“Sorry for bailing today.” He smiled at the fan and handed back the pen. “I had to come out here. It’s Valentine’s Day.”
Kim sighed. “Okay, what did you end up getting her?”
“A Mustang.”
“You bought her acar?” She sucked in a breath. “Cary, what the fuck?”
“Her truck’s not safe,” he said. “Besides, you told me to.”
“I waskidding, dude. Haven’t you heard of, like, flowers? Chocolates? How did she take it?”
“Not great at first, but I told her I couldn’t return it.” He smiled at a middle-aged woman who’d just snapped his picture. “She accepted it on the condition she could pay me back.”
“That sounds like her. She’ll fucking do it too.”
He scoffed. “Yeah, I’d like to see her try.”
“She’ll find a way.”
“Highly unlikely, considering I’d never take money from her.” He chuckled. “Hey, can you sort out my travel for awards weekend in Saskatoon?”
“Ew. Why?”
“I’m accepting the Lifetime Achievement award . . . long story.”
“Do you want me to book Vegas’s flight too?”
“Yes, please. And I want you there.”
“Lucky me, I guess.”
CHAPTER 29
TYLER
Two weeks later, Tyler’s phone buzzed on her desk. It was Cary, calling on FaceTime—not a surprise, considering they’d been glued to their phones since he left. She answered, leaving her office door open. Sebastien was away, and Lara wasn’t at her desk where she was supposed to be.
“Hi!” Tyler said. “How are you?”
“Pack your bags!” Cary sounded like a game show host giving away a free vacation.
“Why?” She tilted her head. “What’s happening?”
“I booked you a flight, babe. You’re meeting me in Austin next week.”
“You booked it?” She raised an eyebrow, not believing him.
“Okay, Kim booked it.” He rolled his eyes, copping to it. “She checked your calendar, so don’t worry about Sebastien finding out.”
She scanned his tour itinerary on her computer, not remembering a break in his schedule. “Aren’t you playing a show the next night?”
“It’s being rescheduled as we speak,” he said. “Tommy’s taking care of it.”
“FuckingTommy.” She pressed her tongue against her teeth.
“Yeah, I know, but there’s some problem with the venue and I’d rather reschedule than cancel it.”
“Why Austin?” She shrugged. “Can’t you come home instead? I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m excited to see you.”
