“So. Where to?”Evo asks, meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror.
Shit. I haven’t had a chance to really think about it, what with all my doomscrolling and all. “Um... I don’t know. What do people usually do in L.A.?”
His deep chuckle fills the car. “Depends. Some go shopping, some hit the beaches, or tour the studios.”
He goes quiet, thinking for a moment. “There’s a great tattoo museum in Long Beach. And the Getty has an amazing collection. Or there’s the Broad downtown, if you’re into contemporary stuff.”
I perk up. “The Broad? I’ve heard of that.”
“The Broad it is, then.”
Evo points out landmarks and tells me stories about filming locations and celebrity sightings. It’s like having my own personal tour guide, and soon I find myself relaxing into my seat, enjoying the experience.
The Broad—a stunning contemporary art museum with an impressive collection—is even more incredible than I expected. Ispend about an hour wandering through the exhibits, taking photos of pieces that inspire me, and making notes on my phone about techniques I want to try.
Afterward, he drives me to Melrose Avenue, where I find a cute, edgy boutique with unique clothes that are just my style. So, using Rowan’s card, I buy a flowy, white maxi dress that would go great with my black Chucks.
For lunch, Evo takes me to a food truck that serves the most amazing Korean-Mexican fusion tacos. We eat at a small park next to the beach, people-watching as tourists and locals walk by.
It’s beautiful. A gentle breeze pushes a lock of hair across my face, and I brush it aside with a smile before taking another bite of my taco.
“I probably shouldn’t ask, but… you and Rowan, huh?”
My heart lurches in surprise, voice muffled in an attempt to talk around the food I’ve just shoved into my mouth. “What about us?”
Evo shrugs his massive shoulders. “Just wondering if it’s the real deal. He’s different with you.”
My heart skips. “Different how?”
“More... relaxed, I guess? Less guarded.” He takes a long drink of his water.
“I take it you’re more than just his driver slash bodyguard?”
“In some aspects, yeah,” he says with a soft smile. “I’ve known Rowan for about ten years now.”
“Ten years is a long time,” I say thoughtfully, wiping a bit of sauce from the corner of my mouth. “You must know him pretty well.”
“Better than most,” Evo admits with a slight nod. “Which is why I can tell when someone’s good for him.”
I’m not sure how to respond to that, so I focus on finishingmy taco instead. For all his intimidating presence, there’s something almost fatherly about the way he talks about Rowan.
When we finish eating, Evo gathers our trash and disposes of it in a nearby bin. I stretch my legs, enjoying the feel of the sun on my skin before reluctantly heading back to the car.
As I slide into the backseat, I realize I have no idea what’s next on our impromptu tour. “So what’s next?”
Even though Evo’s expression stays neutral, there’s a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Mr. Cole gave me specific instructions. It’s a surprise.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course he did.”
Evo chuckles as he pulls away from the curb.
The drive takes us back into the heart of Hollywood, and I watch through the window as the scenery shifts. Palm trees line the streets as tourists with cameras crowd the sidewalks.
When Evo finally finds a place to park the car, I look around in confusion. “Walk of Fame? Really?”
“Mr. Cole thought you might want to check it out.” There’s something in his tone that makes me suspicious.
“What aren’t you telling me?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
