The lifeguard

Chapter 7: A plan to keep us safe

“What do you mean tomorrow? He should have 4 years left to serve.” I tried to say quietly but I caught Danny’s attention immediately. He walked over beside me to hear what was going on.

“He made some deal with the prosecutor and I just wanted you to be informed ahead of time. They should also be contacting you in the next few days to go over his release conditions which I made clear would be a no contact order with yourself and your children.”

I didn’t bother listening anymore, I hung up the phone and put it in my pocket. I looked at Danny with tears in my eyes, I felt so safe with him locked up. Now he will be released and there’s always a chance he could find us.

“He’s going to be release tomorrow, guess he made some deal.” I told him without looking up at him.

He shook his head, “Its OK Bri, it’s been a year you haven’t talked to him, he doesn’t know where you are. As long as you don’t talk to him I’m sure he won’t know. Your still safe and you have me and Max we won’t let him hurt you.”

I gave Danny a smile when Max walked over, he looked over at me and Danny trying to figure out what was going on,

“Everything ok?”

I nodded and Danny just shuffled his feet not looking at him, I said bye to Max as we got the kids ready and went to leave. Ali gave Max a big hug to say bye and Max kissed Angel on the head. He went over to Jeremy and whispered something in his ear. Jeremy nodded and gave him a hug too.

When we got home, I began supper as the kids sat down and watched a movie while Angel had a nap. Danny was standing outside on the phone, he took it upon himself to call the prosecution office and find out what’s going on.

I heard a text on my phone, it was from sexy Max,

Max: Thank you for texting me, everything ok Bri? When you guys left I felt like I was missing out on something.

Bri: Sorry, I got a call my ex is being released tomorrow.

I wanted to be honest, but I also felt guilty bringing this up when we first started seeing each other.

Max: Does he know where you live?

Bri: I don’t think so, I’ve been trying to keep it a secret. I haven’t talked to him since they arrested him a year ago. He doesn’t even know about Angel.

I waited for a reply, I wasn’t getting one. I hope I wasn’t pushing him away I was just trying to be honest with him but this was quite a bit to take in. If I did push him away then I wouldn’t feel bad I didn’t want him getting involved in this.

I didn’t get a reply until a bit after Danny walked in and I seen Danny had a small smirk on his face, when I noticed Max come in behind him. I was happy but nervous, Max has never been to my house, I didn’t even understand how he knew where I lived. He looked around and sat on the couch, he was very serious. Danny was the first one to speak up,

“I talked to the prosecution he led them to a gang member or something in order to receive a shorter sentence. He’s not aloud to call or text you or be anywhere near you. He claims he doesn’t know where you are. If it ever happens you hear from him then you call the police and they will arrest him, a breach would be 3 months in jail immediately. I talked to Max a bit outside and he has offered to keep an eye on you when I head back to work if your ok with that. I would definitely be more at ease if I knew he were around you guys.”

I looked over Max, I didn’t know what to say when Max stopped fiddling with something in his hand and he looked up at me with those blue eyes I felt myself lose my breath for a moment. I’m not sure how I could manage to keep my hands off this man if he keeps looking at me that way.

I thought about Max coming to check up on us when he wasn’t working, late night check ins. I felt the heat hit my cheeks and I couldn’t hide it, Max gave me a cocky smile.

“You must have better things to do then keep an eye on me, don’t you?”

He shook his head, “Nope I’d be happy to follow you around and this couch sure seems comfy.” He said patting the cushions.

I looked Max over and I couldn’t believe he was planning on staying here. I can’t imagine him sleeping on my couch every night. I looked over at Danny who was eyeing me anxiously waiting for a response,

“How long do you guys plan on doing this I mean at some point we need to let the thought go?”

Danny looked over at Max then back at me,

“I’m not sure a few months maybe just to make sure you guys will be safe. When he gets out he will probably try to find you guys right away if he wants to right.”

I knew Derrick well and he was a very impatient man, I knew if he was planning on finding us he wouldn’t give up until he found us. I let out a large breath, this was a lot of take in, just a fee days ago I was alone with my kids with no one and we were safe from Derrick, a few days later I have my brother, a very sexy man who I hope will be more then a friend, and Derrick will be released.

I got the kids ready for dinner and put an extra plate out for Max, who I was assuming would be joining us. I made a large lasagna, some salad and garlic bread. I never made big meals but Danny stopped at the store and picked up everything for dinner.

We sat down for dinner and the kids talked with Danny and Max as I sat there quietly looking at Angel, I played in my plate without taking any bites, I was very nervous for tomorrow to come. I looked at all of Angel’s features she was so pretty and Derrick didn’t even know about her, he would be so mad when he found out. How would he react, I wasn’t sure what he would do when he saw her. I knew she looked like me the most so he would definitely deny her, then he would assume I cheated.

Then I looked over at Max, I wasn’t quite sure why he was doing this. He could be out partying and having fun he doesn’t have anything holding him back but he would rather stick around here and watch me and the kids incase my crazy ex shows up. How would Derrick react if he showed up here and saw Max, it’s not like he could just beat me, I don’t think he would attempt to go near Max. Max is a big guy, and Derrick was tall and slim, he didn’t have much to him.

Just then Max saw my concern he reached under the table and rubbed my leg and gave me a reassuring smile. I smiled back and tried to push all my worries aside.

I got the kids ready for bed while Danny and Max sat downstairs and chatted, they got along so well you would think they’ve known each other their entire lives. It was easy to get the kids to bed they were all so exhausted.

I came downstairs as Danny was standing at the door with his coat on, he was heading back to his hotel early to get ready he was leaving tomorrow afternoon. He gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek as he waved bye to both of us.

I looked back to Max nervously who was laying on the couch, he gave me a big smile,

“How about me and you relax and watch a movie tonight? Or would you rather I do something else to help clear your mind?”