Seals and Bounty: The Protector

Katie

I really can’t believe how bad my luck is. Bryan Shaw, really? I was just fine, actually perfectly fine never having to see his face again. I don’t think he really understands how I felt about him in high school. And he destroyed my confidence and self-esteem. I was embarrassed. I got laughed out the rest of that school year and even through the next year around town when I would run into any of his classmates. I had to go away to college just to get away from all of the jokes, pranks and talking behind my back. It made my high school experience the worst ever.

Her phone rang and it was Gail calling, right before she was headed for bed. Dang it, I forgot to call her after the meeting.

She answered, “Hey Gail. I know I forgot to call you. It’s been crazy dealing with my father on top of dealing with Bryan.”

“How crazy? What happened?” Gail asked.

“For starters, did you know that the bodyguard, Bryan Shaw, is the Bryan Shaw from high school?” Katie asked.

“Wait, you have got to be kidding. I never would have put that together. It’s been twenty years. When did he come back to Vegas?” Gail asked.

“It seems that he’s been back about three years when him and his Navy Seal team retired here to start Seals and Bounty. I almost turned around and left when I realized it was him,” Katie said.

Katie spent the next half and hour explaining the meeting, the phone with her father, and the phone call with Bryan.

“Wow, that is a lot to take in on one afternoon. Are you okay with having to work with Bryan? I mean, I know that it was a difficult time for you in high school and it was his fault. He does sound like he’s changed, obviously matured, and apologized,” Gail said concerned.

“I am going to do my best. I don’t hate him anymore and I know a lot of it was immaturity in high school and what he thought was a prank, was devastating to me in so many ways. I just don’t know how to trust him,” Katie said.

“One day at a time. But in the thick of things, if he ever has to take a bullet for you, he’s professional enough to do that, regardless of who you are, or maybe more because of your past and how his actions affected you. He may try and make up for it. So, don’t put him in any unnecessary risks either. Move past high school,” Gail said.

“You know that all sounds good, but it is easier said than done. It is time for me to get some sleep, if I can. He will be here at 6:30 in the morning,” Katie said.

“I know. Goodnight girl. Call me tomorrow,” Gail said.

“I will. Goodnight,” Katie said as she headed up the stairs to her bedroom.

Still needing to take a shower, she headed to her bathroom. What she would give to take a bubble bath tonight for a hour, but time slipped by, so she was going to shower and go to bed.

She got into the bed and tossed and turned for a few minutes. When she finally fell asleep memories of high school fled back like nightmares. The kids taunting her and laughing at her. Calling her names. And in the middle of the crowd was Bryan pointing at her and laughing with his football buddies. She literally woke up shaking and in tears.

I had moved past all of this years ago. Then he strolls back into my life and I have trust him to protect me.