Page 107 of Little Sunshine

And then the door slid closed.

I should tell her something came up.

Or that I’m ill.

I’ll say it’s my stomach. No one asks follow-up questions about that.

After Ash left for work, I’d checked out the penthouse to see it was as barren as the one at Sunrise. There was no real color to the primer beige palette. Not many furnishings. Even less decor.

But it had a freaking balcony pool.

It was a sad waste of potential.

Juliet’s iPad had been sitting on the table again, but I hadn’t touched it. My hormones didn’t need the smutty boost.

When there’d been nothing else to see—and I’d stalled for as long as possible—I’d finally texted Juliet.

I’d wondered if Ash had been exaggerating her interest in hanging out with me. Based on the multitude of texts she’d quickly responded with, though, it seemed like he’d been underselling it.

I’d never had a lot of friends. Even as a little kid, it’d been too hard to explain why their lovingly concerned parent couldn’t talk to mine before I came over for a playdate. Or why I could never have them over to my house. It’d been easier to keep everyone at arm’s length.

The instant I’d agreed to meet her at the pool, regret and my nerves had kicked into overdrive. Juliet wasn’t just some random coworker or acquaintance. She was Ash’s boss’ wife. If I did something wrong—and, let’s face it, I was likely to put my foot directly into my mouth—it wouldn’t just be an awkward disaster to suppress from my memories. It could have ramifications for Ash.

Hence my mental freak-out as I rode down the elevator.

The door opened, and I stepped out onto the first floor. Juliet had offered to meet me, but I’d assured her I could manage. There was more than enough signage to make her detailed directions unnecessary.

With my focus elsewhere, it took me longer than it should’ve to realize I was being followed. Acting like I was just taking in the lights and excitement, I glanced quickly over my shoulder to see a uniformed security guard walking a few steps behind.

My chest tightened.

My palms began to sweat.

Anxiety skittered down my spine like a million tiny spiders.

Turning a corner, I looked back again to see he still followed. With my luck, he’d been there to witness my pickpocketing and was about to belatedly bust me.

Run.

Holy shit, run.

It’ll make a scene, but getting hauled into the security office would be far worse.

I inhaled deep, slowly releasing the breath as I reminded myself that I was allowed to be there. That I wasn’t doing anything wrong.

That I wasn’t back in the past.

It’s nothing. He’s probably coincidentally headed the same way as me. He isn’t actually following me.

And if he is, it’s probably to make sure I don’t sneak onto a slot machine.

I pushed outside, and the warm sun heated my clammy face. I inhaled slow and deep as I took a path past a drink stand and towel racks, hoping the fresh air would help.

It didn’t.

Another peek showed security continued to trail me. But his focus was aimed elsewhere as he scanned around.

Oh. Duh. He’s probably on patrol or whatever it’s called.

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