For Hope

by Jeannette Winters

  Her neck was a constant reminder of what they’d lost when she was a small girl. The details weren’t clear, but she could remember the blaring sound of the fire alarms going off, the hot smoke choking her lungs, and her father carrying her to safety. Jada couldn’t imagine what it’d been like for him, knowing he could only save one of the people he loved.

  Jada reached over and picked up the framed family photo she always traveled with. The picture had been taken when they were at a zoo, sitting on the back of a camel. Jada remembered being too afraid to ride the elephant. She’d told her father the elephant’s trunk looked like it wanted to tickle her. Jada hated being tickled then and still did now. The joy of that day was reflected in their eyes and smiles. They were so happy. If only things could have stayed that way.

  She missed her mother so much, but there was one who missed her even more. Her father never recovered from the loss. She saw it in his eyes each time Jada mentioned her and even more when they reminisced and looked at photos. Jada never doubted her father’s love, but she felt guilty that he’d been forced to choose one over the other. And he chose me. It wasn’t easy knowing her father was alone and had lost the woman he loved because he’d saved Jada. I wish you hadn’t had to make that choice. I wish we all could’ve walked away from that fire.

  But wishing on stars was for children, and dreams didn’t come true. All one could do was get up in the morning and face the day head-on. It didn’t matter what you felt like on the inside. She learned long ago people really didn’t care. They wanted the pretty and successful façade, so that’s what they got.

  Her father had carried the weight of it all. He chose to raise Jada alone instead of remarrying. He busted his butt every day at work but was home every night cooking dinner and tucking her into bed. Paul Hope was an extraordinary man, and she’d given up hoping to meet a man anything like him.

  But the years had been hard on her father, and it showed. Jada couldn’t help but feel as though she was partly to blame. In his attempt to hold on to her, he’d actually driven her to reach harder for her own independence. As she turned eighteen, she was modeling to put a meal on the table. She’d grown accustomed to making do with little. They’d been poor in money but rich in what mattered. There hadn’t been a day she’d ever doubted her father loved her. She never would have dreamed her face would be plastered all over the world. Once her career took off, there was no stopping it. It seemed to have happened overnight, and the demands on her time were high. It became her new way of life. A lonely way.

  Jada had sent her father enough money to live a very comfortable life. He could buy anything he wanted or travel around the world if he chose. But he did neither. Instead, he said he was putting it away for a rainy day. She didn’t care what he did with it. He’d taken care of her when she was young, and she wouldn’t be where she was if he hadn’t cared and supported her back then. But I’m all grown up and he still dedicates himself to me. I wish he’d invest in himself now. Find a worthy woman to love. Someone who will care for him.

  Jada couldn’t seem to put the photo down. If she stripped off the makeup and changed her hair back to brunette, she’d be the spitting image of her mother. I wish I could remember what you were like, and not just what you looked like.

  Jada knew physical appearance was all they shared. Unlike her mother who enjoyed being a housewife, Jada hated being cooped up. She was endlessly on the go from one hotel to the next. Her only comfort was being home with her father. Jada made sure to visit at least every few months, and over time it had become her escape from the world. Home was a small log cabin hidden away where even cell phone service was intermittent. There she could wear a pair of sweatpants and pull her hair into a loose ponytail if she wanted. Neither Dad nor the wild critters ever complained.

  It’s been too long since I’ve been home. Maybe after this tour. She heard the knock on the door, and that meant only one thing. My date is here. Jada kissed the photo before placing it on the table. The knock came again, this time with more force. Mr. Turchetta was on the clock, so he could wait, because Jada wasn’t in any rush to see him.

  Slowly, Jada walked to the closet to retrieve the shawl that matched her black satin gown. It was still early, and the evenings were still warm, but there were times she’d prefer to cover up a bit more, especially when someone decided to ogle instead of holding an intelligent conversation. Such behavior wasn’t welcomed or permitted. Before Jada went to the door, she noticed out of the corner of her eye it was opening.

  She couldn’t believe her stylist had left it unlocked. It was a foolish mistake, one she’d mention to him. The bodyguard was overkill, but a woman alone shouldn’t have an unlocked door.

  Jada’s heart began to race. Not out of fear, but anger. Whoever it was had a hell of a lot of nerve opening the door and entering. She knew it wasn’t room service. If this was her new bodyguard he was about to get a piece of her mind. She couldn’t stomach arrogance, and she sure as heck wasn’t going to tolerate it from someone on the payroll. We’re going to have a talk about some ground rules before I go anywhere with you.

  It wasn’t long before her suspicions were confirmed. Although he was dressed in an expensive suit, everything about the man screamed security. Jada had no idea what her father was thinking by putting this man on the list as her date.

  “Why the hell didn’t you answer the door?”

  His tone was equally uncalled for. Jada ignored his question, slipped the black shawl over her shoulders, and said, “I believe a gentleman would have waited on the other side.”

  She could feel his eyes roll over her. Not in a sexual way, but as though he was assessing her. Was he trying to find out if he intimidated her? That was not and never would be the case, because Jada was surrounded by security all the time. That’s why she couldn’t figure out why her father was wasting the money she’d sent him on hiring yet another person to watch over her. Part of her was upset at this man for taking her father’s money. It was her choice whether she wanted protection or not. And I don’t.

