“It was flattering, that’s for sure.But it got me thinking that I know enough, and I love sharing it, so why not give this a go.What have I really got to lose?I’ve got some savings to get me through and options if it doesn’t work out.”
“Do you have a game plan?Where do you even start?”
Absentmindedly, I pointed in the direction of my home bar while admiring my highlighter (did I want to add more?).“I thought I’d start with the basics of a home bar but focusing on elevated options.”
In the corner of my eye, I saw Wes walk over to it, shuffling bottles to get a look at the labels.“I don’t know half of these.”
He was holding a bottle up when I glanced over.“Oh, that’s my uncle’s whiskey.He started making his own a year ago from his place in Kentucky.Went through a midlife crisis after his divorce and bought an acreage.Always trying to get me to visit.”I wanted to.I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen him, but with work and … “Huh, I guess I could do it now.I could use a little R&R.You should see this place.It’s practically a resort.”I pulled up a photo my mama had sent, showing it to Liv.
“Wow.That looks amazing.What I wouldn’t give to stay out there.I’ve never really seen the country.”
“You should go.”I chuckled at her surprise.“Trust me.He loves visitors.And he lives out there by himself.You’ll get a whole wing and a guided tour.”
“Sounds like a great idea,” Wes added.“Especially if it means more of this.”He’d taken it upon himself to pour some into a glass, tasting it.
“Okay,” I said, happy with my makeup now and turning to Liv for a second opinion.“What do you think?Good enough?”
“Are you kidding?You look great.I wish I had your bone structure.”
“Please.You’re the star here.”
“If you’re going to fight over who is the prettiest, at least acknowledge that, next to me, neither of you stand a chance.”Wes joked, twisting out of the way when Liv reached over to smack his arm.
“So, what’s next?”
Good question.“Have either of you done this before?”I asked.
Wes wasn’t bothered.“No, but there are literal children out there with millions of followers.How hard can it be?”
“That’s the first thing someone says before finding out exactly how hard something is,” I said, wondering how this became my life.
Wes clapped his hands together.“Don’t worry so much, Tiffster.It’ll be fine.”
“If you value your life, that’ll be the last time you call me that.”But he was right.What did I have to lose?“Alright, then.I’m putting myself in your very capable hands.”
Wes brightened.“Great.I’ve been told many times that I’m very good with my—” Liv’s hand was suddenly cupped over his mouth, and I laughed at the indignant squeak that escaped him.
“All done!”Liv said afterward.“That was pretty fun, actually.Probably needs some editing, but you’re a natural on camera.”
“It’s easy being myself, I guess.”
“Can I ask you something?”Liv asked, tentative.Wes busied himself by hovering again at my bar until I gave him the ok to help himself, which he did with glee.
I turned my attention back to Liv.“Shoot.”
“It’s not really my place, but … Wes mentioned there was something going on with your boss?”
I pinned him with a glare.“Oh, did he now?”He had the grace to look uncomfortable, at least.Softening, I said to Liv, “There was, but there isn’t anymore.”
“Is that why you left your job?”
“No, I quit before that.”Barely, I remembered with a smirk.There was an odd distance to my memories of that night.Of how long ago it felt.So much had changed since then.My reasons for leaving seemed so important, and now I could barely remember what they were.
I caught a flash of worry in Liv’s expression and saw Wes’ own concern as he watched her.Oh.“If you’re worried about mixing work and pleasure, I don’t think the two of you have much to be concerned about.Isn’t the entertainment industry littered with couples who met on set?”
Two sets of eyes widened, and Liv broke into an embarrassed laugh.“Me and Wes?No!No.We’re just friends.”
One look at Wes told me that was likely far from true, but those puppy dog eyes of his were practically begging me to let this slide, so I did.“Boss, then?”
