Page 42 of Marc

She thinks for a moment, presumably weighing both delicious options, before saying, “How about we order pancakes today?”

“Perfect.” I reply as I pick up the phone that is on my end table and dial the number for room service.

The same woman from last night answers after the second ring and immediately asks for my room number and our breakfast order.

I give her our room number and order pancakesfor Staci and me, as well as a side of sausage links, bacon, hash browns, and coffee for two.

She recites the order back to me, and when I confirm it is correct, she says it will be twenty to thirty minutes.

Staci’s mouth falls open when I hang up the phone.

I know I ordered a lot of food for the two of us, but we are both pretty hungry and on vacation.

“What?” I ask when she continues to stare at me.

“You ordered coffee for two. I thought you didn’t like the bitter taste of coffee.”

“I don’t, but I figured I could use the caffeine this morning.”

Since I can’t stick to my normal routine and make a protein shake and workout, I might as well mix it up and have a cup of coffee with Staci.

She stops flipping through the channels when she stumbles on a house renovation show.

I might not have been in her house long, but I don’t remember seeing any need for major renovations. “Are you thinking about renovating your house, or do you just enjoy watching these types of shows?”

“I love watching these shows, but I’m not sure about renovating. Especially now that Jared knows where I live. Renovating is a lot of work, but it’s nice to have an updated house that feels brand new. Maybe I will just sell the house and start over.”

She frowns and looks sad at the thought of selling her house.

“I thought you loved living there?”

“I do. I love living next door to Miss Edith, and I love my house. Sure, it doesn’t have my dream bathroom or a huge kitchen island that I can fit a huge Thanksgiving meal on, but it is mine and it is home. Selling and starting over might be what I need, though.”

I stare at her. “Is that what you really want? Do you really want to sell your house and start over?”

“Not really, but as long as Jared knows where I am, then I’m not safe in my house.”

My heart aches knowing that her ex-husband is causing her this much trouble. She doesn’t deserve to feel like she is.

She doesn’t deserve any of this.

“We will take care of Jared and give you the freedom you deserve so you can feel safe and secure.”

One way or another, I will make sure of it.

She throws her hands up in exasperation.

“How? The only option I seem to have is to move to a different county, maybe even further away in another state. I’ll have to move the studio as well. I need to be far away from Jared. I need peace and safety.”

All of that sounds horrible.

I don’t want her moving to a different state and I don’t want her to move her studio. That would essentially end my modeling career and our budding friendship.

I place my hand on hers to calm her down. “Whoa. Just relax. You don’t have to make any rash decisions right now. We can figure things out together when we are back home.”

Her voice is soft and full of uncertainty. “Together?”

“That’s what boyfriends are for, right?”

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