“I need to borrow your heat.”
“What?”
“I’m getting dogged lately by fans of VSU, they’re hating me, long story, but I want to help bump tourism in this little town, Irish Hills, where the restaurant is, but I can’t do it myself.”
“Why?”
“I’m supposed to be in hiding. I’m trying not to attract attention.”
“That dress is the opposite of that, just so you know.” He gave her a look that used to work like a charm.
It didn’t anymore, hmm. That knowledge was worth the little trip here, even if he didn’t accept her invite to Irish Hills.
“Ha, thanks. What do you say? Help me out? I mean, when we broke up, you told me you owed me, remember? I mean, the logo on the bus is an example.”
She’d helped a lot back when Drake and Burgundy Four were exploding in popularity. She knew the ropes of fame and helped him navigate some of the early pitfalls. And yet he couldn’t be bothered to come to the hospital when she asked.
“Yeah. I was an idiot. That was crummy of me not to come, when, you know. Just disappearing.”
“Kind of, but I survived. And you’re with River Ann, so it all worked out.”
It had all worked out, but Goldie had been depressed and disappointed back then. Drake had seemed like the last love of her life. The idea that he wasn’t was only now starting to blossom. She’d gotten over it, but it had taken time.
“So, what’s the deal, we come out to Hope’s, whatever it’s called in Irish something or other, and you buy us dinner?”
“Yes. And have your people do some social on it.”
“Alright, I actually don’t think I have a choice. River Ann gets her way in all things.”
Goldie felt a tad sorry for Drake all of a sudden. He seemed to be every decade of his almost fifty years in relation to keeping up with a twenty-something.
“Great, and if you could look, ugh, well, every inch Burgundy Four, that would be great.”
“So, not completely off the clock, eh?”
“Drake, you know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”
“I know. Good to see you.”
“Good to see you, and I’ll see you tomorrow night. I promise it is way better than a hospital bedside.”
“Oh ouch.”
“Same cell?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll text you and Casey the details.”
“Fine, fine, but you know River Ann is gluten-free,”Drake said.
“Got it.”
Goldie had what she needed, a promise from Drake, his band, and the bonus of River Ann. As she headed back to Joe and the truck. On her way, she ran into River Ann again.
“Thanks so much for your help with Drake. You guys will have a great time. I promise, and you know, totally bring your backup singers and anyone else who’s around tomorrow night who needs a nice dinner away from the melee.”
“Really?”
