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I head to my office and pull out the paper with Daphne’s cell phone. After a simple search of her phone number, I find her address, recognizing the building instantly.
“What are the odds?” I mutter as I program her number into my phone.
I run upstairs, filling up the tub with bubbles, toys, and warm water. I give her a quick bath, pack her some snacks and a change of clothes just in case, and type out a message to Miss Flowers.
Me: Are you home?
Chapter 5
Daphne
I stare the unknown number on my phone, reading the ominous message again. I contemplate ignoring it but something makes me curious so I respond.
Me: Who is this?
“Yeah, I’d die first in a horror movie,” I say to myself realizing how stupid it is to reply to a text asking me if I’m home. What’s next, I’m watching you?
The reply from the number is instant.
Weston: Weston Vaughn.
I jump off the couch in surprise. I’m not so sure I wouldn’t rather it be a stalker or serial killer than him. I wouldn’t be so surprised that a parent is texting me but asking me if I’m home is more than out of the ordinary.
Me: Yes, can I help you with something?
I stare at the phone, chewing the edge of my thumb but the three little bubbles that usually show up when someone is typing a response never appear. A sharp knock at my door less than a minute later startles me, the phone tumbling out of my hand and onto the floor. It’s probably just Steve, inviting me over for another movie.
“Shit.” I pick it up and race to the door, looking through the peephole, expecting to see the top of Steve’s head since he usually stands staring down at his feet after knocking but it’s not him… Instead, I see Weston Vaughn on the other side.
“How the hell?”
I glance around frantically, checking to make sure my always spotless apartment is clean or if I’ve left out something embarrassing. Then I look down at my outfit. An oversized t-shirt, shorts, and no bra. I’m seconds away from running down the hall to throw one on when he knocks again, only harder.
Even his knock is rude.
I open the door, halfway hiding behind it. “Hi, what?—”
“I need a huge favor,” he says briskly.
“Hi, Miss Flowers!” Daisy pops out from behind her dad, completely throwing me.
What is going on?
“Hi, sweetie.” I look back up at Mr. Vaughn who’s carrying a small Disney Princess bag. “Do you want to come inside?”
I close the door behind us, turning back to face him as Daisy walks past us, looking around my living room. “How do you know where I live?”
“It’s on the internet.”
“Right. So, why are you here?”
“I know this is completely unorthodox, but I need someone to watch Daisy. I have a very important dinner that I absolutely cannot miss.”
“You don’t have a regular sitter?”
“I do,” he says, a little frustrated. “She can’t make it work and my mother is busy. Trust me, this is a last resort.” He looks down my body and I quickly cross my arms over my chest, very aware at my nakedness beneath my shirt. “But you clearly don’t look like you have any plans,” he says, gesturing to my oversized shirt and my fuzzy sock combo.
“Wow, thank you.” I smile, watching him shake his head as he apologizes. “Did you just apologize, Mr. Vaughn? Never thought I’d see the day.” I can’t pass up the opportunity.
