“Having two gorgeous, famous men fight over you?”
I roll my eyes. “That’s not what happened.”
“It’s exactly what happened.”
“That fight had been bubbling up for a long time. I was just the one to crack the tab to open it.”
“Well, my vote is for Austin.” She stuffs a big bite into her mouth.
I glance at her. Noah isn’t even in the running, but I’m curious to hear how Gemma perceives Austin. “Because he flew you to Paris?”
“I mean, it’s notnotbecause of that.” She smiles big, then gets more serious. “But really, Mia, I like him.”
I wave at the little boy on the top of the passing boat. “You and the rest of the female world.”
“No. I like himfor you.”
I sigh. “I do too.”
“Why the shame?”
“Because I’m trying not to get hurt, Gem. This is Austin Sheppard we’re talking about. He’s not exactly America’s poster boy for committed relationships. Besides, I don’t want him to think I’m trying to ride his coattails.”
“First of all, I wouldn’t trust any piece of clothing that man owns to hold your weight for a ride like that, and second, anyone who knows you wouldn’t think that.”
“But Iwouldbenefit from a relationship with him.”
“So what? You’ll get as much flack as you’ll get benefit. I’ve been following Austin more closely since you met him, and”—she raises her brows significantly—“the man has quite the rabid fan base.”
“Tell me about it. Apparently, I can expect death threats if our names are paired.” I fiddle with the napkin in my hand. “I just really wanted to make it on my own merits, you know? Not because I’m dating an emerging pop icon.”
“I get it. But is that pride enough to keep you from being with him?” She looks at me intently, waiting for my answer.
I don’t respond right away.Ismy pride that important to me? More important than Austin? I shake my head. “No.” No way.
She squeezes my thigh until I pull it away. “Good answer. There’s nothing wrong with a little help, Mia. You’ve worked your butt off at music. And whatever boost you get from Austin, I’m sure you’ll pay it forward at some point. We all give and get. It’s what makes the world go round.”
“You’re so wise,” I say dramatically, squinting at her through narrowed eyes. But she really does have me thinking.
“I truly am,” she says. “Better take advantage of it while I’m still around.”
“You planning on dying soon?”
She takes another huge bite and covers her mouth. “Worse.”
I frown. “Meaning?”
She tries to speed up her chewing, then swallows with effort before responding. “I talked to Mom last night. Grams insists on moving into the retirement home in Sunset Harbor, and Mom’s worried about it.”
“For good reason,” I say. Our family and the Palmer family (who owns the home) have a rivalry spanning multiple generations.
“Exactly. So, given all the unused PTO I have, I offered to help with the move and make sure she’s being treated right.”
I stare. “You’re going to Sunset Harbor?”
She wipes her hands with her napkin. “Condolences are appreciated.”
“YouhateSunset Harbor.”
