“Of course,” I say, and that’s that. She’s moving on becauseshedidn’t mess up.
She heads inside, and I have no idea what that exchange means for the rest of the job. Or, more importantly, for any referrals from them in the future.
A few minutes later, Haven comes out and we get on the road. For the first time in three weeks, I leave the farm for the night. It’s like leaving a part of my heart behind.
Or maybe all of it.
I try not to look back as I take Haven to her hotel, then head to Wanda’s old room, taking it over. Thankfully, one of the crew members finished up early, freeing up a room for Wanda in the main house.
At least I have a job with Ruby Horizons for another night.
What does it matter when I can’t have another night—no, all my nights—with Ripley.
I can’t escape the feeling of déjà vu when I leave the hotel with Haven on Friday morning. I swear all eyes are on me as we cross the lobby.
That family at the complimentary coffee? They’re whispering about me. That haggard businessman checking out? He’s definitely seen the hashtag about my fling with the woman I was protecting.
Okay, fine. Logically I know any double takes are solely for the rising star I’m flanking. But emotionally, I can’t shake this familiar feeling. It’s like the day my mom, sister, and I went into town after the news of my father’s second family had made it to the neighborhood forums.
We walked into the ice cream shop for salted caramel cones, and the teenager with braces behind the counter blinked at us, like,Is that them?
When my mom stopped at the grocery store, the cashier gave her curious looks. When she picked up her dry cleaning, the woman at the register asked if she was okay.
But were those people checking in on us the same people who’d posted our names, numbers, and addresses on social media? We were the collateral damage of my father’s secret second life.
We never knew who’d been talking about us. Eventually, we left town because it was easier to start over.
What will be easier now though? Will all my potential clients know I’m the guy who fucked a client?
I grit my teeth as I walk Haven out of the hotel, scanning left and right, then behind. When we reach my car, I open the door for her and make sure she gets inside safely.
“I’m sorry about what happened,” Haven says once I hop into the driver’s side. I miss Ripley’s truck. I miss Ripley’s voice. I miss every single thing about Ripley.
“I appreciate that, but it’s okay,” I say to Haven, trying to be tough. Impervious.
“You don’t have to be stoic. I know you guys were the real deal.”
My heart rips all over again. I swallow roughly, nod my bestthank you, and then turn on the engine. It was the real deal, and I screwed it up. I should have done what Dean said—stepped back before I made my personal life everyone’s business.
I knew better.
“Maybe it doesn’t have to be over,” Haven adds, and it’s sweet that she says that. Truly, it is.
But I’m not about to tell her I didn’t only ruin a romance. I might also have damaged the business I run with my friend. Webflix was our best new lead, and we’re still waiting for the other new contracts to come through.
Ifthey come through.
Hell, I don’t even know how Tabitha and Ruby Horizons feel about us, but I’ll probably find out any minute.
When we arrive at the farm, that sense that everyone knows my secrets slams into me again. Sam, the guy who’s hot for Ripley, gives me a funny look as I bring Haven to the set. Tabitha barely says a word to me. I swear the director is looking at me likeyou’re the guy who canoodled with the star’s sister, you dipshit.
All day long, I imagine hearing whispers, and I hate them. I don’t know why they haven’t kicked me off the job for the few remaining days. Maybe it’s because Dean’s here, keeping the peace, smiling, chatting, making nice. No wonder he’s the front man. He’s better with people than I am.
Well, nearly anyone is better with people than I am.
The sun’s bright today, so I drop on my shades and cross my arms, focusing on the job.
The way I should have done all along.
