Total pages in book: 187
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
"The rooms you'll be staying in are temporary until we either have more residents come in or make a decision on whether to build a facility on the property."
I tilt my head. That's news to me, but the words coming from his mouth don't sound like a lie, but rather something they may already be in talks about.
"The hallway Em was talking about earlier," Kincaid says, lifting his right arm and pointing in that direction. "Is your safe space. There are five rooms down there. Traci made other arrangements, as you know, so we've converted one of the bedrooms into a living room if you want to socialize and not be in one of the other areas of the clubhouse."
"No one from Cerberus, not even our female members, will go into that area," Shadow adds.
"Under no circumstances short of a fire or medical emergency," Kincaid clarifies. "And not that I think it will happen, but even an invite doesn't give them permission to be in that area."
Kayla laughs, cutting it off quickly when she draws eyes in her direction.
"Sorry," she mutters before looking down at the table.
"That being said," Kincaid continues. "As you know, there are Cerberus members who live in this building. You are not confined to your rooms or even the safe space. You're not prisoners. You have free run of all common areas. I do ask that you not invade others' privacy by going into their rooms."
"Please know that if you leave the area designated as a safe space, then there's always a chance you will see or have interactions with the Cerberus members who live here and the others who come and go from the clubhouse," Shadow explains.
"What do we do about work?" Caroline asks.
"The same as if you were still at Juniper House," Kincaid answers. "We'll provide transportation as we've always done. You'll still get with Juliet or Victoria for scheduling. You're free to come and go as you please. I'd ask that you have someone escort you if that's your routine. If you are getting a ride from someone else, they'll need to meet you at the gate. Friends, relatives, etc. will not be allowed on the property."
"Ever?" Kayla asks.
"Ever," Kincaid says, looking in her direction.
"That doesn't seem fair," Kayla argues.
"The same rules applied at Juniper," Kincaid assures her.
"How are we supposed to have regular lives if we can't have friends over?"
"Juniper House and, in turn, staying here is considered transitional living. It isn't a permanent residence," Victoria interjects. "This is where you heal and put your life back together."
Kayla stares at her for a brief moment before looking back at Kincaid. The dismissal seems a little disrespectful, but Kincaid picks up right where he left off before her question.
"We will have activities at the clubhouse," Kincaid says. "You are more than welcome to join any of them you like, but there is no obligation to do so."
"We will announce when these events are going to take place so you won't be blindsided when people start showing up."
"There are a lot of people on this property," Kincaid adds. "Every member of Cerberus is willing to take a bullet for anyone the club is protecting, and that includes you, ladies."
"We know telling you that you can trust them and being able to do that are two very different things, so they will not approach you to engage in conversation, but that doesn't mean you have to avoid them either. They will interact and speak when spoken to. They will not be offended if you speak to them one day and not the next," Shadow says. "We just want you to know that you are safe around everyone here."
"Some things may seem like events, but it's really just family gatherings. It can be a little overwhelming with so many people, so that's why we're mentioning it. The clubhouse is the largest common area, big enough to accommodate everyone, so it will still be in use while you're here," Kincaid continues. "The kids love the pool, so they spend a lot of time out there. Dana, Dean, and Daisy are always welcome to join in anything the others are doing. Some may explain what's going on to you if they see you, but they won't ask you to join so as not to pressure you. Know that you and the kids are always invited. I can't say my own granddaughter Amelia won't ask the kids to play, but the adults will be more respectful."
Dana chuckles. "Thank you."
"Andrea will be here to prepare meals for breakfast and lunch, but we always seem to have so many people around in the evenings with more food than we could ever eat," Shadow says. "You're more than welcome to eat with everyone else in the common areas, or we can make arrangements to have meals brought to your safe space common area. Don't feel obligated either way. The choice is yours."