Chapter 10
Melody
Knowing that James’s connection would be over early as hell to set up the new security system, I set my alarm for 8 A.M. I’m up and getting dressed before 8:30 A.M. and still have thirty minutes before he will be here. If my life wasn’t so fucked up, I wouldn’t have to go through all this. While I’m downstairs waiting for him, I pour myself a glass of wine and start scrolling on my phone. Who gives a shit that it’s eight thirty in the morning.
I start to see ads for Tinder again and figure why the hell not. Fuck it. If I matched with the hottest guy on that app, who cares. Let’s give it a go, though it might be the wine talking at this point. I don’t care though, this fucker has me scared of my own house, I’ll be damned if he prevents me from getting some good dick.
Two glasses of wine later, I’m full on swiping on the app. I’ve had a few good looking ones message me, but they fell flat after only a few questions. Before I can reply to the next guy, there’s a knock on the door. I set down my wine and make my way over, brushing a hand over my attire before swinging open the door.
“Hello, Miss Harper, my name’s Franklin. I’m here to install your new security system.”
“Hi, Franklin, it’s nice to meet you. You can call me Melody. Please, come in,” I reply holding open the door and letting him walk by me.
“So, I’ll get to work taking down the old system, setting up the new system for you, and installing all the cameras. Once I’m done, I’ll come back and grab you so that I can show you how to work the system and the app if that’s ok with you?”
“Perfectly fine, I’ll be here in the living room. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice. I really appreciate it.”
I sit back in the living room and briefly watch Franklin taking measurements of windows and doorways. Must be something to do with the system setup. I shrug my shoulders and move my attention back to Tinder. I’ve been matched up with Jaxon but he hasn’t messaged me yet and I’m definitely not about to be the first one to rock that boat. Though, if I don’t find anyone promising on here, at least I have Jaxon’s photo to get me through the lonely nights. I blush at the thought alone, or is that the wine?
Before I can give my full attention back to the app, my phone alerts me to a new text message. It’s Brooke.
Brooke
Hey girl, just checking on you and making sure you’re okay.
Me
I’m good, thank you for checking in.
Franklin is here installing the new security system as we speak.
Brooke
Good! He’s seriously the best.
You’re in good hands.
Me
Thanks Brooke, I should be in tomorrow for work.
Brooke
Nope, you won’t be.
Take another day to settle in.
Me
Brooke, seriously, I’ll be fine.
Brooke
Nope, boss’s orders.
See you Wednesday!
Closing out of the chat with Brooke, I open up Tinder and start scrolling. A good two or three hours must pass before I notice Franklin standing in the entryway with all his tools in his hands.
“Is everything finished,” I ask, getting up from the couch. I’m a little tipsy, but nothing noticeable.
“Yes, ma’am. I was going to show you the system if now is an OK time?”
“Sure.”
Franklin proceeds to show me the system, how to turn on and off the alarm, how to set zones, and how to view the camera feed. There is a camera in the front and back yard as well as in every single room of the house, including my bedroom. I start to protest that camera, but Franklin reassures me it is necessary seeing that whoever came in probably used my bedroom window. He assures me that whoever came in here would not be able to get into the camera system.
I am instantly relieved at that; I don’t want some creepy fuck watching me as I sleep, or worse… The system is set to continuously record for one week before the system stops and restarts a fresh recording. It means it would allow me access to footage taken up to a week prior if I want to review it or save anything. Thoroughly impressed, I thank Franklin and ask what method of payment he prefers.
“Oh, no, ma’am. That has been taken care of by the Stonewells, no need to worry about payment.”
“What?! They did NOT!”
“Truly they did. They mean well. Best bet is just to accept it graciously. That family is loaded.”
While I accept that fact and thank Franklin for his time and work, I know I will be having a word with Brooke come Wednesday.