Smiley Read online

  It’s not just him though, she reminded herself, darting a look around. They had gathered a small crowd of customers who seemed to have nothing better to do than follow them around taking pictures with their cell phones. She quickly looked away from them and forced what she hoped was a smile.

  Smiley approached her and offered his arm. His other hand brushed a few loose strands of her hair back from her cheek as he leaned in closer. “It’s almost over. You’re so brave.”

  She didn’t feel that way.

  “You can do this, my Vanni. I’m right here. Now we just need to get you some shoes. The ones you’re wearing make you a little unsteady on your feet.”

  The heels weren’t the problem. It was her nerves and feeling as though she were on stage in some play. She refused to look at the other people again but could sense their stares. She gratefully allowed Smiley to lead her to the shoe department. One pair of flats, a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of black two-inch pumps later and she was done.

  “Can we go now?” She really wanted to leave.

  “Yes.” Smiley led her to the front of the store.

  She looked up and skidded to a halt. The sight in the parking lot shocked her. The NSO team they’d left outside kept them back but at least a hundred or more people were blocking the parking area along the front.

  “It’s not bad yet,” Slash rasped. “It’s still manageable. Only two news crews have set up. They demanded an interview but were told no.” He reached up and tapped his ear, drawing her attention to the device he wore. “I’m in contact with the team outside and Homeland is monitoring.”

  Only two? Vanni panicked but Smiley seemed to realize she was about to lose it. He spun her to face him and lowered his head, staring deeply into her eyes.

  “It’s okay. I’m right here. Slow your breathing a little.” He took a deep breath and blew it out, as if to show her how to do it. She mimicked him. He grinned. “That’s my Vanni. They are just curious people. That’s all. They mostly just want to observe us, if that helps. You’ll adjust to it.”

  She doubted she ever would, not that she’d have to. She silently vowed there would be no more outings. She really didn’t like being the center of so much overzealous attention.

  Smiley squeezed her hand. “Trust me?”

  “Yes.” She didn’t hesitate to answer because it was the truth.

  “We’re fine. This isn’t a large gathering yet. We’ve dealt with much worse. We’ll pay for your things and leave. We’ll be back at Homeland in ten minutes.”

  She took another slow breath and turned, facing the front of the store again. There were so many faces out there that it was weird. The NSO officers had help blocking off the street that ran between the store and the parking area. She noticed a few police officers had joined them along the sides to keep people from entering the store. Her shopping trip had, in effect, closed it down.

  The cashier grinned when they reached the front. It seemed as if they’d opened a line just for Vanni and the New Species. “Hello. Right here. I’ll take you!” The woman waved them over.

  Vanni was grateful for Smiley. He took charge, steered her there and thanked the cashier. The woman beamed at him and it helped that her attention seemed focused totally on Smiley.

  “I never thought I’d see any New Species in here.” The cashier started to scan the clothes.

  Smiley pulled Vanni closer. “This is Vanni. She’s visiting me at Homeland and didn’t pack enough clothing. I wanted to take her shopping.”

  The cashier finally stared at Vanni. Her mouth popped open and her eyes widened. She glanced at Smiley, then at Vanni. “Oh my gosh! You’re that couple on TV!”

  Vanni pressed against Smiley since he stood behind her. He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Yes. We are.”

  “That’s so cool! You’re my first celebrities.” The cashier resumed scanning the clothes but grinned. “You two are dating?”

  “We are.” Smiley rubbed Vanni’s stomach with his palm. “I met her and knew she was the one for me.”

  Vanni knew she had to say something. “It was love at first sight,” she blurted.

  Regret came next. She shouldn’t have used the word love but it beat mentioning being drugged. Smiley didn’t tighten his hold or seem to mind her word when he agreed.

  “It certainly was. She’s beautiful and sweet. I couldn’t resist her.”

  The cashier paused again and grinned at Vanni. “That’s so romantic. I can’t even get my boyfriend to stop at the grocery store but yours takes you clothes shopping. You’re a lucky woman.”

  “He’s amazing,” Vanni added, meaning it.

  “You’ve drawn a mob.” The cashier jerked her head toward the front. “I’ve never seen that many people want to come in here before.”

  “Sorry about that.” Smiley eased his hold around Vanni’s waist. “It happens when we leave Homeland. People are curious.”

  “Don’t apologize.” The woman laughed. “We need the business. Stop in any time. I’m Donna. Just ask for me. I’ll get you right through the lines. I’m the manager here.”

  “We deeply appreciate that.” Smiley let Vanni go and withdrew a wallet from his back pocket. “I have this, babe.”

  Vanni nodded. “Thank you.”

  “I’d do anything for you.” He winked.

  The cashier told him a total that made Vanni flinch. She hoped she hid it as he swiped his card and put in his pin number. Flame and Slash took her bags and Smiley held out his hand. She gratefully took it. They headed toward the exit and Vanni had to force her legs to keep moving.

  The doors opened and some people shouted for them to look their way. She squared her shoulders and peered at them. Cell phones were out and they were either taking videos or pictures. She smiled and clasped Smiley’s hand in a death grip. He waved with his free hand and kept her moving.

  “Can we have an interview?” A woman with a microphone and cameraman tried to rush at them but a police officer opened his arms, preventing them from going forward.

  Another news crew got around an officer but the NSO team was able to keep them at a distance. “Not now. No interviews,” one of them announced.

  Wager pulled the SUV up to the path cleared by the police who had kept people back to give them an exit and Smiley yanked open the passenger door. Vanni climbed inside, eager to be out of the spotlight. Smiley slid in behind her and closed the door.

  “Are you okay? You’re pale.”

  “I don’t do well with crowds. There were so many people staring and shouting at me.”

  He surprised her by suddenly reaching out and lifting her onto his lap. “It’s okay. The windows are tinted. They can’t see inside. You did really well.”

  She turned against him and enjoyed his arms wrapping around her in a hug. “I never want to do that again.”

  He massaged her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know this would frighten you.”

  “I’m not scared. I just…” She struggled for a word to describe almost having a panic attack but none came.

  “You’re just shy,” he finished for her and kissed the top of her head. “No more outings.”

  “Thank you.”

  The other members of their group piled into the SUV. Slash opened the hatch door, put the bags inside and then just climbed over the third seat.

  “Here we go,” Wager warned as he closed the hatch from the driver’s seat. “I’ll drive slowly so we don’t hit anyone. We lost our backup team but they’ll catch us soon.”

  Vanni peered over Smiley’s shoulder to see out the back window. No second SUV trailed them. She saw them still in front of the store though. They seemed to be trying to get to their vehicle but the news crews were keeping pace with them. They took a turn and she lost sight of them.

  “That was crazy,” Vanni mumbled.

  “This is our life outside Homeland.”

  She shifted to stare into Smiley’s eyes. “I never realized.”