Lela had to read the message twice. Even then, it didn’t feel real. Electricity zipped up and down her spine. Her brain started to kick into overdrive. Would all of the hard work actually pay off? It seemed like it might. “Wow. I’m just. Wow.”
Donovan stepped in front of her and gripped both of her shoulders, with a look that was unlike any she’d ever seen on his face. Donovan James wasn’t merely happy or pleased. It was like he might explode. “Take it from me, stuff like this doesn’t happen very often. I don’t know how long the tail will be. It could be a week. It could be months. But whatever it is, you and I need to get back to the city ASAP and figure out how to make the most of this.”
“Okay. Got it. I need to go pack up the last of my stuff, but I can be downstairs in ten.”
“Yes. Great. I’ve already brought my bag down. I just want to say goodbye to my mom.”
Lela raced upstairs and crammed her remaining clothes and toiletries into her suitcase, but of course, when her phone rang and she saw Tammera’s name on the Caller ID, she had to answer it.
“Tams. How are you?”
Tammera squealed on the other end of the line. “What the hell, bus lady? Your whole career blows up and I don’t even get a text?”
“I didn’t even know. My phone was off all weekend.”
“Well, I’m telling you, there’s a definite buzz.”
“I still don’t understand how any of this started.”
“As near as I can tell, a whole bunch of women got super pissed off about the fact that people were taking issue with your gray hair. It was a bullshit response. These women clapped back. Hard.”
Lela zipped up her suitcase. She was the least controversial person she could think of, but she did appreciate the idea of women standing in solidarity with other women. Any bias against gray hair was definitely bullshit. “That is so awesome.”
“It’s especially awesome because it happened to you.”
“Donovan and I need to get on the road. Can we catch up this week?”
“I have a crazy shooting schedule, but call me. We’ll figure something out.”
“Great. Love you,” Lela said.
“Love you, too.”
Lela tucked her phone into her purse and was back in the foyer in record time. She found Donovan outside waiting for her, standing next to his car. He grabbed her bag and tossed it into the cargo area of his SUV, then rounded to the driver’s side door. Lela climbed inside and they were soon on their way.
“How was it saying goodbye to your mom?” Lela asked.
“Surprisingly, a little sad. Usually I’m desperate to get out of here, but this was a really good visit. Maybe it was just because of the wedding. I think that put some much-needed perspective on everything. I realized that she got put through the ringer by Genevieve, and she was trying her best.”
“It was really nice to have been invited.”
Donovan settled back in his seat, leaving one hand at the very top of the steering wheel and resting his elbow on the center console. “My family loves you.”
“That’s sweet. I think they’re lovely. Even your mom, who is not nearly as bad as you tried to make her seem.”
He blew out a breath. “I know. And I feel bad about that. It’s funny, but you see your family differently when there are other people around.”
“I’m not saying they’re perfectly normal. But I like that they’re unique.” Lela’s phone rang with a number she didn’t recognize. “I’m not even sure I should be taking these calls. I have no clue who this is.”
“If I were you, I’d be answering everything right now.”
“Okay.” She pressed the green button to accept the call. “Hello? This is Lela Bennett.”
“Oh, great, Ms. Bennett. I’ve been trying to hunt you down. This is Monica Figueroa. I’m a booker for Good Day USA. Are you familiar with our show?”
Lela nearly laughed. “Yes. Hi, Monica. I know Good Day USA. My mom watches every morning.” It was the longest running network morning show in the country, seen by several million people every day.
Donovan cleared his throat and leaned forward to make eye contact with Lela. He silently pled for more information.
