“I’d love to see the wedding rehearsal, share a little of the small town love with my big-time Bombers.”
I shook my head, but he didn’t see it. He’d thumbed off the phone and was tracking someone who had walked into the room.
“I’d love a shot of you and Ryder at your rehearsal. It’d look fantastic in the show, and you wouldn’t even have to talk. I’ll do a voice over or some nice music.”
“It’s a limited space venue and a private event,” I said. “Sorry.”
“I hope you’ll reconsider. I’d really like to meet the man who stole your heart.” He handed me a card, his gaze sincere. “Text me. I’d really, really appreciate just a quick moment with you and Ryder. I think it will pull the entire series together.”
“It’s a rehearsal. Nothing fancy.”
“Childhood sweethearts getting married in a small town? Trust me, people eat that up like candy. I could build an empire on that story.”
He glanced over my shoulder again. I wondered who had caught his eye.
I scanned the bar. I’d know those wide shoulders and dark hair anywhere: Bathin.
“Let me know when you change your mind,” Patrick said. “It really would pull the whole film together and be an amazing opportunity for Ordinary.”
He stood, scooping up his equipment in one motion. “This was fun.”
“Oh?” I asked. “Are you leaving?”
“At your beck and call, if you need me. But, yes, I have an appointment. See you later, Delaney.”
“What about me?" Odin asked. “I thought you said you were going to interview local artists.”
But Baum was on the move and halfway across the room. He only made it that far before several of his fans got up to intercept him, cell phones and paper and pens in hand.
“That was weird, right?” I asked.
“That he practically ignored me the whole time you were here?” Odin scratched under his armpit and belched.
“No, that as soon as Bathin showed up, he was in a hurry to scram.”
“Who says ‘scram’ anymore? You should keep up with modern slang. Is yeet still a thing?”
“I think he recognized Bathin.”
Odin shifted, his chair making a lot of noise across the old wood floor. “We could ask.”
“I could ask,” I corrected. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Four people who almost kidnapped you say otherwise.”
“They didn’t almost kidnap me. They attacked me. Which I handled just fine.”
“Because Frigg was there.”
“Sure, and not because I am a police officer and know how to handle myself if I’m attacked.” I tossed money on the table.
“Where are you going next?” he asked. “Work?”
“Yeah. First, I’m gonna talk to Bathin.”
Baum was almost at the stairs now. He poured on the charm, posed for a couple shots, then squeezed down to the door, his audience following.
The noise level in the place dropped. I could hear the music playing over the speaker system.
