I shake my head. “I thought we cleared this up this morning. I went for a walk because I couldn’t sleep.”
He tilts his head.
“What can I say that’ll make you believe me?”
“Nothing,” he says, turning toward the water. “Let’s just get through the press conference. We’ll pick this up after.”
“We’ll pick what up?”
But he’s already walking, and I can’t keep up in these teetering shoes.
Finally, I round a corner. The harbor unfolds like a photographwith a row of enormous yachts docked in perfect symmetry, sunlight glancing off the clean white hulls.
Milo gives me double cheek kisses as soon as I board. “You remember Pierre,” he says.
I smile and greet the attendant from our private jet.
“Champagne, mademoiselle?” Pierre offers.
I accept a flute and try to spot Slayer as the bubbles explode on my tongue. I find him talking with Valentina, dressed in a vibrant, tomato red dress. She laughs at something he says, her hand coming to rest on his forearm.
Jealousy punches me in the gut.
I pivot back toward Milo, who’s walking around with a clipboard in hand.
“Why is Valentina here?” I ask sharply. “I thought this event was press only.”
“Sterling likes her. And he likes her high-powered connections even more. He thinks she’ll prove a useful ally.” Milo gives me a look. “Still jealous?”
“No. I’m just—I’m supposed to be his girlfriend. Isn’t that what this press conference is all about?”
“You have ten minutes to start acting like Slayer’s girlfriend before the journalists arrive.”
With that, Milo sweeps off to join Sterling, who’s just gotten off the phone.
Behind us, music kicks up, a DJ working the decks.
I glance over again.Paul.
I hadn’t expected him here. After last night, I would have thought either Slayer or Sterling, or both, would’ve fired him.
I wave and walk over to say a quick hello. “What are you doing here? Are the journalists going to dance?”
“You never know,” Paul says with a grin. “Yachts always have a DJ. It’s part of the allure.”
At that moment, a woman with long black hair passes by, carrying a tray with stacked plates. She looks familiar...
“Bix, I’d like you to meet Sade,” Paul says. “Sade, Bix.”
We greet one another. “I remember you from Carolineyesterday. Congratulations on snagging Slayer,” she says with a wide smile. “I’ve been a fan of his music since I was a little kid.”
“Thanks. I am Slayer’s girlfriend,” I say, with a quick glance at Paul. “But I’m also a singer.”
“So am I!” she says. “Is Sterling Records your label?”
“No. Still looking.”
“Well, with Slayer as your boyfriend, I’m sure you’ll find something soon.” She excuses herself to start setting the tables for the journalists’ lunch.
