She waves me off, arching to lick icing off Glen’s lips. I key in her passcode, opening the text thread.
Jesus. Thom must be desperate. He’s sent her twenty messages in the last ten minutes.
I have something I want to tell you.
It’s nothing bad.
Please, B. It’s important.
I just want to apologise.
Briar’s response is just:Nothanks, shithead xo
I frown, remembering the message on the back of the magazine cover.You hurt her.
There’s two options here. Either Thom’s mad, and wants to confront her about her crazy fan; or he’sscared,and he wants to get back into her good books so he won’t get targeted again.
Either way, I don’t like it. I tap the call button and bring the phone to my ear.
Thom picks up on the second ring. “B, thank God. Thanks so much for calling.I was thinking we could go out and grab a coffee, or something—”
“This is Matthew Carter,” I interrupt him. “You might remember me. We met at the charity event for homeless children, back in London.”
He stutters into silence. “Th-the weapons guy?”
“Good memory. Stop trying to contact my client. She doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“But—”
I end the call and pass Briar’s phone back to her.
She looks vaguely amused. “Okay, then.” She sits up, rolling out her shoulders. “We’re doing something tonight, right? Please tell me I’m not spending my birthday trapped inside a hotel room.”
I tense. “It’s an unnecessary risk.”
She sighs. “I can’t stay cooped up here all day, just because one manmightsend another inappropriate picture. It’s not like I want to go clubbing. Just a walk would be fine.”
“What about dinner?” Kenta offers. “I’m sure we can find a secure restaurant. Glen’s off-duty this evening, so Matt and I could cover the two of you while you have a meal.”
I glare at him. Briar sighs, fiddling with the bottom of her robe. “I guess there’s no chance of all of you joining me, is there?”
Kenta shakes his head apologetically. “We’ll be there, just sitting at a nearby table. You can still talk to us.”
She considers, then twists to look up at Glen. “What do you think, big boy? You ready to take me on a date?”
Glen turns bright red, alarm flashing across his face.
Thirty-Four
Glen
?
When we step into the restaurant that evening, Briar’s mouth drops open. She spins a full circle, taking in the room with sparkly eyes. “Oh my God,” she whispers, turning to me. “You picked this out?”
I nod awkwardly.
It took most of the day to find a restaurant secure enough to bring her to. Eventually, hotel security recommended this little gem tucked into a street corner in West Hollywood. Apparently, it’s the number one spot for celebrities who want to eat without being hassled by fans or paparazzi. It’s perfect. The restaurant floor is just one spacious room, without any nooks or crannies for people to hide in. The staff is small and discreet, and the building has its own security and plenty of CCTV cameras.
