Behind Closed Doors Read Free Page B

problem. I just thought I’d
give you a quick ring.” I listened to her rattle off one of a
thousand excuses and responded. “No, nothing important, I’m
heading to a luncheon. No, no, I understand, have a good day.”
    My
sister was heading to pick up her son. My nephew was sweet, but I
barely knew him like I should. My sister lived a more bohemian
lifestyle and we weren’t close. Regardless, I reached out time
to time to check in. I tried my mom, but she was busy at a
conference. My father was my last shot. I didn’t really have
anybody else left to call.
    “ Daddy,
how are you? A meeting, right…no, I’ll catch you later.”
    There
was nobody else. I sat alone in the back of the car, waiting for my
driver to drop me at my luncheon. I’d paste a smile on my face
and pretend I wasn’t desperately lonely, and make a good
impression. That’s all it was, showing up, being seen, and
acting like I gave a damn. That’s all they wanted anyway, and
maybe some money for their agenda, or a photo op.
    As
the car approached the country club where the meeting was being held,
I decided I wasn’t going in. “Reggie, can you turn around
and leave. I don’t think I’m going today. Please take me
home.”
    “ Yes,
Ma’am,” he answered back.
    I
pulled out my other phone, the business one, and called the head of
the event. Profusely apologizing, I excused myself, begging out with
a terrible migraine. The host feigned sympathy, but all she cared
about was my name and face for her photo opportunity. I hated my
life, I realized in that very moment just how much. Something had to
give, needed to change, or I’d forever be living this lie.
    Before
we reached the house, I redirected Reggie. “Will you stop over
at Brielle’s Coffee Café first?”
    “ Yes,
Ma’am.” I hated all those Ma’am’s. I
understood why my employees answered that way, but it made me feel
older than I was, and felt so formal. I craved regular interaction,
not the kind where people were detached.
    As
the dark town car pulled to the curb, I got out, “Alex, would
you join me? Reggie would you like me to grab you something? You can
park the car; I’ll be a little bit. I’d like to sit for a
while.”
    “ No
Ma’am, but thank you.”
    Alex
stepped onto the sidewalk, as Reggie opened the door for me. “Will
you sit with me?” I directed the question to my bodyguard.
    “ Certainly,”
he said and went with me into the small café.
    I
smiled warmly at the woman behind the counter and placed my order.
“Is the small room in the back available?”
    “ Yes,
Mrs. Michaels, shall I bring your stuff back there?”
    “ That
would be great, I appreciate it.”
    We
headed towards the back of the small café, and passed through
a curtain. In the back there were two overstuffed chairs set aside in
a small private area. I’ve been coming here for a quite a bit,
and Brielle the owner shared her private alcove with me. It was for
special clients, and she included me in that list. Most people didn’t
realize there was a sitting area behind the curtain and thought it
was storage.
    Two
French country patterned chairs sat caddy corner to one another with
a small table between them. Sitting, I looked at Alex. He looked
stiff and postured as always. He took the chair facing the curtain so
he could keep an eye on things. I was amused, knowing I wouldn’t
be assaulted in the little coffee café, but he took his job
seriously.
    “ Alex,
for just a moment can you be my friend and not my employee?”
    He
looked at me curiously.
    “ I
want to ask you something, but not as your boss. I need some advice,
and I don’t really have anyone to talk to.”
    He
looked down, not sure how to answer. This wasn’t in his job
description, but he was human after all.
    “ Look,
I just need a friend,” I said quietly.
    “ Elle,
I’m not sure what you need, but I’m here.”
    “ Thank
you, Alex.” I felt badly watching him shift, knowing he wasn’t
sure how to respond. He