Date Me

"No. He doesn't need money. He wants to make my mom pay for whatever he thinks she did. He wants to hurt her by hurting me. He also thinks I look like her when they, um, dated. When they were young. He even called me by her name tonight.”

“That’s just sick. But don’t worry. You're safe now. Dallas and I will always make sure you’re safe."

"Did you know about Dallas? Like what he told me?"

Riley nods. "Yeah. They did full background checks on everyone at the school. Specifically chose me to be his roommate. They liked the fact that I had some military training and that I’m not afraid to break rules when necessary. They briefed me on his situation and asked me not to tell anyone. That’s why I was worried about you during Homecoming week. They told us with all the people coming and going we needed to be especially alert. Come on. Let's get you out of here. It's time to meet the senator."

While Riley goes out into the living room, I brush out my wet hair and put on a big fluffy robe. Not what I would usually choose for meeting a parent, let alone a senator, but it's going to have to do. I threw my clothes from the club in the trash and I’m not putting them back on.

I’m getting ready to walk out when I hear my name.

A voice I don’t recognize says, “Don’t you think it’s a little strange that this girl brings you to Miami and all of a sudden there’s a threat? Who is this girl, anyway?”

“We don’t know much about her, sir,” another voice says. “She apparently was admitted to the school at the last minute.”

“Don’t you think that’s a little odd? I want her background run now. I want to know everything about her.”

Shit.

I call Garrett quickly.

“Um, I have a question. How solid is my backstory? Like if someone starting digging. Like, the government, maybe. What would they find?”

“It will stand up. I’m good at what I do.”

“Okay, I won’t worry then.”

“Why don’t you tell me what’s going on.”

I tell him about Dallas.

“You swore to me that you wouldn’t go see a friend again.”

“I know, but this was different. Brooklyn’s event was public and pla

“Yeah, one that the club owners leaked all over the internet.”

“I didn’t know that. Damian didn’t know that.”

“He knows how the industry works. He’s not stupid. He risked your life tonight.”

“He’s never done a surprise thing like this before. He’d never knowingly put me in danger.”

Out in the living room, the same voice says, “Son, you need to start thinking with your head and not your dick. I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“They think it’s my fault, Garrett. They think I may have set Dallas up to get kidnapped.”

“Who is his dad?”

“He’s a senator from Kentucky. Last name is McMahon.”

“I know senator McMahon quite well. Did security for his trip to Central America a few years back. When we were fighting the war on drugs instead of the war on terror. Let me talk to him.”

“Garrett, no. I don’t want Riley and Dallas to know who I am or the truth. I don’t want to put them in danger.”

“How did you explain the situation to them?”

“I told them that Vincent was my mom’s ex-boyfriend. That he’s been stalking me.”

“That’s a pretty good story. And don’t worry about your background. I’ll call the senator myself. I’m also working on a new plan for your security. We’re going to be making some changes.”

“Garrett, one other thing. When I talked to Vincent, he told me about how he’s been following the breadcrumbs to find me. He never once mentioned anything about school. I’m positive he doesn’t know where I am.”

“Well, that’s the best news I’ve heard all night.”

He hangs up, so I walk out into the living room.

Even though he was just talking trash about me a few moments ago, the senator gets off the couch with an outstretched hand. He's tall and broad-shouldered with perfect white hair and eyes as blue as Dallas'.

I shake his hand just as his phone rings.

“Excuse me, I need to take this.” He steps away from the living area.

“I heard what your dad was saying,” I say to Dallas. “I would never want anyone to hurt you.” I start getting tears in my eyes just thinking about someone hurting him or Riley.

He gives me a hug. “He’s just watching out for me. What we went through was scary.”

I nod my head into his chest, completely understanding.

The senator ends his call and sits on the couch again.

“So, Miss Monroe, I just spoke to our mutual friend.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I understand the situation now. We’ve decided to join forces.”

I sort of squint my eyes at him. I’m pretty sure that whatever they are pla

Dallas says, “Join forces?”

“Miss Monroe went to Eastbrooke at the last minute because she is in a similar situation. An old boyfriend of her mother’s is stalking her.”

I smile. Garrett lied. To a Senator. For me. I want to reach through the phone and kiss him.

Dallas says, “So you lied too?”

“Just about that,” I say, but then I add, “mostly.”

“It sounds like you kids had quite the scare, either way.”

“I’m so sorry for all the trouble I caused."

The Senator puts his hand on top of mine and says, "I'd much rather you overreact and be wrong, than not react and be in danger. You kids can stay here in the suite, relax, and try to enjoy what's left of your weekend. We'll make sure you get back to school safely."

Sunday, October 16th

We should party.

11:30 am

We slept in late, got up, ordered a huge breakfast, and ate it overlooking the bay.

I stay out on the deck because it’s so incredibly peaceful.

Dallas and Riley yell at me to come inside. They’re both sitting on the sofa drinking beers and laughing. Dallas has in iPad in his hand.

“What are you two laughing about?”

“We’re watching our video. You know it has like 500 views already.

“It was really fun to make,” Dallas says. “That plane was freaking sweet.”

“You did a good job editing it. Really, Riley, you’re very talented.”

“Thanks, baby. So what are you go

“What is there to do? He wanted her, not me. We’re done.”

“He’s been posting stuff about you on his Facebook wall. I don’t think he wants her. He wants you.”

“I have to tutor Aiden when we get back. Then I guess I’ll see what happens.”

“Do you want me to ask him? I mean, I think you’d want to know before you get there.”

“I kind of wish we could just stay here. You’re right, though. I do want to know what happened.”

As we’re being driven to the airport I text Jake.

Me: I’m heading back to school soon. Wondered what happened this weekend with Whitney and Dawson. Do you know?

Jake: They hung out on Saturday. I don’t know if they did anything. Bryce said they seemed awkward. I avoided them. Hung out with some other people.

Me: So aren’t they back together?

Jake: Don’t think so. He told Ace he screwed up, and he was stupid for thinking he wanted her back. I think it was just sort of an ego trip. He had wanted her back for so long.

Me: Are you doing okay?

Jake: I’m doing very well actually.

Me: Okay, I’ll see you later tonight. I think we should party.

Jake: Sounds good.

Riley says, “I’m go

I lean over and watch him type.

Riley: Headed back home. How did things turn out this weekend? You and W back together?

Dawson: This weekend sucked. And no, we’re not.

Riley: My weekend was AWESOME!!! The best weekend of my life.