Fit for the Job (17 page)

Jay tapped his code into the keypad, and the gate opened. He glanced at the car again as he closed the gate, and saw the man watching him. Whoever he was, he wasn’t allowed
inside
the gate. There was most likely a reasonable explanation for his presence. Jay wondered if he was getting paranoid after a week spent with movie stars and whispers of secret videos.

As he made his way up the long driveway, he saw Bodie step out of the side door, freshly showered, his hair tied back, looking delicious in dark jeans and an orange tee shirt.

“Hey,” Bodie said as Jay reached him. “Was wondering where you went.”

“Were you looking for me? Just went on a green smoothie run.”

Bodie smiled. “Mr. Health Nut.”

Jay chuckled. “I like that better than Sassy’s name for me,
Mr. Aerobics Queen
.”

Bodie laughed. “I don’t know, I kind of like that one.”

“Don’t even think about it. So what’s up? Is my health nut presence required?”

“Actually,” Bodie said, “Ingrid would like to speak with you. She’s out back, on the sun patio. I’m supposed to take you to her when you get back.”

Jay frowned. “Why does Ingrid want to talk to me?”

“About Sassy.”

“Huh.” Jay wasn’t expecting to have to talk to Ingrid. He’d have worn something besides running pants and an old Boston College tee shirt.

“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about,” Bodie said. He tilted his head, looking at Jay. “What’s the matter, you nervous?”

“Well...” Jay shrugged. “She’s an Oscar nominee!”

Bodie laughed. “She’s a person, Jay. And she’s very nice. Should I take you over now, or do you need a minute?”

Jay shook his head, glancing down at his attire. “No, I guess not. If she doesn’t mind me dressed like a bum.”

“You’re dressed like a fitness instructor,” Bodie said. “Which is what they hired you for. Come on. Let’s go.”

Jay followed Bodie into the house, trying not to get distracted by the muscular curve of his back in that tee shirt. He was surprised how normal things felt in Bodie’s presence today, considering it was
the morning after
and all. But he felt no awkwardness, and Bodie didn’t seem to, either. If anything, Bodie was friendlier, more relaxed. Jay supposed this was what it meant to have adult relations with...well, an adult. His ex-boyfriend had been such an emotional basket-case and tantrum thrower, Jay had almost forgotten that sex and romance were supposed to be fun, something to make you feel
good
, not something to fight about.

They trailed down a hallway Jay hadn’t previously seen.
Snoopy’s dog house
. He hadn’t gotten a chance to fully explore the house yet, the place was like a maze.

Bodie opened a glass sliding door and led him out onto a gorgeous garden patio, a fountain trickling soothingly in the center. The patio was decorated with wrought iron furniture with pastel, floral cushions. Seated in a lounge chair, Ingrid Wright gripped a teacup in her small white hands, gazing off at the fountain.

“Ingrid,” Bodie said. “This is Jay.”

Ingrid looked up and gave Jay a tired smile. “Thank you, Bodie. Jay, have a seat, please. Do you want some tea? Libby just made a pot.”

“No, thank you,” Jay said, taking the seat nearest to her. Bodie left them, disappearing back inside the house.

Ingrid took a sip of her tea. She was a natural beauty, delicate cheekbones and chin. Again Jay thought she looked a bit wan and gaunt, but figured perhaps it was because she wore no makeup, a sprinkle of pale freckles visible on her nose. Her dark auburn hair was tied back into a twist, and she wore loose, green cotton pants with a black tank top. Though she was clearly fit, a tiny bicep popping above the bend of her arm, Jay thought she was far too thin. But hell, it wasn’t him who had to be in front of a camera for a living.

She cast her glance upon him, her eyes dropping to the smoothie he held. “Libby could have made you a smoothie, just ask her if you need anything.”

“Oh, that’s okay,” Jay said. “I was in the mood for a walk.”

She nodded and stared into her cup for a while. Finally, she turned and looked at him, giving another smile that didn’t meet her eyes. There was sadness in those eyes, and Jay felt it to his core. He wanted to give her a hug or something, but kept his place. “Thanks for meeting with me,” Ingrid said softly.

“No problem,” Jay said. “How are you doing?”

Ingrid chuckled, setting her tea down on the table beside her. “It’s been a long time since someone asked me that.” She smiled at Jay. “I’m shitty, Jay. How are you?”

Jay set his smoothie down on the floor of the patio, then leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything,” Ingrid said. “But first, how are you doing? I’m hearing nothing but praise about your work with my daughter. She’s not giving you too much trouble, then?”

