Grandpa had never been a fan of my acting career. I’d heard him warn my mother repeatedly that it wasn’t healthy for me. But Mom had dollar signs in her eyes, and that was all that mattered. I couldn’t help but wonder if my life would be different if he hadn’t died when I was so young.
Sadly for my grandfather, men weren’t what interested me. But apparently the principle still worked anyway, because one look at Hailey and I was picturing long walks on the beach, candlelit dinners, and sleepy mornings in bed.
After years of every man and woman I met throwing themselves at me, Hailey was a revelation. Unfortunately, she seemed completely uninterested in me. It had been so long since that happened I didn’t know what to do with it.
Then I reminded myself that there was a reason I’d never had a relationship with someone outside of show business. Our life was difficult to adjust to.
“How long are you working today, Hailey?”
Her back stiffened, and she threw me a look over her shoulder. “Until three o’clock.”
“I’m going to bring you back a tip,” I promised.
She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it.”
The bell over the door rang and she looked over with a smile. “Hey Hannah, you’re early.”
“I thought you might appreciate an early day,” the newcomer said. She had blue hair and a nose ring, typical of a certain type of Seattleite. “Ashley’s out of town so I’ve been a little bored.”
“You two are so lovey-dovey,” Hailey said with an indulgent smile. “It’s cute.”
They changed places and after a quick, whispered conversation, Hailey slipped out through a door that I assumed led to the kitchen.
“Is she coming back?” I asked the new barista a few minutes later.
The woman gave me a quizzical smile, although I wasn’t sure if it was because I was dressed like the kid fromA Christmas Storyor because I sounded familiar. I’d been told that I had a very distinct voice.
“She probably went upstairs to her apartment by now.”
I saw the moment it registered that she probably shouldn’t have told me that. “I, uh, I mean she usually leaves through the back door.”
“Thanks.”
I tossed out my coffee cup and sent a quick text to my assistant.
Victoria:How do I get cash? Like paper money.
Pepper:Are you serious? Go to the ATM like everyone else.
Victoria:Do I need some kind of a card for that?
I could practically feel Pepper rolling her eyes through the phone. In my defense, there was almost always someone from my team with me, and they took care of these kinds of things.
Pepper:There’s a VISA card in the slot behind your phone. You can use that to get cash. The PIN is my birthday. And if you ask me when my birthday is, I promise you I will quit.
Victoria:I remember your birthday, don’t worry.
Pepper:Are you still in hiding?
Victoria:Yes.
Pepper:Why Seattle though? What’s there?
I frowned at my phone, then looked around the busy city street. I didn’t see any of my bodyguards, but maybe I’d missed them. My agent would have a shit fit if he knew I was unprotected.
Victoria:How do you know I’m in Seattle?
Pepper:The Find My Phone. But don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. You don’t have any scheduled appearances for two weeks and I canceled all your meetings. Lay low, do whatever you’re planning to do in Seattle, and hit me up if you need anything else.
