Standing and walking to my office window, I look out over London and the Thames River. I have spent most of my life living here, but I have often flown back to America to visit family or just remind myself of where I came from. But as long as this Chester guy is out there, I feel like they have just locked the gates on ever being able to go back and visit. I have been so blessed to travel all around the world with Felisha, but right now, I feel like I’m trapped up here in my glass tower, and my world is quickly becoming smaller. I hate it.

Trying to forget about this meeting, I have thrown myself into work this afternoon, but looking up at the time on my computer, my stomach drops. I have fifteen minutes, and then I get to hear what Ashton has to say.

Walking into my private bathroom, I start to fix up my makeup and go to the toilet before I get in there so I don’t have to cross my legs because I need to do a nervous wee.

One last look in the mirror, I give myself a pep talk, pull my shoulders back, and walk back out to grab my phone and bag so I don’t need to come back here when we are finished.

I jump at the sight of Forrest standing in my office waiting.

“Far out, if this stalker doesn’t kill me, you will with all this sneaking up on me.” Seriously, what is he doing in my office? If my heart wasn’t racing before from anxiety, it sure is now. “What are you doing here?” I glare at him, trying to pull myself together.

“To go to the meeting with you so you don’t have to walk in alone. I know this is going to be overwhelming, and I wanted to remind you I’ve got you and you can lean on me.” His body language is calm but confident.

I want to yell at him again, but something about his words gives me this warm feeling in my gut, and I don’t understand why. But if it does calm my butterflies, then I’ll take it.

Instead of answering him, I just nod. I pick up my bag and walk toward him to head down the hallway.

I could have sworn I saw him smile out of the corner of my eye, but when I turn again, it’s gone, and his normal stern face is back while we proceed toward the boardroom door where I can already hear voices.

Stopping for a second, Forrest just waits and doesn’t say a word. I take a deep breath like I need to and then march right in like nothing in the world is worrying me.

Christ, if they only knew.