Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Ruby

Everything’s better now that I’ve been reunited with Miguel. I’m still fuming because my dad lied to me about Miguel quitting. But I guess it’s not a surprise. My father and I haven’t seen eye to eye in a long time. I assume it’s because he blames me for my mother’s death because that’s when his demeanor toward me changed.

Before we lost Mom, my dad and I were pretty close. We had a good and loving relationship. Why else would he change toward me? Even as a child, I could recognize his disdain for me. I’ve tried to broach the subject with him over the years, but he refuses to discuss it. He says it’s all in my head—that everything between us is fine. But I know he’s lying.

Charlie seems nice. She takes a seat on the sofa. “Miguel told me you’re an artist.”

“Yes. I paint miniature custom portraits, mostly people’s pets and kids. What about you? What do you like to do?”

“I’m a bit of a tech nerd,” she says. “I play a lot of video games and watch movies.”

While we’re chatting, my phone chimes with an incoming text message.

Miguel – Movers have arrived. They’re packing your stuff now.

“Good news, I hope?” Charlie asks.

“It’s from Miguel. He says the movers have arrived and are packing up my things.”

“I hear you’re moving into my building. You’re going to love it. It’s convenient to shopping and restaurants, and the building has all the amenities you could want, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and a pool. And, it’s only a couple of blocks from Lake Michigan. You’ll love the view.”

I smile, trying to look enthusiastic. Charlie obviously doesn’t know I don’t go outside.

“You guys will probably be just down the hall from my apartment.”

“It’ll be nice to know someone in the building. Miguel says the security is tight. Is that right?”

“It is. There are cameras all over the public places on the property. To enter the building, you have to pass through a security gate in the main lobby where IDs are checked. Visitors have to be approved. A lot of my friends live in that building. I think you’ve met Jason and Layla already? They live there. We get together often at each other’s apartments to hang out, watch movies, cook out, or just chill. You’re welcome to join us.”

Charlie pauses, looking at me thoughtfully. I wonder if my apprehension is showing.

“Of course you don’t have to,” she says. “No pressure. You do you.”

“Miguel has a lot of friends, doesn’t he?”

She nods. “He’s very popular. When we go out, girls practically throw themselves at him.”

I reach for my water glass, but it’s almost empty.

“Here, let me get you some more,” Charlie says. She grabs the pitcher on the side table and pours ice water into my glass.

Even though I got a decent amount of sleep last night, I’m still tired. “Do you mind if I doze off a while?”

“Of course not,” Charlie says. “Take a nap. Don’t mind me.” She gets up and turns down the lights before returning to the sofa. She holds up her phone. “I’ll just read for a while.”

I lean back on my pillow and close my eyes. I’m almost asleep when there’s a quiet knock at the door. Immediately, I jump.

Charlie stands. “I’ll get it.” She disappears to the other side of the privacy curtain and speaks quietly to someone at the door. Soon she peeks around the curtain. “Edward McCall is here. He wants to know if you feel up to a visitor.”

“Yes, definitely.” Edward’s someone I’m always happy to see.

Edward walks around the curtain holding onto a helium get well balloon. “Hey, kiddo.” He smiles. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better. Just tired. I hope to be released later today.”

“I brought you a little something to cheer you up.” He ties the balloon to the foot of my bedframe. “Are you sure it’s safe to go back to your apartment? Would you like to come stay with me? You’re always welcome, you know.”

“Miguel has arranged for us to move into an apartment in his building.” I give him the building’s location in the Gold Coast.

“That’s a fantastic piece of real estate, and it’s very secure.”

Charlie, who’s back on the sofa reading, nods. “Absolutely.”

“This is Charlie,” I say, motioning to my babysitter. “She works for the same company Miguel does. She’s hanging out with me until Miguel gets back from supervising the move.”

Edward nods in approval. “Nice to meet you, Charlie.” He pulls up another visitor chair and sits on the other side of my bed. He reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Is there anything I can do for you? Anything I can get you?”

“I don’t think so. I’m just anxious to be released and return to some sort of normalcy.”

“My apartment building isn’t far from where you’ll be staying,” Edward says. “If it’s okay, I’d like to come and visit you, see how you’re settling in.”

“I’d like that. Edward?”

“Yes?”

“Dad told me Miguel had quit. He lied to me.”

“Your father does seem a bit stressed lately. More than usual, anyway. It’s probably because he’s worried about you. We’re all worried about you. This attempt to drug you is concerning for us all.”

I lower my voice. “What did I ever do to make him hate me so much?”

“Oh, honey, Allen doesn’t hate you. You’re his daughter—you’re all he has left after Helen—” He breaks off here as shadows darken his blue eyes. He looks away. “Allen took her death hard. We all did. She was the glue that held us all together. Just be patient with him, Ruby. I’m sure he’ll ease up once your stalker is caught.”