  “You’re not even going to ask who I am?”

  “Mr. Turchetta, I assume,” Jada said as she gave him the once-over.

  The man laughed. “Since I’m your date, you can call me David.”

  Jada didn’t like his attitude one bit. There was definitely something different about him than the others her father had sent. David was going to be difficult, to say the least. He might be paid to complete an assignment, but she had a feeling this was going to be his way or no way at all. As far as she was concerned, he could turn right around and walk out the same damn door he’d just entered. She had no problem answering the paparazzi about her lack of an escort. She’d had to face harsher questions in the past. It’d been horrendous ever since that tabloid posted the headline about a threat on her life. The phone calls, the media, the horde of inquisitions were becoming too much. All she could hope for was some big news to take the focus off her for a while. I just want my life back. Is that too much to ask for?

  “I prefer to keep this more . . . on a professional level, if you don’t mind,” Jada said, as she headed past him and toward the door.

  She heard him chuckle from behind her and say, “Whatever you say, Ms. Hope.”

  At least we agree on that. Jada didn’t say anything to David the entire ride. She assumed, if he was any good at his job, he had done his homework. Although, she was a little surprised he didn’t initiate any conversation. How often did she meet people who were content to be silent? At least he knew how to dress the part. He wore his suit with style. Then again, he probably could wear anything with style. She had to give her father credit; at least he had sent someone who would take the focus off her. But she wasn’t sure it was for the reasons she wanted.

  They were at the event for approximately two minutes when she noticed David had caught the attention of many women. And in this crowd, people didn’t hide it. As the night wore on, some were bold enough to pretend to accidentally
bump into him and stumble a bit so he would reach out to steady them. It was nauseating to watch. Jada couldn’t stand watching women throw themselves at men. Although people believed she was the same, they were dead wrong.

  Still, she watched David closely each time. Most men would have let their hands linger on these stunning women in their tight, revealing designer gowns. David was all business and didn’t seem to give them the time of day. Jada found that amusing. Woman after woman shot down right in front of her. One even had turned to Jada, telling her she better hold on to this one because men without wandering eyes were a rarity in this business. Unfortunately, the words were true. That’s why Jada chose to remain single. And the joke was on everyone here. David was not her date. He’s not my anything. If one of them stole him away from her, she would consider it a blessing. Of course, I’d have my father ask for his money back.

  But, as the night continued, it became obvious that wasn’t going to happen. David seemed to be stuck to her like glue. It was worse than being out on a date. He seemed willing and able to converse with everyone who approached, but there was one who he seemed to have nothing to say to. Me. And when Jada tried to start a conversation, David didn’t even look at her. His eyes were everywhere except meeting hers.

  Jada couldn’t wait for the night to be over. She could tell most people were having a wonderful time. But for her, this was business. Public appearances and rubbing elbows with the rich and powerful were all part of the job. If she didn’t keep herself visible, it wouldn’t be long before no one knew her name and her face disappeared from every billboard. There are times I wish I could live that way. But I know nothing else but this.

  Jada could feel herself being watched but not by David. She scanned the room, and made eye contact with a man. He was tall and lanky, and she had seen him several times in the past. She struggled to remember where. Was he paparazzi? Or had he interviewed her? It was driving her crazy that she knew him but had no idea why.

  She was tempted to bring this to David’s attention, but what would she tell him, that there was a man looking at her, and she didn’t know his name? In her line of work, she met more people than she could ever remember. Jada found his staring a bit unnerving. It wasn’t that he was creepy. He was just . . . odd. Like he didn’t fit in this environment. Maybe that makes him the normal one.

  Jada turned her gaze away from him and tried to focus on the party. She spoke with the vendors hosting the event and managed the appropriate laughter and insignificant conversation. When she needed a break, she smiled and excused herself. Each time she walked away she noticed the strange man still watched her. Don’t you have anything better to do than look at me?

  Out of nowhere, he started walking toward her. Jada found herself holding her breath as he approached. To her surprise, he spoke to her.

  “May I have this dance?” His voice was so soft and low she wasn’t sure she had heard him correctly.

  She was about to decline his offer when David chimed in and said, “She’s with me.” His tone was enough to deter anyone’s approach.

  She was positive the man would turn and run, but instead, he extended his hand to Jada. “Then we’ll make it only one dance.”

  Jada wanted to tell him no. But it was one dance, so what could it hurt? Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his. As he escorted her to the dance floor, she could see David out of the corner of her eye. Judging by his expression—a very deep scowl—Jada could tell he was not happy with the situation at all. She knew it was because of the lack of control David had over her. To the onlookers though, it would appear David was a jealous boyfriend. Neither pleased her.

  Not that she expected anything different, but the music was slow, and she was stuck in the arms of a stranger. Jada had danced with many people she didn’t know. It wouldn’t have been so bad if he could dance. Each time he stepped on her toes she winced a bit more. It appeared he was even more awkward on the dance floor than he was with his social skills.

