stock. Nathan and Denise have been working strictly with the celebrities who have called, and he reports that the department stores scheduled to release his designs are bumping up production to have them out within the week to capitalize on all of the news. Some of them have already asked for him to create a Spring look for both men and women for next year. They’re bidding high amounts to get first dibs. As happy as I am for him, he’s creating a special men’s and women’s line named after Chris and me that gives me reservations. I have mixed emotions over the whole concept, but I know that it does make good business sense. Looks like Nathaniel’s will be on Rodeo Drive sooner than later.

Maggie and Henry have been doing great. Henry’s business has picked up in certain areas due to he and Maggie being in the news with Chris and me. Maggie checks in with me each day for work as well as making sure I’m not going crazy from all of the comments posted online.

One morning, Sadie and I are on the train heading to downtown Los Angeles to meet up with Maggie at the Peking Wok. I’m tired of being inside and need to get out. I barely notice Taylor, Dale, Dylan and Caesar on the train and try hard not to look around to draw attention to myself. With sunglasses on, I have a peaceful ride. We exit the train onto Seventh Street and walk the rest of the way to the restaurant. Taylor calls my cell, suggesting that I take a cab, but I refuse. I need to walk.

Once inside the restaurant, Maggie and I get settled into our regular booth as two of my guards stay in the restaurant with me at a distance while the other two stay out on the streets. At some point during the past few days, everyone’s bodyguards have become acquainted to prevent confusion or misunderstanding when my friends and I are all together.

“So we’re still scheduled to go to Oregon the first week in November, right?” Maggie checks.

“Yes,” I confirm. “Joe says that the construction team is meeting their deadlines and he’s flying back up first thing next week to check in on everything.”

“Awesome,” Maggie praises.

When M?qīn comes over to give us more tea a half hour before the restaurant opens for lunch, she whispers something to Maggie. They both look at me with odd expressions.

“What?”

Not giving them a chance to answer, Taylor comes over to the table in a hurry. “Ms. Emma, we should make arrangements to leave and have your meeting continue somewhere else.”


“What? Why?”

“Apparently, there’s a line out the door,” Maggie informs.

“Is there a store having a sale?” I ask, taking a sip of my tea.

“No,” M?qīn corrects.

“What?” I inquire, confused by their expressions.

My phone vibrates and it takes me a moment to process what’s happening.

“Hey, Jared,” I greet with as much of an upbeat tone I can muster.

“You okay?” he checks, worried.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” I ask, nervous by his words.

“Where are your bodyguards?” he inquires.

“They’re here with me at the Peking Wok. Why?” I return.

“They know where you are,” he says.

“Who does?”

“Everyone on Twitter,” he explains.

“What?”

“Someone posted a photo of you on the train with Sadie. I guess someone followed you because they know you’re there and a crowd forming outside.”

“How do you know that?”

“There’s a news helicopter circling above, showing that the street is flooding with people,” he informs.

“Shit!” I exclaim.

My phone buzzes and I see that Joe is calling me now, probably for the same reason.

“Ms. Emma,” Taylor says, looking for my response. “It’s not safe. We need to get you out of here.”

“I’ll call you back, Jared,” I inform.

“Let me know when you’re home safe, okay?” he checks.

“Definitely.”

“Love you, Kitten.”

“Love you too.” My attention turns toward Maggie and I resume discussing business.

“Emma?” Maggie says with a little apprehension.

“They aren’t scaring me out of here,” I command.

“What would you like to do, Ms. Emma?” Taylor asks politely.