“No,” Jay said. “Sassy’s a great kid.”

Ingrid chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Right.” She studied Jay. “Your hair is different. I’ve used your exercise video. You’re very talented.”

“Thank you,” Jay said. “Yeah, I got it cut. Was getting in the way.”

Ingrid stared into the fountain, looking sad again. “Well, I flew out here thinking I was making some grand gesture to be with my daughter on her birthday. I should have known better. But I truly thought things might have improved in my absence. The healing power of time and all that.” She looked at Jay. “Are you aware of the problems we’re having with Sassy?”

Jay wasn’t sure how much he should reveal about what he knew. Bodie had indicated he was sharing more with Jay than Eben would be comfortable with. He opted for caution. “I’ve witnessed some friction between Sassy and her father,” he said.

Ingrid let out a tinkling laugh, bringing a bit of color to her pale cheeks. “Friction.” She nodded. “Yes, you could say that. You see, Jay, earlier this year, Sassy discovered a
horrible
truth.” Her tone was edged with sarcasm. “That her parents are, in fact, human beings.”

Jay frowned. “I see.”

“I, in my misguided wisdom, decided I could quell the situation by being
honest
with her. I thought she was mature enough to understand that people, even parents, make mistakes.” She gave Jay another of those wan smiles. “You don’t have children, am I right?”

“That’s right.”

“When they’re little, you fool yourself into thinking you’ll always have some semblance of control over them.” She shook her head and waved a hand in front of her face. “Anyway, I didn’t call you here to listen to my parental woes. The thing is, I flew out here to spend Sassy’s sixteenth birthday with her. But apparently, Sassy would much rather spend her birthday with
you
.”

Jay leaned back in the chair, feeling small. “Oh. I’m sorry.”

“So am I,” Ingrid said. “But I’m also tired. I gave it my best last night, but I just can’t fight her anymore.” She looked at Jay. “My child has grown attached to you in a very short amount of time. So I’ll assume she’s spoken to you about Eben and me.”

Jay shook his head. “Not much, actually. I mean, I can see that she’s unhappy about something. But she hasn’t said much.”

“Oh, I’m sure she’s said enough.” Ingrid picked up her tea and took a sip. She hugged the cup in her palms. “Sassy probably said that we don’t love her. That is utter bullshit. I love my daughter very much. Which is why I won’t have her sleeping in a tent, in some woods where I have no idea what, or who is around.”

“Oh.” Jay nodded. “I understand. It was just an idea. I apologize, I didn’t think it through.”

She waved a hand at him. “It was a fine idea. Sassy certainly liked it. She’s hell bent on canoeing and camping now. So if you don’t mind, I’ve made a few adjustments to your plan.”

Jay frowned, confused. “All right.”

Reaching down under the table, Ingrid pulled up a map, and handed it to Jay. “I’ve outlined the route. You can still canoe down the river you wanted. But someone will drop you off, at the spot I marked. You won’t be camping in the woods, however. Eben and I have rented a cabin, here.” She leaned over and tapped a fingernail on the map.

Jay studied the map. The route was slightly different than what he’d previously done with his friends, but it was still close. On a spot along the route, was an X drawn in red, the word ‘cabin’ written in.

“You’ll find a vehicle parked at the cabin when you get there, I’ll make sure Bodie has the keys. It’s a short trail through the woods to reach the place,” she said. “You can just pull the canoes up and tie them off in the woods, but someone else will retrieve them so you can drive back. Don’t worry, the cabin is rustic enough that Sassy won’t feel like she’s getting slighted on her
nature
experience.”

Jay bristled slightly at the contempt in Ingrid’s tone.

“But I want my daughter sleeping behind a door that locks, not a tent. The cabin will have all your supplies there when you reach it. There are several bedrooms. The largest of which, I’d like Sassy to stay in with Evelyn. You and Bodie may choose whichever rooms you want.”

Jay nodded. “All right. Great. Sounds great.”

Ingrid sighed and ran a hand over her head, patting down her hair. “Yeah,” she said. “Great.” She turned and looked at Jay. “I’ve arranged gifts for Sassy. They’ll be at the cabin when you get there. Bodie and Evelyn have told me gifts they would like to give Sassy themselves. If you’d like to get her something, please let Bodie know before you leave the house this morning, and I’ll see that it gets purchased and delivered along with the others.”

“Yeah, absolutely thanks,” Jay said. His mind already churned, thinking he’d like to get Sassy some horror novels he knew she’d enjoy. He hoped Ingrid wouldn’t mind. But since Sassy spent most of her days watching violent films, he figured it wasn’t an issue.

