Page 28 of Green Lights and Obsession
She took another minute to collect herself before she left the privacy of the small powder room and walked back into the sitting room where everyone was waiting. A life she didn’t want, but didn’t have a choice in.
“I think a hobby would be nice. Something I can spend my time on.” She let out a breath as she sat down.
All eyes turned from her to her father.
“A wonderful idea, did you have something in mind?” He kept his face straight.
“I used to love telling stories when I was little. I think writing would be nice.”
“Why not just read a book?” Her husband questioned from where he stood near the window.
She couldn’t come outright and say it would allow her to imagine an escape. “I think writing out my thoughts could help me process things.” She took in a breath. “Maybe properly grieve from the loss of her.”
Her husband looked away. She watched as Tom closed his eyes and nodded. Maybe he understood. Maybe things would change and he would finally stop blaming her.
Either way, she needed a way of escape that didn’t threaten Jay. She couldn’t be with him. Not when The Family threatened more than the happiness they could share.
* * *
The Family didn’t askmuch of her, just be a responsible wife and stay out of the public eye for a while. She knew it was because her face was still bruised from the afternoon Tom took it too far. Thankfully, he’d been avoiding her as well. He still went into the city for work but extra security was in place around the house, mostly outside.
Daisy had turned one of the spare rooms into her own sanctuary. Shelves with a small but growing collection of books, comfortable furniture, a desk that she could sit or stand at. She spent two weeks and barely left the space she’d created for herself.
For two weeks, she spent nearly every moment in her space. Daisy practically lived on the internet during that time. When she wasn’t reading, she was immersing herself on social media under a pseudonym. She couldn’t deal with her reality, so she made up a new one. It was under the safety of this other name that she created a new life for herself. One that was simple. A character that had more freedom.
She interacted with others that were passionate about books. One author she became fond of because they wrote motorcycle club romance. It was wild and exotic. This author quickly became a favorite. Then her new email dinged and excitement filled her. What new release could it be?
She clicked on the icon, and her mailbox opened up. It was a newsletter from her new favorite author. Daisy didn’t hesitate to open it, thinking it might be a new release or another teaser. It was something even better. A book event that wasn’t far from her.
Motorcycles, Mobsters, and Mayhem
Author Event
She chuckledat the name of the event. It was next weekend and only a couple of hours away from her. Daisy wanted to go, but she didn’t know how it could work. She didn’t want to ask permission to go; she wanted to be able to just go.
Her life wasn’t that simple though. So, she walked through the house until she found herself outside of Tom’s office. His door was open, and he was looking over paperwork.
“Tom.” She cleared her throat.
His eyes glanced up at hers, dark circles under his eyes.
“My favorite author is going to be at a book event not far from here next weekend. I’m going to go and get some books.”
He shook his head. “Why don’t you just order the books and have them delivered?”
“I can get them personally signed. I can meet these authors.”
“I don’t know, Daisy.”
“Tom, I’m fine with whatever security needs to be in place. I’d like to also pick some of their brains for when I eventually write my own book.”
“You’re going to write a book?” He ran his hand through his hair.
“I’m going.” She kept her face straight. All while pleading in her head that he didn’t fight her on this. She needed this moment of escape. A chance of fake happiness was better than no happiness.
“Alright.” He shook his head. “Five guards.”
“That seems excessive. Maybe just one and we can make them seem like a friend so I don’t draw attention.”
