Page 143 of Movers and Shakers

“I’ve heard your songs on the radio at my salon,” Lynn said. “You’re incredible. I haven’t listened to any of it in my own time, though, so you’ll have to tell me your favorite place to start.”

“Thank you. I would say my oldest album.”

“I totally agree,” Max said. “By the way, it’s so cool that Uncle Barry knows you. How did that happen?”

“I was on the run from paparazzi and he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.” She smiled at me and she was a mirror image of Rose for a split second.

“We’ve beenfriendsever since,” I said, but I could already see Ruth looking between us.

Considering she’d just seen me with Rose last night, I knew it was better to clarify our status so she didn’t get nosy about the two women in my life.

“That’s so cool,” Max said. “And also,Goodbye, Helloisamazing.Especially your mysterious singer.”

“Oh yeah, he’s a friend . . .‍” She trailed off. “I mean, not a friend. He’s more.”

It was a genius move, playing off the man who had sung that song as someone more. I knew it was only to cover herself, but it kicked my heart into gear.

“Could you maybe sign mine?” Max asked. “Oh! And the record my dad gave me. We really bonded over you.”

“Of course,” Lila said. “Does anyone have a pen?”

She spent time signing things and getting to know Max. I thought we were in the clear until Ruth and Tom found me.

“So . . . friends, huh?” Her voice was light, but I froze anyway.

“Yep.”

“And Rose?”

“More than friends.”

“Do they know about each other?” Tom asked.

“Of course. We all communicate very well.”

She nodded slowly, but her lips were pressed together. “You were really torn up about Lila, though.”

“In the end, she was right. Doing all of this would be too much.”

“But—‍”

“Ruth,” Tom began, “I trust Barry to be telling the truth.”

“He’s acting weird. I’ve noticed you’ve been glancing over at me. Did I do something wrong or something?”

“No,” I rushed to say. My brain finally came up with a reason. “You’re just also a fan of Lila, so I’m watching your reaction because I want to make sure you’re happy.”

She blinked. “Really?”

No.And I felt like shit for lying. Ididcare about her reaction and wanted her to have fun, but I was more invested in her not figuring out Rose’s secret.

“Come on,” Tom urged, “we have Lila Wilde here for only a little bit. Let’s not worry about Barry and focus on her being here.”

“God, you’re right. I need to get out of my own head. Sorry, Barry. I just wouldn’t be a true girl’s girl if I saw you with two women and didn’t ask.”

“I wouldn’t dare hurt any of them. Trust me, lines have been drawn in the sand.”

“Keep them that way,” she said. “Both Rose and Lila are nice. I wouldn’t want them to get hurt.”

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