“Of course. Is there anything I can do to help?” I ask, feeling thoroughly useless.
“Can you please check that the coast is clear out front and text me to let me know? I didn’t see any paparazzi on the way in, but who knows where they’ve moved now? Fucking bloodhounds.” He rubs the bridge of his nose.
I nod and do as instructed. When I check outside the front of the coffee shop, I don’t see any paparazzi. In fact, there are very few people now. The wind blows a soft breeze, and my hair flutters around my face.
Me
Coast is clear.
Roman and Jill make their way out half a minute later, and he rushes her over to his car, opening the passenger door and getting her inside.
“Oh shit, her car is still parked a few blocks away, do you–” I start.
“I’ll have my assistant grab it. I can drive you back to your place if you want?” he offers.
I’m shaking my head before I say the words. “No, that’s okay. I’ll give you two some privacy.”
Roman sighs, and I take a moment to study him. He seems tired, and I’m not sure if it’s the weight from our filming schedule or what just happened that’s pressing down on him. He scrubs his hand down his face and looks at me, giving me an equally thorough inspection. It’s as if he wants to say something that’s his usual smarmy self, but he simply doesn’t have the energy for it.
“Is she going to be okay?”
“Loaded question, but I’ll do my best to help her when we get home. Thank you. For calling me.” Roman catches an errant strand of my hair, and my heart thunders in response. He tucks it gently behind my ear, hand lingering there for a second before the backs of his fingers ghost along the side of my face. I’m too stunned to speak, so I simply nod.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says before getting into the car and driving away.
Right. Tomorrow. Napa. I feel all flustered when I look around me and realize there was no one there who could’ve witnessed that interaction. If no one could’ve seen us, why did he do that?
Chapter Thirty-Four
ROMAN
The last thing I want to do after last night is leave Jill home alone. I knew it would piss her off if I asked James or Kat to come over, so I didn’t. But now as I’m getting ready to leave, suitcase in hand, I’m wondering if I made the right call.
“Roman, quit fussing, I’m fine,” Jill emphasizes the last word.
“Saying it and meaning it are incredibly different things.”
She rolls her eyes from the couch, where she’s wrapped up in one of her cozy blankets. “I’m good, I’ve got cookies, theReal Housewives, and a cleared social calendar. I’m living my best life.”
I shoot a few daggers her way.
“Okay, look, if I need anything, I’ll call Kat.”
She can tell I’m unconvinced.
“I promise. Yesterday was an off day, I’ll be good here. I’ll call Kat. Go,” she gestures toward the door.
We got lucky that yesterday’s episode wasn’t caught by the press. Instead of caring about Jill and how she’s doing, itwould’ve pissed Deacon off for making the Everetts look “unstable” or “weak,” as he’s said in the past.
“I can text you daily if you need, you mother hen,” she laments.
“Yes, please.”
“Hurry and go get Clover, or you’ll be late.”
Before I leave, I shoot James a quick text.
Me
