My Escort

Stranded

"Here goes nothing," I breathe, gathering my every courage while praying to God for some miracle. A blonde again?.I frown when a sassy Miss red lipstick smiles widely in the reception desk.

And as always, Red's presence behind me doesn't leave the bimbos indifferent.

She's peeking at him as she greets me, "Hi, Ma’am. How may I help you?"

I want to roll my eyes, for she's definitely flushing, crimson.

"Hi. I have an appointment with Thompson. Can I see him? Tell him it's Mia Kingston." I try not to sound desperate. Miss red lipstick's face falls apologetically. "I'm sorry, Ma'am, but Mr. Thompson is out of Seattle for business."

"What?" I gasp, my eyes widened. "He flew to Miami this afternoon. They're opening a new outlet over there and tomorrow is the opening," she says. Holy f**k! I mean, what the f**k is happening!

My heartbeat accelerated and it's like oxygen is being pumped out of my lungs, turning my legs jelly. I quickly rummage through my bag and fish out my mobile. I call him, only to bump into his voicemail.

“No,” I think out loud, my voice dismayed. Red is about to breeze to my direction, ready to grab my unbalanced body as he normally does, but I stop him with a dismissive hand. I can do it.

"When did he go?" I ask like a fool. It's obvious the asshole is avoiding me.

Usually I'd be invited in that opening or whatever, but I'm not. Maybe the Queen is indeed dethroned. I'm done for.

"Just two hours ago," Miss red lipstick says, batting her fake lashes. "Okay. Okay." I nod, catching a deep breath.

What a waste of time! f**k that asshole

He could've told me on the phone instead of making me travel all the way here! Bastard! I can feel Red's glance as I make my way out, pissed off.

We step outside and I wish I could ask Red to carry me. I feel weak, tired, and my head spins. Why is everything going so wrong with my life? I can't help but wonder, laughing at myself. "Ma'am!" Bill barrels out of the car with a big, excided face, startling me.

Even Red looks startled by the enormous grin splattered on my driver's face.Has he won a lottery? Why the sass?

"Yes?" I stay polite despite my f****d-up mood.

"Um . . ." He grins again, driving me nuts from the expense. "My wife has given birth. I have a son! I have a son!" He's happy and I can now understand. Aw! So sweet.

"Congratulations, Bill. Truly you'll make a good dad." I'm sure he will. He's a family man. "Thank you! Thank you, Ma’am!" Bill purrs, holding his cellphone as he's still on the phone.

Smiling, I turn toward Red, whose face has a very distant smile due to Bill's news. I strangely feel soothed at the sight of him, but it takes only a fleeting moment as he immediately resumes the bodyguard face. How lovely.

"I guess you'll be the one driving to Astoria. I'm sending Bill home to his wife," I say. Without any question, Red replies, "Yes, Madam." ***

I don't remember how long has passed since I shut my eyes. The silence, the scent of wilderness,and the sharp breeze through the driver's door are what wake me from my unpleasant nap.

I'm alone in the car.

My heart jumps a beat as a sudden apprehension thaws my composure. Where is Red? Why is the car not moving?And why is the door open?

I immediately unbuckle my seatbelt, my gaze wandering to the front, to the right, to the left, and as I'm freed my eyes are onto the back windshield.

"Red?" I call gently, every muscle in my body alerted. "What's going on?" I clutch the door handle and make my exit rashly.

Outside the harsh air blows my little shirtdress and a few loose strands of my hair, the green trees adorning the highway waltzing at their merriment, and I realize I'm in the middle of nowhere . . . stranded?

Red's leather jacket in on the driver's seat. I squint my eyes at the capricious sun rays piercing through the thickness of the tree brunches. It's probably four in the afternoon.

"Red?" I call out, my voice louder. "Re—" Relief feels me when my bodyguard rises from the back of the car, holding a spanner and a wrench.

His white and tight V-neck holds his brawny chest hotly, but it's unfortunately

stained with grease. I fathom he was down checking the engine and I sigh my

breath of respite that he’s here . . . safe and sound.

"We have a breakdown," he says coolly, looking worried. "Flat tire?" I quiz while marching near him. He shakes his head. "Oil leak."

"Huh?" I scowl. Red's lips twist into a hard line, as though he's got something to say and he's debating on whether to do it or not. He then looks up at me. "Can you fix it?" I ask him.

"Yeah. I did it already." He seems

confident, yet there's something conflicting crossing his fire-like eyes.

"But we better let the mechanic do a thorough checking," he says hesitantly. "Why?" I blurt, squinting my eyes. "Is it serious? But you said you have—"

Something hits the back of my hand, and a shrill of savvy makes my tummy tight.

Someone tempered with my car. It's not a mundane leak and Red is afraid of taking any chances unless he's sure the car is safe to drive.

My head's filled with conception as my eyes go raw. "I just think it's better we replace the oil seals." Red gazes at me levelly.

"Are you sure you're not hiding something?" I quiz, my voice tentative. His face is deadpan; I can't draw any conclusion from it. "Red—"

"It's just a leak, Madam. This car is a bit old so it happens," he says, cutting me off. "You've got nothing to worry about. I'll try to find the mechanic nearby and fix it before sunset." He glances at his silver Hamilton Pulsomatic smartwatch— my gift to him. "Alright." I nod feebly. Maybe I'm being paranoid, I decide.

"So, where are we going to find the mechanic if we're stuck in the middle of nowhere?" I shrug, amused.

This place is as green as a park, thick trees on both sides of the road, utterly calm. I wonder if we're still in Washington,or if we are back to Oregon. I can't tell. But I feel at ease and it’s pretty weird.

"Let's see," Red says, checking the GPS on his watch. I sigh heavily as I lean against the car, my arms crossed on my chest. "s**t, there's no signal." He scowls. "Just great!" I giggle.

"We're stranded in someplace, no connection, and we don't even know if there's a mechanic nearby." I abandon the car to embrace the sense of freedom, independence, and disconnectedness.