Rubi bounced her shoulders to the beat, glad that she’d finally gotten a lead on Trent.
Cash pulled over on a street not far from his own. Following him up to the doorstep was another line she wasn’t willing to cross ... even to get that contemptible no-good’s signature. She pulled over a half block away and left the motor running in case she had to pull out fast. Twisting in her seat, she discovered that the woman was short with spiky blond hair and boots with bling. The boots were awesome! Maybe she’d join their date after all—this lady looked like a kindred fashion spirit.
Cash opened the passenger-side door for his date, and Rubi begrudgingly gave him credit for being a gentleman ... when the mood hit him. She scrunched up her nose. He certainly hadn’t been a gentleman to her, stomping off and letting the door slam in her face.
Her phone rang and she pressed a button on the steering wheel as she pulled back into traffic to follow Cash. Few people had this number, so she wasn’t worried about caller ID.
“Hello?”
“I just got the official word that you’re up for Sexiest Woman Alive again this year.” Melanie’s enthusiasm trickled through the speakers.
“Great.” Rubi turned on her signal as the truck parked next to the Star Café.
“I’m glad one of us is excited about the nomination.”
“I’ve been in the running for three years in a row and lost. Don’t worry about me; I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m not the sexiest woman on the planet.” Rubi easily found a parking spot. “I’m okay with it. Really.”
“This is your year darlin’”
She rolled her eyes. Melanie was her biggest fan. Seriously, she was the president and CEO of Rubi’s fan club. She cared more about Rubi’s reputation than Rubi did—and she was amaster at social networking. “Any other news I should know about?”
“Carolyn went for a job interview this morning.”
Rubi hit the Bluetooth button and snatched up her phone. That news was worth talking about. Rubi had brought Carolyn home to an empty house, but within a couple weeks both her agent and assistant had moved into the guest suites.
Melanie’s enthusiasm for life and general perkiness scattered emotional shadows, while Bobby’s calmness in the face of any storm provided a much-needed aura of calm. Adding Rubi’s constant encouragement, and Carolyn was coming out of her baby blues. She still drifted into rooms as if she wasn’t sure where she was going or why she was there, but getting a job was a huge step forward. “She did? Where?”
“Some organic bath boutique downtown. I can’t remember the name, but they’re ultra popular. Like—the next big thing. Orthebig thing.”
“I know which one you’re talking about. It’s owned by that Peruvian model, isn’t it?”
“Leticia. Yes ma’am.”
“Look at you bein’ all Southern.” Rubi teased her.
Melanie giggled. “I can’t help myself. Y’all are getting to me.”
Rubi smiled. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head. I won’t tell anyone you’re from California if you won’t.”
Melanie laughed. “Where are you, anyway? You were gone before I could guilt you into a yoga session.”
“I’m tracking down Trent.”
“Your new favorite pastime.”
“Don’t get me started.” Rubi watched as Cash slid from the truck and went around to open the door for his date–again. He must want to make a good impression on this girl. His long, lean legs had purpose and hustle, and they didn’t look too bad in a pair of jeans either. The thought made her kind of cranky.Whatever happened to being a gentleman at heart and not just when you’re trying to make a good impression? He obviously had the skills and he’dchosennot to use them on her. She swallowed against the sudden dryness in the back of her throat. “I’ve got a hot lead. I mean, I’m hot on a lead, so I have to let you go.”
“Go get him girlfriend.”
Rubi disconnected the call. She watched from the car, waiting until Cash and his date were seated at a booth next to the giant, somewhat cloudy window, before throwing on a Braves ball cap she kept in the passenger seat and heading into the diner.
The smell of old grease hung in the air like bats with beady red eyes, bringing Rubi up short just inside the door. The waitress looked up from pouring a cup of coffee. Her brown hair hung limp in a French braid and her nails were long enough to pick a lock. “Just grab a seat. I’ll be right with you.”
Rubi looked around. There was one older guy at the counter in a pair of overalls, and Cash and his date. This place wasn’t exactly hopping for a Friday night.
Still perturbed about his on-again, off-again manners, Rubi decided to take the table right next to them. Cash glanced her way and then went back to perusing his menu. She brushed her bangs to the side in a show of dismissal.
His date, a woman in her late twenties with heavy eyelashes and thick lipstick, glanced at Rubi and did a double take. Rubi smiled and waved her fingers. The woman gave her a small smile in return.
