I don't need a babysitter
Kate was running late. But this time, it wasn’t really her fault. She was certain she had set her alarm before going to bed the previous night.
Okay, so she might have been just the teensiest bit intoxicated from all the drinks she had had, but to be fair, when it's your friend's birthday, and they decide to end the day by celebrating at a bar, who was Kate to say no?
So, she joined her friends and went with them to one of their favorite bars, indulged in far more drinks than she originally had intended, and got home far later than planned.
Now, she was rushing through the bustling streets of New York City, feeling groggy from a mild hangover and only a few hours of sleep. Her mother insisted that they needed to talk and was pretty adamant about Kate showing up. And, of course, her mother just had to have this talk at the crack of dawn.
Kate didn’t even know what her mother wanted to discuss. When Kate had asked her about it, she had simply told Kate that she would find out once she got there.
Of course, Kate had some ideas about what her mother wanted to talk to her about. Whenever her mother decided it was time for them to have a talk, the topics of discussion usually involved her schooling, possible internships at Bishop Security, or her seemingly out-of-control behavior - which is just a massive exaggeration if you asked Kate.
Everyone occasionally goes out with their friends and parties or follows through on a dare, ending with a destroyed bell tower.
Okay, so the destroying a bell tower part may have been over the top, even for her. However, when your friends start doubting your archery skills, you have to prove them wrong. And that is precisely what Kate did. People didn’t call her the world's greatest archer for nothing - or at least they will soon enough.
It might not have gone exactly how she had planned, but she was able to pull it off. She even surprised herself with that one, if Kate was completely honest.
After that first failed attempt, she started to seriously doubt whether she could actually do it, but Kate has never let a bit of uncertainty stop her, so why start now?
„There she is. Kate, you‘re finally here. Come, sit, and join us,” Elenor greeted her with fake enthusiasm when Kate finally arrived and entered the living room of her mother's penthouse. “We have been waiting for you.”
“Yeah, sorry mom. For some reason, my alarm didn’t go off. Funny, huh?” Kate explained, hoping the excuse would be enough to get her mother off her back this time.
“Honestly, Kate, how many more times do we need to have this discussion? You must start being more responsible and begin using your time more productively,” Eleanor reprimanded with a hint of clear annoyance.
"This is the reason I called you here. Kate, meet Nadine. It will do you well to be on your best behavior since you will be spending a lot of time together.”
Taking in her mother's words, Kate finally realized that there was another person in the room with them. For the first time, Kate acknowledged the other woman and was struck by her presence.
Kate was mesmerized by the woman's beautiful blond hair and the way it shimmered in the light and captivated by those piercing green eyes, which she could easily get lost in.
Snapping out of her haze, Kate eventually comprehended what her mother had said. “ Wait, what? “
“Well, as we have established with your late appearance, I can’t depend on you, Kate. Therefore, I have decided to provide you with a bodyguard. Nadine will ensure that you behave yourself and refrain from any inappropriate actions. Particularly considering the bell tower incident that occurred last week,” Eleanor stated.
“What!? No way. Mom, you can’t be serious. You can’t just assign me a babysitter. I’m a grown woman, for Christ's sake,” Kate replied exasperatedly. “Seriously, this is going too far.”
“Now, Kate, please. There is no reason to raise your voice. I understand that you are frustrated, but this needs to be done.”
"Mom, seriously? This is ridiculous," Kate protested, her irritation evident in her tone. “I know I messed up with the bell tower, but it was an accident. I didn’t mean for that to happen, and I apologized.”
Kate was completely caught off guard by the topic of their conversation. Of all the ways Kate imagined this talk to go, she never in a million years would have anticipated this.
She couldn’t believe her mother would go as far as hiring a bodyguard to play her babysitter. Just to keep her in line. Kate's mind raced with frustration and disbelief as her mother tried to calm her down.
Eleanor sighed, clearly weary of this discussion. "Kate, it's not just about the bell tower incident. I worry about your safety. You've had your fair share of reckless adventures, and I can't always be there to bail you out."
Kate crossed her arms, her thoughts a whirlwind of resistance. "I can take care of myself. I don't need a babysitter following me around everywhere."
Meanwhile, Nadine, who had remained silent and composed throughout their entire conversation, finally spoke for the first time, her voice calm and collected. “ Ms. Bishop, with all due respect, I am not here to babysit you. I'm here to ensure your safety and well-being. I understand your concerns, but my presence is meant to be discreet and unobtrusive. You won't even notice me most of the time."
Kate wasn't convinced. She felt like her freedom was being stripped away, and it was a bitter pill to swallow. "This is ridiculous, Mom. I can't believe you're doing this."
Eleanor's tone softened, and she spoke with a motherly concern that was hard to ignore. "Kate, I love you, and I just want what's best for you. You're my only child, and I can't help but worry. Please give this a chance. "
Kate let out a frustrated sigh, realizing that arguing further wouldn't change her mother's mind. "Fine, I’ll give it a shot, but I don't have to like it."
Eleanor managed a small, relieved smile. "Thank you, Kate. I promise this won't be as bad as you think.”
“I hope you’re right,” Kate replied with a hint of doubt.
She had always been fiercely independent, and having someone intrude in her life in such a way was hard for her to accept.
After discussing the implications of what a new bodyguard would mean for Kate, they said their goodbyes, and Kate made her way to return to her apartment with Nadine by her side.
However, as they were leaving her mother’s penthouse, she heard her mother quickly mention, “Oh, and before I forget, there is a charity auction tomorrow that we need to attend. I picked out a dress that I thought you might like. It should’ve already been delivered to your apartment. “