Page 25 of How to Catch a Rockstar

“There’s free Wi-Fi and if you need a printer, let me know. There’s also a kitchenette but breakfast is included in your nightly rate.”

The kitchenette isn’t much. A two-burner stove next to a sink with a cupboard above it. It’ll do for now.

“You can also eat at the diner or the brewery. They’re both open for lunch and dinner.”

I’ll skip the brewery since I’m not drinking for the foreseeable future, but I’m eager to try a small town diner. “Thank you.”

“I’ll leave you to settle in. I’ll have your luggage sent up.”

I cross to the bay window with its view over the town. Main Street stretches out in front of me. There aren’t any cars on the road but I didn’t expect any. Not after the number of times Jett complained about the ‘crazy environmental rules’ in Winter Falls.

Stores line the street. Judging by the names I can read – Naked Falls Brewing and Electric Vibes to name a few – the town is as quirky as I expected. I’d love to settle down in a small town. I have no desire to remain in San Diego where I can barely afford my rent and don’t know my neighbors.

And with Little Bean on the way, I’ll need a bigger place. Now is the perfect time to make a change. Maybe Winter Falls is the change? I don’t know. I haven’t decided what to do about the future yet. But I have six months to figure things out while my apartment is being sub-leased.

I rub a hand over my stomach. My baby bump isn’t very noticeable since I’m a curvy girl anyway, but I can’t stop myself from touching the area. It’s really happening. I’m having a baby.

As I watch Main Street, I notice a large group of people gather near several long tables set up around the square. I wonder what’s happening. Is this one of those pagan festivals Jett told me about?

“Knock! Knock!” Ellery hollers before entering and placing my suitcases next to the door.

“Do you know what’s going on?” I point outside to the town square.

“It’s a town celebration.”

“To celebrate what?”

She frowns. “You’re not a reporter, are you?”

I bark out a laugh. “Nope. And I hate the press more than you do.” I clear my throat. “I’m actually the personal assistant for Cash & the Sinners.”

Ellery studies me. “How do I know you’re not lying and you’re actually one of the paparazzi? We kick all of those out of town. No hotel refunds.”

I dig out my phone and scan my pics until I find one of me with the band. “This good enough?”

“Wow.” She says as she studies the picture. “They look young here.”

“It was during their first tour. I’ve been their PA from the moment they signed with their current manager.” She hands my phone back to me and I scroll through the pictures to find a more recent one. “This was a few months ago.”

“You look hot with a guitar.”

“Too bad I can’t actually play one. I didn’t get a job at a managing firm as a gateway to fame. Mike hired me because I don’t take crap from anyone.” Including Jett, the supreme asshole of the universe.

“Good for you.” Ellery motions to the window. “The celebration is for Gibson. He got out of rehab today.”

“Today?” I consult my agenda. “He’s not supposed to get out for another five days. I better go speak to him and find out what’s happening.”

I grab my coat from the bed where I threw it. “This job never ends.”

“Tell me about it,” Ellery mutters.

I say my goodbyes and hurry out of the inn and down Main Street to where the party is happening. I don’t think a party is a good way to celebrate being sober but what do I know?

I scan the area for Gibson but my gaze gets stuck on Jett. He’s not alone.

My mouth gapes open at the vision in front of me. Jett is playing with a girl. I’d guess she’s around thirteen. As I watch, the girl touches him and yells You’re it. Jett bounds away but stops after a few steps to check she’s keeping up.

I rub my eyes. I must be seeing things. The Jett I know absolutely does not want anything to do with children. It’s why I’ve kept things secret from him for this long.

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