Page 20 of Starrily
The dog ran to the woman. She leashed him and tried to lean past Stan.
“Ma’am—” he warned.
“Fine,” she grumbled and left with the dog.
“What was that?” Simon asked as Stan approached.
“A crazed fan. A stalker, perhaps,” Stan explained. “Don’t worry. I have her handled.”
“You know her?”
“She’s attempted to make contact before.”
“Are you always swarmed by women when you go out?” Calliope asked.
“Not always,” Simon said. “But you’re doing a pretty good job of chasing them away. Soon, I won’t even need Stan anymore.”
“I’m fired?” Stan asked.
“No, no …” Simon leaned his head back. “Jokes, people!”
Jessica caught up with them. “Who’s ready to take more photos?”
“Don’t you have plenty already?” Simon asked.
“Of Callie, yes. But I need some of you two together. I think over by the fence would look great. Come!” She pulled Calliope by the sleeve and ran toward the spot.
Simon spared one last look over his shoulder. The woman was gone, but a twinge of uneasiness remained. A fawning fan was one thing, but a stalker?
He caught Stan’s gaze; the bodyguard gave him a stoic nod, meaning he had everything handled.
Hopefully, he did. Simon had enough on his plate at the moment.
The wind was stronger at Jessica’s chosen spot, but Simon could see why she wanted to take pictures here—the view of the sky and ocean behind them was fantastic. Calliope was already waiting, clenching her arms close to her body when Simon joined her.
“What do we do now? Shake hands?” Calliope asked.
“You’re not politicians,” Jessica said. She looked through the camera, then lowered it. “Simon, put your hand on the fence behind her. Callie, look … relaxed.”
Calliope shot a quick glance at Simon.
“It’s fine. Surely she’ll run out of batteries soon,” he whispered.
“Step closer to each other.”
They both moved, bumping into each other.
“Watch where you—” Calliope started.
“You watch—” The wind slapped her scarf into his face.
Jessica giggled. “Maybe take off the scarf?”
Calliope attempted to do so, but the scarf had gotten tangled up in the back.
“Here, let me do it.” Simon grabbed the scarf.
“I’ve got it.”