“I’ve also arranged for a cake to be there as well as the gifts. If you have any influence over my daughter, please make sure she doesn’t
ruin
her gifts in a fit of rage.”

Jay smiled. “You heard about cake-pocalypse, then,” he said, stealing Bodie’s term.

Ingrid laughed fully for the first time. “Yes,” she said. “In great detail.” She sighed, the laughter trailing out of her. “I’ve made some very bad decisions when it comes to my daughter. But I’d like her to have a good sixteenth birthday. Do you think you can do that for me? Give her a good birthday?”

On a whim, Jay reached over and took Ingrid’s hand. She looked surprised, then warmed, curling her fingers around his. “I promise, I will do my very best. And we’ll keep her safe.”

She smiled, patting his hand. “Well, I guess that’s it.” She stood. “I’m flying back to Australia tonight. Because apparently my lot in life is to torture and exhaust myself.” She crossed her arms over her chest, gazing out at the back field. “I suppose you must think we’re all very spoiled and shallow.”

Jay stood. “I don’t judge people I don’t know. But I suspect you’re probably doing the best you can.”

Ingrid flicked her gaze his way, then stared out at the field again. “I could have done better,” she said. She left the statement hanging there for a moment, then turned to him, offering her hand. “Thank you. I’ve got to go pack.”

Jay shook her hand, then watched her disappear into the house, looking beaten, her shoulders stooped.

He remained on the patio for a few minutes, enjoying the view as he thought. This family was in such emotional turmoil that it made him uncomfortable being there. With Eben and Ingrid’s careers, he was sure they were used to having other people working in their home, but he felt like an intruder. Their problems were clearly painful and very, very personal, but here he was plopped down right in the middle of it, a stranger.

Finally, he went back inside the house, losing his bearings as he turned down a hallway, which didn’t look like the same one he came in through. As he turned a corner, he ran into Tate. Jay didn’t know exactly what Tate did for Eben, some sort of security he supposed. The guy was like a phantom, popping up silently in random spots all over the house.

“Hey, Tate,” Jay said.

“
Hey
, Jay.” Tate’s brown eyes glimmered with humor, as they often did when he looked at Jay. Maybe because Jay always appeared out of sorts since starting this job—which most of the time he was.

“Um, I’m a bit lost.”

Smiling, Tate raised his eyebrows. “Lost?”

“Yeah, I was out on the patio and then...I don’t know what happened.”

“Damn, Jay. It’s a good thing you’re pretty.”

“Come on, man!” Jay laughed. “This house is confusing.”

“You looking for Bodie?”

He’d been planning to exit the house and go back to his own little cottage domain, but he supposed he should talk to Bodie about the new weekend plans, and his gift for Sassy. The fact that it was a great excuse to see the man was just a convenient perk. “Yeah, you know where he is?”

“Follow me,” Tate said.

Tate led Jay to a large den, and he was surprised to see not only Bodie, but Sassy lounging on the furniture. Tate gave Jay a little pat on the shoulder, then moved off down the hallway.

“Hey!” Sassy looked up from a paperback book she’d been reading, a smile on her face.

“Hey,” he said and moved into the room. He was surprised to see Sassy out of her suite, and in seemingly high spirits. “I just met your mom.”

Sassy rolled her eyes and looked back down at her book. “Lucky you.”

Jay let his gaze slide to Bodie. Bodie smiled at him in a way that made his cheeks heat. “So,” Bodie said. “I just got off the phone with Eben. Looks like canoeing is back on for tomorrow.”

“Looks like,” Jay said, taking a seat at the end of the sofa where Sassy lounged. He’d have preferred to sit closer to Bodie, but didn’t want to give away to the girl how much his relationship with the security guard had changed since last night.

“Guess we should head out pretty early in the morning,” Bodie said. “I’m gonna share part of Evelyn’s shift tonight so she’s not flat out exhausted tomorrow. So I’ll be working until around nine tonight.”

Jay looked at Bodie, who held his eyes as something passed between them. Was that information about Bodie’s shift change necessary for Jay to have? Not really. He wondered if Bodie was trying to tell him something...perhaps that he wanted to meet up after his shift was done? He had to break the gaze and look away because his body was already starting to stir at the thought of being with Bodie again. “So I take it we don’t have to deal with renting canoes or...or anything?” Jay wasn’t used to having things magically arranged for him, as seemed to be the case with everything since he’d arrived here.