A Surprising Call
Rome was up before her, and when Ella walked into the kitchen, he’d already made her a huge breakfast, including her favorites, blueberry muffins. How he’d known she loved them, she didn’t ask. Instead, she just tore off a piece of muffin top and popped it into her mouth, letting it melt as she said, “Mmm.”
“Glad you like it,” Rome said, flipping the bacon and then coming over to kiss her. “What would you like to do today?”
“Well, I do have some work I’d like to do, even though I don’t have to. Dad did give me some time off. But… other than that….”
“I have an idea,” he said, but before he could continue, her phone rang. She would’ve ignored it if it wasn’t her father.
Ella held up a finger. “It’s Dad.”
“Oh. Answer it.”
She took a deep breath, wondering what in the world he might want. “Hello?”
“Ella, darling, how are you?”
“I’m okay. Just… eating breakfast.”
“Huh. You slept in today.”
“Yes, well, I was tired.” She didn’t bother to point out to him that his wife had insisted she get up early the entire time she’d been living in his house.
“Well, I decided we need to get this all straightened out. In person. So, I’m in town. Give me your address so I can come and get you.”
“You’re in town?” she repeated, unable to believe her ears. “I thought you had a lot of work to do in Europe.”
“I do. I’m only here until tomorrow, and then I’ll head back.”
Rome’s eyes were bulging as he studied her face. Ella swallowed hard. “Well, I’ll just have Tim bring me over.”
“Don’t be silly, dear. I can pick you up.”
“I know but… I’d feel better if he was with me.”
“Ella, does that mean you don’t trust me?”
“It’s not that, Dad. I just don’t want to go back to that place without him.”
Her father was quiet for a moment before he said, “Fine. But if he can’t bring you over in an hour or two, you call me back so I can come and get you. It’s important we get to the bottom of this.”
“All right, Dad.” She hung up and met Rome’s eyes again.
He didn’t need an explanation. He wrapped his arms around her. “It’ll be okay.”
“I hope so. I don’t want to go back there.”
“I know. But you’ll be fine. There’s no way in hell I’m letting them keep you locked up ever again.”
Ella raised up on her toes and kissed him, so happy to have him, even if no one could know about it. “What were you going to say we should do today?”
He smiled and brushed her hair back. “It doesn’t matter. We’ll talk about that later. For now, go see your dad. He loves you. You’ll be fine.”
She was still curious about what he was going to suggest, but she didn’t push it. She’d find out later, if he wanted to tell her. Doing anything with Rome would be better than going back to her dad’s house, that was for sure. She’d rather walk over hot coals and ash than go back there. But she knew Rome was right. It was important for her to get it over with.
Ella finished her breakfast, trying not to think about it, and then went to call Tim to see if he would go with her. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust her dad. But she knew Teresa had him wrapped around her finger, too, and she wouldn’t be surprised if that woman didn’t manage to talk her own father into locking her up in the attic. With Tim there, she knew she’d be able to get home again.
Tim sounded excited about something else when he first answered, and she realized he’d probably recently found out he’d gotten the part in the movie, the part Rome had handed to him. “Sure, I’ll be glad to drive you over,” he said. “What time?”
“Pick me up in half an hour?”
“You got it. I have some news I can’t wait to share with you, but I’d rather do it in person.”
“I can’t wait to hear.” Ella did her best to sound happy, even though she was a little disappointed that Tim now had the part since she knew how much it meant to Rome. She hung up and found his arms, not wanting to leave him.
“Don’t worry. I’ll follow you to your dad’s house and wait outside until you come out, just to make sure you’re safe,” he said, rubbing her back.
She looked up at him. “You’d do that?”
“I’d do anything for you, Ella. You know that.” He found her lips again, and she wished she’d told Tim an hour so she could pull Rome back into bed. But he’d have to leave soon to make sure Tim didn’t discover him there, and that made Ella’s heart break. The thought of being without him for even a few moments was painful, and when he announced he had to go, Ella had to force herself to let go of him.
Once Rome was out of her apartment, she leaned against the door and took some deep breaths. She was in deep--way deep--so deep she might never be able to come up for air.
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