Page 107 of Reckless

Everyone is exhausted by the time we’re done. Riggs and Luther say there is a diner nearby that should be safe enough for us, and save us having to cook in the RV. I jump at that. They leave for their motel to clean up while Jude and I take turns in the shower. They come back for us an hour later and we drive into town.

As we’re heading out in the back of Luther’s car, I see the same woman from before putting her things into the trunk of her car. She doesn’t look up as we pass, so I’m not sure what it is about her that has me feeling uneasy. It’s stupid. She’s just enjoying the park, so I shake it off.

While the guys chat after we order, I send mom and dad some of the pictures from the day. They came to the caves a few years ago and dad always says he wants to come back. Mom replies straight away.

Mom

Who is that very handsome man with you, daughter?

Krista

A friend

Mom

Don’t lie to your mother. On that second photograph, he’s staring at you with stars in his eyes. Have you met someone on your travels? Are you being safe?

Krista

With all the warnings you drummed into us when we were kids, yes, mom. I’m good. And yes, I’ve met someone

Mom

Well he looks very nice. Is this someone we’re going to get to meet?

Jude is laughing at something Riggs just said. He catches my eye and winks, then his brows crumple a little, maybe at something he is seeing on my face. The panic over what mom just said.

Do I want him to meet my parents?

I can’t even tell him how I feel about him. Mom will think it’s wild when she finds out he’s famous. Shit, I hope she doesn’t show the photograph to Shari. My sister will recognize him in a heartbeat.

Krista

Maybe. GTG mom, dinner just arrived

Mom

Be careful, stay safe and above all have fun my love x

Luther takes his phone out and looks at it, then glances up at Jude. “Do you want to know how the interview is being received?”

“I couldn’t care less.” Jude picks up his coke.

They got the interview out fast. I guess the record label wanted to put a lid on the rumors as quickly as possible given how delayed the interview was. Luther has already told Jude they cut what they were told, and it plays well.

Luther glances at me, but he doesn’t say anything. Jude doesn’t want to know, and that is all Luther cares about. I can check it out later when Jude is busy. I’d like to know. And see the woman who hit on Jude so blatantly.

We have a good time at the diner, but Luther says we’re pushing our luck and drives us back to the RV. We’re both tired, so there is no funny business tonight.

In all honesty, I’m kind of sore from last night, not enough for it to be uncomfortable, but I think my poor lady parts could do with a break.

Jude is reading my book when I come back out of the bathroom. He doesn’t even look up. He’s so engrossed I’m shocked. My phone lights up on the bedside table and I go over and see it’s a text from my sister.

“Shit,” I mutter.

Jude looks up. “What?”

I read the text, then hold the phone out for him to see. He reads it and looks up at me. “That’s your sister?” he has an amused look on his face.

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