Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
Genevieve
There’s something weird going on with Michel’s Lake Renegade family.
When we were having lunch yesterday, I could tell they didn’t want to talk in front of me.
When I asked Michel, he said there are things that he can’t tell me just yet.
But that he will as soon as he can. That’s not cryptic at all.
My family will be here tomorrow and I’m so excited.
I miss them so much and I finally told them about Michel and what he’s done for me.
They said they can’t wait to meet him and his family.
My maman said it’s amazing that I found such a generous man.
I’m pretty sure she likes him and she hasn’t even met him yet.
“So this is what you’ve chosen to do?” I hear Julian say.
I look up and frown at him.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to see if you’re ready to talk. I miss you and I want you to come home.”
I snort. “Do you really think that’s going to happen? You cheated on me. That was the one thing I told you I’d never forgive.”
“It was a mistake and we all make mistakes. I think you should figure out a way to forgive me for my one mistake.”
I look him dead in the eyes.
“That’s never going to happen.”
I see Gary Perkins walking over with a couple of his security guys. Gary’s also a firefighter here in Storyville. When I asked him why he works here and at the fire station, he said he likes helping people. And this way he can do it when he’s off duty too.
“Excuse me, sir, you can’t be here,” Gary says.
“It’s a public place, I have every right to be here.”
Julian flashes his badge to our security guys.
“I understand you’re a deputy, but unfortunately your badge doesn’t give you the same rights as an officer here in Storyville.”
“Look, I’m just talking to my woman. I’m not causing any trouble.”
Gary looks at me, he knows the situation and he also knows I’m not with Julian.
“I won’t ask you again, if you don’t leave, I’ll be forced to call the police.”
“For fucks sake. Call them. I’m doing nothing wrong and they’ll tell you that too.”
I see Michel coming over and he stands right next to me.
“Fine. I’ll leave for now. But I’ll be back. You can’t get away from me that easily.” Julian looks at me just as Gary’s pulling out his phone.
We all watch him stomp off. I let out a sigh of relief after he’s gone.
“Thanks, Gary,” Michel says to him.
“I’m pretty sure he’s going to come back. You might want to look into a restraining order,” Gary says to us.
“What is a restraining order?” I ask.
“It’s like a protection order in France.” Michel answers.
I nod. “It feels kind of extreme to get a protection order. I still don’t feel like Julian is trying to hurt me. He’s just being unreasonable.”
“Sometimes those are the worst ones. You don’t see what they really are,” Michel says as he hugs me.
It feels like he knows something I don’t. I wonder if that’s what his Lake Renegade family wanted to talk to him about. But why wouldn’t they just tell me too? I mean, it’s me that Julian won’t leave alone.
Michel
Our plan was to tell Genevieve about our suspicions with Julian after her family got here. But I think we might have to tell her today. I had hoped that Julian would just let it go, but after today, I don’t think he will.
“I’ll be back when your shift’s over. Please don’t go anywhere alone. I have a bad feeling about Julian.”
“What do you know that I don’t know? I’ve had this feeling ever since your family came here. Please tell me.”
“I promise I’ll tell you tonight. Some of it isn’t mine to tell, but you’ll know everything tonight.”
“Okay,” she says softly as I hold her.
I don’t want to leave her, but I have to get my own work done so I can leave on time. And I need to find the others so I can talk to them.
Michel: I think we need to tell Genevieve today. Julian showed up again
Enea: Are you sure you want to do that without her family here?
Michel: She’s asking questions and I don’t want her to feel like I’m hiding things from her
Giacomo: I have to agree, that’s not the way you want to start your relationship. But will she be able to handle everything she’ll learn about Julian and about us?
Michel: Yes. I think she can handle it, I’ll also tell her that I’ll be staying with her tonight. I don’t want her to be alone
Enea: Okay, we can meet at her room at six?
Michel: Sounds good. Thank you
Apollo: Wait. Six is dinner time…
Zeus: Ignore my son…
I chuckle as I head to the security office. I want to make sure they keep an eye on Genevieve and her area.
I head down to the front desk to get Genevieve. I love watching her interact with people. Her smile lights up her whole face. When she sees me, her smile gets even bigger.
“Hi, mon rêve. Are you ready to clock out?”
“Oui.”
“So there’s been a change of plans for tonight. You’ll be meeting my parents and we’re having dinner in your room with the whole family. I hope that’s okay.”
She turns and looks at me.
“What if they don’t like me?”
“Who? My parents? They already love you, my maman doesn’t cook for just anyone.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Of course it is, why do you ask?”
“Well, you said everyone would meet tomorrow when my family gets here. But now you’re saying it’s happening tonight.”
“Julian showing up today is making me worry. I had hoped that he would’ve left you alone. But I don’t think he will.”
“I told him no again.”
“I know, mon rêve, but it doesn’t seem like he cares that you’re saying no to him.”
She sighs as she hugs me.
“I hate that I made the wrong choice with him.”
“Well, think about it this way. If you hadn’t come here, we never would’ve met. And I for one am happy that you’re here.” I lean down and kiss her. The soft moan she lets out has me instantly hard and is making me rethink the going slow part of our relationship.
I think tonight we need to have a conversation about us too. She’s mine and I want her to know that.