“No one can promise you that he won’t, Kar. But you’ll never know if you don’t give him the space to show you who he is now. We both know you’re still in love with the man.” She tucks a strand of auburn hair behind her ear and gives me a look that reminds me of her mother offering sage advice.
Air fills my cheeks before I breathe it out. “But just because I have lingering feelings doesn’t mean that I can date him suddenly. He’s a famous country star now, Channel.” I picture myself on a stage in a darkened arena, the sole spotlight beaming down on me as I cry hot mascara tears and clutch my chest, gasping for breath. “I don’t want a spotlight on me when he rips my heart out again.”
“Who’s to say he’s going to do that again? Everyone deserves a second chance to make up for their past mistakes.” She pauses. “I know you’re hurt. I know an apology from him doesn’t magically wash away the sins of the past. But Karoline, you know the whole family thought you two would end up together. You two work together, and you do it well. You keep his ego in check and he inflates yours. It’s a win-win.” Chanel laughs with a shrug. I shake my head, laughing with her. Only she would think two people were good together because of an ego balance.
She continues. “But really, the two of you work because you know each other. The good, the bad, and the ugly. And accepting those things about each other, which the two of you have done your entire lives, creates a solid foundation.”
I don’t think I would call where we left off a few years ago a solid foundation, but that doesn’t matter anyway.
“I hate it when you’re right.” I playfully shove against her. “But only about giving him space to prove who he is today. I’m still not dating him.This isn’t a date.It’s two old friends catching up and two temporary coworkers talking business. That’s all.”
She gives me a toothy grin and wraps an arm around my shoulder, scooching so close she’s almost sitting on my lap. “Sounds good, Kar. But we have one more thing to figure out…”
“Hm?”
Chanel abruptly stands up and pulls me by the arm. “What you’re going to wear!”
“Jeans and a baggy sweater,” I whine as she drags me to my bedroom. I stumble along after her to keep my shoulder socket intact.
Once we’re in front of my door, she stops and spins around to face me. “No ma’am. I’m hoping this won’t be the case, but if you’re spotted out withtheMason Kane tonight, your pretty face will be all over the tabloids in the morning. You are not wearing your baggy sweater. Period.”
“You’re two for two today,” I jest, then I allow her to drag me into my room and dress me up like I’m her favorite doll.
While she’s combing through my closet looking for sparkles or tassel—maybe both,I think with a cringe—I shoot a text to Mason letting him know to pick me up…
From my apartment.
Maybe I really am losing my mind.
Once I’ve slipped into a fitted black, sparkly, long-sleeve dress, Chanel pins my hair into an over-one-shoulder look and picks out red jewelry to accompany the black. After covering my face in makeup—a smoky eye with a bold, blood-red lip—she places my red stiletto booties at my feet.
“This is where I draw the line, Chanel.” I stare at the seductive heels. Not only are they four inches, but they have heart cutouts along the outer sides. “This is a friendly outing to Grove Cinemas, not a red carpet debut. I’m only wearing this dress and hair style because I happen to like fashion. And you’re unfortunately right about what would happen if we were photographed by some happenstance tonight.”
“Eh, to be honest, I had an inkling you might veto the heels. But you do need to wear these bad boys out on the town one day. Here,” she digs around in my closet, “wear these.”
Chanel replaces the heels with a pair of fresh white sneakers.
I grin. “Now that’s more like it. Cute but still classy.”
My phone vibrates on the vanity as I’m slipping into my shoes. When I get the last one tied, I check it.
BREAKING NEWS:
Darcy Marshall is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Click here to watch a recap of the Inauguration.
I don’t get into politics much, but Darcy Marshall was the best candidate for the job. I don’t regret voting for him, and I was thrilled when they announced he won. Also, his wife? She’s adorable. They look so cute together on the screen. I wonder how they navigate the spotlight?
If I date Mason, will I be thrust into the spotlight?
Of course I would…
The real question is, can I handle that?
My phone buzzes in my hand again.
Mason:On my way. See you in fifteen minutes.
I don’t respond. Instead, I focus on identifying the emotions swirling within me.
