* * *
Rowan’s headlolled back against the chair as the pedicurist rubbed her feet.
“Is this normal?” she asked.
“If it is, I need to marry someone famous,” Shelby said.
“For something like the Academy of Country Music awards, yes,” Marla said. “For a fundraising gala, not usually. But Luke said to make sure you both received the VVIP treatment.”
“VVIP?” Shelby asked.
“Very,veryimportant person,” Marla explained.
“Oh. In that case, I definitely need to marry someone famous. Do you know anyone?”
Marla smiled wryly. “Matchmaking isn’t usually something I put on my resume, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“Excellent.” Shelby sipped the sparkling wine they’d been provided as soon as they’d sat down.
Almost four hours later, they’d been pampered, poked, and fitted for exquisite dresses that would be delivered to Luke’s the next day in plenty of time for them to be pampered again by a hairdresser and professional make-up artist and make it to the gala.
“Can I see your phone for a second?” Marla asked as they waited for Shelby to return from the restroom.
“Why?” Rowan asked.
“I want to program my number in it.”
“Oh. Sure.” She unlocked her phone and handed it over.
Thumbs flying across the screen, Marla said, “Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”
Rowan took her phone back. “I think you’ve covered just about everything. I can’t think of a single thing I would need for tomorrow.”
“Not just tomorrow. For anything.” She crossed her arms, seeming not to know what to do with her empty hands. “Look, I get paid a lot of money to keep track of Luke. He’s a pain in the ass sometimes because he doesn’t care about all the publicity stuff that goes along with his job and that makesmyjob harder. But he’s also one of the most down-to-earth honest people I’ve ever met in this industry and I genuinely like him. I—”
“What?” Rowan asked when she didn’t continue.
“Well…other than when he’s on stage or in a recording booth, I think this morning is the first time I’ve seen him truly happy. I think you’re the reason for that. I know a little bit about what happened before and I want you to know I’m an ally and I hope eventually a friend. So if you ever need anything, please call me.”
Rowan searched Marla’s earnest gaze and found nothing but sincerity. “Thank you. I feel like I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster since my almost wedding. I think things are finally settling down, but at the same time there’s a lot of unknown ahead.”
“I’m only a phone call away.” Marla rubbed her shoulder.
“Thank you. It’ll be nice having a friendly face out here.”
