Page 116 of Movers and Shakers

“I know better than to do that,” he said. “But let’s think about this. How do you know she’s in LA? She would have performed in New York City.”

“Her house is in LA and I know for a fact that she hasn’t recorded that song yet. She’d go back to do that.”

“Okay, so youdoknow where she might be. Have you been to her house?”

“Well, no.”

“Then how do you know where she lives?”

I bit my lip, but then I remembered I had Juno’s number. I never thought I would need it, yet here I was. “I might.”

“Start there. See if youcanget there.”

I took out my phone and called Juno. She answered on the third ring.

“Barry?”

“Yeah. Can you talk for a second?”

“For a second, maybe. I’m about to board a flight.”

“Is Lila there?”

“Yes, but she’s finishing up her song right now so she can record it.”

“I want to see her,” I said. “Where’s she going?”

I expected her to say no, or to keep me away from her. I got the vibe that she didn’t like me very much.

“LA. She’d want to come and seeyou,but—‍”

“I’ll go to her.”

“You’llwhat?Just fly out to LA?”

“After a song like that? Yes. I will.”

“And you haven’t told anyone?”

“Not a soul,” I replied. “And I won’t.”

Juno was silent for a moment. “Then she was right to trust you.” It was admitted quietly. “Okay, I’ll give you her address.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I wanted to get there as fast as possible, but I was due to work tonight and I needed to talk to Liam and Audrey about it. “I’ll need to wrap up a few things with the bar, but I’ll be there.”

“And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For my part in all of this. I was part of the reason she didn’t tell you. I told her it was a bad idea because a member of her family threatened my job.”

“Oh . . . I didn’t know that.”

“It’s a long story. I’m sure she’ll tell you it all when you get here. She’ll be happy to see you when she gets back and settled in. See you soon.” She hung up.

I looked up at Tom, who had a smile on his face. “Figure it out?”

“Yep, and now I have a lot of things to take care of. Sorry to cut this short, but—‍”

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