Page 11 of The Star in Room 7

“Or I’m overreacting.” I hug myself.

“I don’t think you are.”

I take a deep, shaky breath. “I should go home.”

“It doesn’t sound like you want to.”

I shudder. Will my apartment still smell of her? Probably. It’s not like I left any of the windows open.

“Could you tell me why you came here.”

“A police officer—” I squeeze my eyes shut for a heartbeat. “—A cop suggested I should. Officer Vale?”

“I know Aaron. And I know what a police officer is, too,” he adds with a chuckle.

“You do? On American TV shows and in films, they only ever use ‘cop’.”

He chuckles. “TV shows and movies aren’t that realistic.”

“No, I suppose not. Do you do this a lot?”

“Help Angels?”

“Yes.”

“Sometimes. When Phoenix thinks I’m the right person to help.”

“Do you normally act as their Daddy?”

“If that’s what they want. Most of the Angels who end up here have been let down or hurt in some way. Filling that void and finding someone they can connect with and trust, can help someone more than you know. Whether that’s someone who will listen, someone who will care for them, someone who will give them some structure, or someone who will spoil them.”

I stuff my hands into my pockets. “I… guess.”

“So, tell me, Zach, what is it you need?”

I hunch my shoulders. “I don’t want to feel so scared and pathetic.”

“That’s the second time you’ve called yourself pathetic. You’re not.”

I wheel around, glaring at him. “How would you know? You know fuck all about me.”

“I know you’re an actor.”

I suck in a breath. I hadn’t realized he’d recognized me. He is one hundred percent not the demographic for the film I was in. Maybe Phoenix told him who I am.

“You’re British, so I’m assuming you’re a long way from home—correct me, if I’m wrong?”

“You’re not.”

“You’re scared. You’re being self-deprecating. And, for some reason, you’re on the defensive.”

I can’t argue with anything he’s said. “Phoenix said you’re a bodyguard.”

“Close enough. I run a close protection agency. My clients are mainly actors.”

He’s the boss? “I bet your clients are all bigger stars than me. With more money,” I mumble. Rich enough to afford bodyguards.

“I’m not here fishing for work. I want to help, Zach. I’m happy to answer any questions you have, but most of all I want to help you feel safer.”