Page 21 of Breaking Point

“Thank you so much for having me,” I smile, and after quickly waving goodbye, I make my exit swift. I’m almost glad when I sense Taylor following me toward the elevator.

“Ready to leave already, Ms. Hughes?”

I smile, jamming my finger into the elevator button. “Just Liv is fine. And yes. Leaving sounds wonderful.”

He smiles, standing ahead of me as the doors shut. As soon as we get back to his spacious black SUV, I practically fall into the backseat. I sag against the headrest, glad for the extra leg room as he pulls onto the highway.

“Doing okay?” he asks suddenly, and I pop my eyes open to see him looking at me through the rearview mirror.

“Quite the party, wasn’t it?” He chuckles to himself as he drives, and I find myself straightening to see him better. “Do you like your job, Mr. Bishop?”

“Call me Taylor,” he corrects. “That’s what everyone but my wife calls me.”

I nearly laugh, remembering that I’d definitely seen a ring on his hand at some point. “What does your wife call you?”

“Lydia calls me Bear,” he says sheepishly.

“That’s sweet,” I nearly laugh. “Taylor it is.”

“And you’re not too bad. I’ve worked with my fair share of social royalty. I think there’s a lot to like about this job.”

Social royalty.

My smile is lazy, tired. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.” I settle a little further back. “Please let me know when we get there. I’m trying not to fall asleep.”

“Absolutely.”

It isn’t long before I’m nodding off, and then the sound of the door opening has me snapping back into reality.

“We’re here.”

Taylor stands at the open car door, and I shake off the remnants of sleep and unbuckle. The parking garage sits in the tower opposite my apartment. While I’m tempted to lose my heels and walk back barefoot, I know better than to walk home that way.

The market is the same bustling hub as usual. Brightly colored lanterns hang from the corner of carts, and the trill of music lulls people closer. I’ve watched enough tourists get lost in its draw that I know my way around its perimeter.

I pause at the pastry cart like usual, smiling when I spot the older man behind the counter.

“Want anything?” I ask Taylor, admiring the savory cheese danishes on the top shelf.

“No, thank you. Still on the clock.”

The clerk silently appraises me like always. “How are you?” I ask, and even though he never replies, he nods and I smile. “May I have four please?” He packs away the pastries as I dig a couple of bills from my purse to trade him. “Thank you. Have a good night.”

I wave, glad when I hear Taylor strolling alongside again. As we walk, I wordlessly proffer one of the pastries with parchment to Taylor.

He smiles. “You shouldn’t have.”

“I won’t tell anyone. Scouts honor.”

Taylor doesn’t eat it right away, but he also doesn’t say anything as I stop by Ricky’s alleyway to see if he’s awake. He usually leaves a flap of his tent open if he is, but when I find it closed, I opt for setting one of the boxes on his perch.

My hallway is dark like always, but my new keypad entry illuminates emerald green.

It will take some getting used to.

I stumble inside, ditching my heels and expecting Chesna to come running to greet me.

“Chesna?” I call, my heart hammering.

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