Chapter 6: final Preparations

I make my way into the kitchen. Doing my best to block out the growing anxiety and focus on the moment. Leia the sweet young dark hair dark eyed Seattle born event coordinator greets me.

Leia: Miss Grayson.

Willow: Leia nice to see you again. Did you happen to get the last minute changes I asked for.

Leia: Oh the bacon wrapped scallops. Of course.

She leads me to the counter with already lined with the food warmers, removing the lid from one revealing a mouth watering aroma of bacon and scallops. She plucks one out with a long tooth pick plopping it in a napkin and hands it off to me.

Willow: OMG Leia. This is freaking heaven.

Leia: Thank you. Would you like to sample some of the other items.

She pulls out a mini meat ball covered in a creamy sauce.

Willow: WOW.

Leia: That's our new item cream of mushroom meatballs.

Willow: That is an absolute keeper.

We go over the venue finalizing all the preparations.

Willow: It all looks great thank you Leia.

I sneak away to my office. Keeping the lights off while I sit in my chair facing the window memorized by the dim blue streets lights. They soon begin to flash bright red and blue, Sirens blare in the distance, a muffled voice calls out my name.

Voice: stay with me Willow. Willow?

An image of Bryan with a bloody nose leans over me.

Willow: Bryan?

Bryan: everything's going to be alright just hang in there Willow.

His voice fades into another.

Liam: Willow? Willow?

I hear Liam's soothing voice and feel his hand grasp my shoulder bringing me out of my days.

He half smiles but his eyes show concern.

Liam: Willow are you ok?

Willow: yeah yeah I'm fine. Is it time?

Liam hands me my phone.

Liam: it's 6:40pm Are you sure your ok?

Willow: I'm fine I just....

Liams hand runs down my arm coming to a rest on top of my hand.

Liam: please talk to me Willow!

Willow: I saw David's picture on the lap top and i don't know it just all became too real.

I look Liam in the eyes to see a glimpse of guilt and worry.

Willow: tell me the truth Liam! Why did my dad hire you? Don't you dare say precautionary again!!!

Liam: Technically it is.

He steps back rubbing the back of his head.

Liam: Your dad reached out to me saying you needed security for tonight and explained to me about your ex husband.

Liam looked to me with knowing eyes, a bit of anger and concern.

Liam: He said that when news about your opening reached all the way back home he was afraid David would come find you.

Willow: know one knows that for sure and I doubt he would.

Liam: Willow! Your dad didn't want to ruin your night by causing panic but....the truth is no one knows where David is right now. And after the flower delivery? We need to take all the precautionary measures necessary to ensure your safety.

Willow: What do you mean no one knows where he is. My dad has eyes on him all the time.

Liam looks away giving my hands a gentle squeeze.

Liam: Your dads guys watched him check into a rehab center in Boston a few weeks ago. Yesterday they went in to check on him, but his room had been cleared out. No one saw him leave.

His thumb runs the back of my knuckle in attempt to soothe my trembling.