The Sanctuary by Arika Stone Page B

crazy.”
    “Unfortunately, you are quite normal. I’ve already Googled you.” He eyed me slyly.
    I giggled. “You have? Find anything good?”
    “Not unless you want to discuss flowers, lighting, and fabrics. You throw quite a party.”
    I smiled at his description of my life. “I’ll admit I Googled you too.”
    “And?”
    “I read one piece when we were first spotted by the paparazzi, and that’s it.”
    “Speaking of paparazzi, Sebastian booked our interview with OMG! on Friday. We’ll need to be on-set by five.”
    I pulled out my phone and entered the appointment.
    “You didn’t need to add it to your schedule. Petra would have reminded me.”
    Petra. I loathed hearing her name, but I didn’t want him to know how much she irritated me. “I had to sync it with my office. Go to Madrid. I’m fine.”
    “I can’t. If anything happened to you, I’d be beside myself.”
    “What could possibly happen? I’m going sightseeing and to the market.”
    The doorbell rang. I glanced up at the monitor; it was a deliveryman.
    “I’ll get it. Finish your coffee.” I headed to the door and was greeted by a string of Finnish and a package thrust at me.
    “He wants you to sign for it,” Val called out.
    I looked at the box. It was addressed to me. I accepted the mail and analyzed the return address. I tore the ripcord off and pulled out a rectangular black box. I was perplexed; I hadn’t authorized AMEX to send me another black card.
    “In case you need anything when I’m gone.”
    “This is your account?” I was shocked.
    “Yes.”
    “What do you expect me to buy, a house?”
    “If you want to.”
    “Thank you, but I would feel funny spending your money.” I was touched by his gesture.
    “Why don’t you use it to buy food so you can cook when I come home?”
    I tilted my head. I understood him. “Okay, I will. What time is your plane coming in on Thursday?”
    “About four p.m. I left the details on the fridge.”
    “I’ll have dinner ready.” I kissed him. “You better get going. Your plane is leaving soon.”
    He glanced at the clock and snuffed out his cigarette. “I am not 100 percent convinced I should leave. Promise you will call if you need me.”
    “I will. I promise.” I waved my hand, “You’re going to be late! Go!”
    I stared at the credit card and took a deep breath. I had his keys, free access to his house for the next three days, and access to his money. Either Val was madly in love with me or madly insane. Did he really trust me so much he would give me free rein over the most important aspects of his life?
    A few moments later, Val descended in rock-star fashion with a small backpack, black tee, leather jacket, and multiple scarves. His facial hair was coming in, making him look rugged. He slipped on sunglasses and kissed me.
    “Why don’t you ride with me? I’ll have the driver drop you off at Jenni’s.”
    “I’d rather ride with you to the airport. I want to rent a car.” I tossed my bag over my shoulder.
    “The tram and bus are four blocks away.”
    “And if I come home late? I’d rather pull into the driveway than walk by myself.”
    “Then take a taxi. Trust me; the roads are confusing to navigate.”
    I followed him outside into the bright morning light. He looked stunning and reminded me of a young Jim Morrison. “I’m going to miss you.”
    He opened the door to the car. “Why don’t you come with me then?”
    “Val,” I playfully whined, “I can’t.”
    He instructed the driver to our destination before turning his attention to me. “I’m going to miss you too. Where are you and Jenni going?” He eyed my duffel bag.
    “Yoga, lunch, shopping, and dinner. Her friends want to meet me.”
    “Be mindful of your drink or what they offer you. Some of her friends like to party.”
    I nodded. “Thanks for the warning.”
    I stared out the window at the bluest sky I had ever seen. “Can we go to Lapland? I want to see the Northern Lights.”
    “We