Palmer insisted on staying with me Friday night, claiming he needed to protect me. I knew better, and I could have done without his issues, but I let him stay because he was part of my former life, when nobody knew who I was. I found some small comfort there. Too bad he spent the entire time online, cursing at the screen and announcing each new website about me with increased irritation. I ignored him and eventually went to bed.
When I woke up Saturday morning, he was asleep next to me. Relieved that he wasn't venting anymore, I got up quietly and went to the kitchen. Then I sat and thought about my life, grateful for some alone time.
Unfortunately, Palmer soon got up and decided to confront the reporters directly, even though Vaughan had already advised us not to do that. Armed with his need to protect me and his lack of common sense, he stormed outside and exploded at the reporters who descended upon him. He even punched a photographer and trashed the man's camera.
Good thing Vaughan was there to help me out. He dragged my raging, purple-faced boyfriend inside and made him sit down. I stepped back to take a long look at this man, and I didn't like what I saw.
Vaughan tried to explain things once again, but that only made Palmer more angry. He railed at my bodyguard and accused him of trying to steal me away. But when Vaughan wouldn't respond to that, Palmer got even angrier. And with nobody else left to attack, he turned his anger on me. This-he raged-was all my fault.
That did it. I'd finally had enough. I was through with this angry man who thought his smothering devotion was more important than a week with the Fiery Boys. Did he actually think he could save me by fighting the paparazzi?
So I told him about his new status as my ex-boyfriend. Vaughan glared at him the entire time, then threatened him with assorted bodily harm if he talked about me to the press. Stunned and speechless, Palmer grabbed the various personal effects he kept at my place and left. It was one of the easiest break ups I've ever had to do. Yeah, the next time I needed to end a difficult relationship, I'd definitely get another bodyguard.
So with all this screwy stuff going on, I was very happy when Monday rolled around and I got to go to work. The house had become my prison-a change of scenery was essential. I drove to the car dealership and went directly to my supervisor's office. "Ed, I'm taking off a week in June. Vacation."