No one’s paying attention to us.
“Did he?” I ask.
“County fair. He was about seven. Slipped away from…Mom and Dad…to go find cotton candy.”
I’m pretty sureMom and Dadis code forall of our bajillionty security people. At seven, Jonas was already starring in commercials and movies. Probably making public appearances too.
Wasn’t that about how old he was when he won his Oscar?
“That must’ve been scary for you,” I say quietly, one eye on Marshmallow. The dog has plopped down beside Hayes and has one front paw bent in.
“Wasn’t the only time. Happy to send you an email detailing a few more that were worse.”
Is he—
I swallow hard.
Blink again against the moisture threatening my eyes. “Will that…be necessary?”
“Better safe than sorry.” He nods to Bash, who’s now diving into my leftover bacon. “He’s happy. That’s what matters.”
“Why would you do this for someone who’s practically a stranger?”
“Because it’s very clearly the right thing to do. And anyone in my family who doesn’t understand that can deal with my wife.”
“Is she really terrifying?” I can’t picture it.
Not at all.
He grins again, and I see more shades of Jonas. It comes out in the way his eyes crinkle. “I hope you never have to witness the answer to that question.”
“Are you talking about me getting mad again?” Begonia stops behind him and runs her fingers through his hair, still smiling.
His smile grows as he looks up at her. “Yes.”
She rolls her eyes. “I amnotmean when I’m mad.”
“That’s what’s so terrifying about it.”
“By my calculation, that’s about fifteen whole sentences from you, so it must be time to go home and take a nap. Marshmallow, come on. You need a bath. Emma, it was so good to see you again.” She bends to hug me before I can get up. “And it was so nice to meet you, Bash. I hope we get to play together again sometime soon.”
Hayes nods to me. “I’ll email you.”
“Do you need—” Duh. Of course he doesn’t need my email address. “Never mind.”
They take the dog and their security guy and head out, leaving me with just Zen while Laney and Sabrina finish their pregnant lady bathroom runs.
Zen looks at Bash, then at me. “That was weirdly weird but also weirdly normal.”
I slowly nod. “Welcome to the past two and a half years of my life.”
27
Jonas
The guys don’t letme starve.
And none of us catch fish.
