She joins us in the back and offers up a bazillion calories as the country singer settles in a chair. “Stealing someone’s song is lower than low.”
“I read his tweets. He said you two were having sex.” Mia-the-Clueless pops a pastry into her mouth.
Sienna closes her eyes and sighs. “Nothing sells tickets better than a secret romance between two of the band members. I didn’t even know my publicist started the rumor until my husband shoved his phone under my nose.”
My heart aches for them. “If Suds ever saw a tweet like that… he’d blow a gasket.”
“Yeah. It was awful.” Sienna strolls over to the coffee station and pours another. “I don’t think he believed it but it’s not the best thing for a couple to deal with. And, the more I denied it, the more I gave the claim credibility. We argued about that, too. Cal had no right to put that shit online without my permission.”
“Did you fire your publicist?” I turn toward the door chimes, where the salon’s first customer, the bakery owner, enters.
“Sure, I did but the damage was done.”
“That sucks.” I help Mrs. Murphy to her seat while Rose ambles back to her station.
My client stares at Sienna for a bit, opens her mouth as if to say something, then passes me her cane.
“How’s your new kitten?” Using both hands, she slowly eases down into the red plastic chair as I turn the faucet.
“She was a little weird this morning and I’m not sure what to do. She didn’t zoom to her food bowl like normal.” When the water warms, I lower her under the stream and gently massage her scalp.
The senior’s shoulders relax and she sighs. “That’s lovely dear. Now, tell me about your hot Navy man. Are you getting plenty of intercourse?”
Thinking of last night’s loud sex, I chuckle, grab the sprayer, and rinse. “We’re fine.”
Face heated, I quickly change the subject. “About my kitten?”
“Well, as long as she doesn’t stop eating altogether, she’s probably fine.” Head in a towel, she hobbles back to Rose.
Around mid-morning, Sienna gets a call, and strolls back to my station. “My brother wants me to stay with him for a couple days. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Keep in touch.” I try to sound cool inside but my stomach knots.
Things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
Chapter Four
Suds
I pace the bottom floor at JFK’s terminal one as luggage clunks around the carousel. According to the arrival board, Andy’s plane landed ten minutes ago and I wait for his text.
Andy: Just debarked.
Me: I’m at baggage claim
My phone pings again and it’s Sam. She writes Sierra left the safety of Marion’s salon and took off with her brother.
Shit.I promised my pal I’d keep her safe. Hopefully, she informed her husband about the change of plans. Otherwise, I’m in for some grief.
My well-dressed lawyer waves from the top of the escalator and tugs a leather strap over his shoulder. At the bottom we shake hands and I point at the circling suitcases.
“Need something?”
“No, I’m good. Let’s go.” He peruses the lobby, face drawn, dark circles under his eyes. “Where is she?”
Talking on the go, I stride toward the glass doors. “I thought it best she stay with Sam. The paparazzi have been merciless. Over a hundred are camped out in front of her hotel.”
A cold wind blasts when I open the door. It follows us across the street and into the lot where I bleep the key fob to the SUV. Throwing his bag in the back, he jumps into the passenger side and pulls a phone from his inside pocket.