  “You don’t remember me, do you?” he asked softly in her ear.

  His breath was hot and held a strong odor of garlic. This entire night is pure hell. Jada forced herself to look at him as she responded, “I know we’ve met. I apologize, but I don’t recall your name.”

  Was it her imagination or could he truly be saddened by her admission?

  Standing back from her, he said solemnly, “I thought not.”

  Jada didn’t want to admit it, but she was sensitive to certain things, and she honestly felt bad for the man. She struggled for a rational reason why he believed they knew each other. Had they had a conversation about something meaningful, and she’d forgotten? She didn’t consider herself to be a rude person, but somehow he expected her to remember him.

  In an attempt to make him feel somewhat better she added, “I’m sorry. I meet so many people every day, and I’m horrible with names. But I do recall seeing you before. That’s more than I do with many people.”

  A faint smile crossed his face, and he said, “You’re as sweet as I remember.”

  His tone was eerie, and a chill ran down her spine. She might not remember his name, but she knew he couldn’t know her well enough to make that judgment. Jada searched the room for David. She hadn’t wanted him around, but now she’d like him to put a little distance between her and the man holding her in his arms. Jada could feel his cold, clammy hand reach around and pull her closer to him, touching her bare skin between the satin straps on her back. If it wouldn’t have caused a scene, she would’ve pulled away from him. Instead, she tried to lean away as far as she could so he couldn’t pull her any closer.

  From behind her, she heard a deep threatening tone. “As I said, she’s with me. Remove your hand before I break it.”

  Jada felt the man tense and quickly his hand dropped from her. She let out a heavy sigh at her newfound freedom. However, she noticed people were staring, and she didn’t want that type of attention. It was time to put a smile on her face, so everyone believed everything was okay.

  “Thank you for the dance, but if you’ll excuse me I have—”

  “To dance with me,” David said as he pulled her into his arms.

  That was not what she was going to say, although it did accomplish one thing. The odd man had no choice but to walk off the dance floor alone. Once he was out of sight, Jada said, “You may let me go now, he’s gone.”

  David didn’t release his hold on her. Although he didn’t pull her closer, he was larger, definitely more built than the last guy. With her hand on his shoulder, she felt his massive muscles. Yet, he danced gracefully, and not one time did his large feet make contact with hers.

  Jada hoped the music would end soon, because she was uncomfortable being this close to him. He was here to serve a purpose, and her ogling him was not it.

  “Thank you for interceding.”

  “Who is that guy?” David asked.

  “I don’t know. He seemed upset that I didn’t recall his name.” Jada wasn’t going to tell him how uncomfortable she had felt. The last thing she wanted was to leave the impression with David or anyone else that she actually needed a bodyguard. She had only agreed to let David accompany her so her father would finally see there was nothing to worry about.

  “I don’t want you talking to any more strangers.”

  Jada shot him a look of surprise. “You cannot be serious. We come to these events to meet new people. If I can’t talk to them, how do you expect me to meet them?” She hoped he picked up on her sarcasm.

  The music was still going, but David stopped and gave her a hard, cold stare. “That’s not my problem. Keeping you safe is.”

  Oh, you’re too much. No one had to tell Jada that David took his job seriously. All she had to do was look in his eyes. Part of her respected that. But there was no part of her that wanted or needed his protection. He was inconvenient, nothing more. And she intended to do what she had to every prior bodyguard her father had hired. On the way back to the hotel she would fire hi
m.

  In the meantime, she needed a little space, and there was only one place she knew to get that.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to the ladies’ room. And you are not coming with me.”

  David said, “I won’t enter, but I will be outside the door.”

  Jada couldn’t believe it, but he actually looked serious. “There is no way—”

  “Exactly, there is no way you’re going by yourself.” David took her by the elbow, guiding her toward the ladies’ room.

  Jada huffed. “That is not what I meant, and you know it,” Jada said angrily, as she snatched her elbow from his grasp. “I have no idea what training you have had, but I think you need more.” She didn’t look back as she walked away and entered the restroom.

  Why was she so upset? Jada had people speak to her in a variety of arrogant, haughty, and condescending tones every day. She didn’t like it, but had learned how to ignore them. Maybe it was David’s tone, or maybe it was his presence. There was something about David, a certain level of control, that frightened her. She wasn’t easily scared or intimidated. So why should she feel intimidated by someone who was hired to protect her?

  Jada was flustered. She wished she could turn on the faucet and throw cold water on her face to snap her out of this. But the evening was almost over, and she could go back to the hotel, pack her belongings, and head to the next location. Within the hour they would part ways, and she would never see David again.

  She closed her eyes as she remembered what it felt like to briefly be in his arms for a dance. Maybe it’s not intimidation I feel at all. He’d barely acknowledged her, seemed just as thrilled—not—to be with her, yet if she was honest with herself, she’d liked having him beside her. He was quiet yet . . . steady. It didn’t make sense, and the notion that she could be somehow attracted to David, a man paid to be with her, was the absolute worst part of the night. Because no matter what, it wasn’t real. And it was never going to happen.