Page 181 of Movers and Shakers

Rose: My mom is in town and I’m out as Rose.

Barry: Your mom came to LA?

Rose: I know. It’s wild, but she wants to see the show. Who are you with?

Barry: Tom and Ruth. We were talking about going to dinner.

Rose: I can’t wait to see you. Want to join us?

“So, how would you guys feel about seeing Rose and her mom?”

“Rose and not the other one?” Ruth asked. “I thought she was practicing.”

“Her mom is here, and being Rose is the only way she can get some peace. It should be far more low-key than if we were withyou know who.”

“I think we can make that work,” Ruth said. “As long as there’s some food. I’m fucking starving.”

“You’re always starving,” Tom remarked dryly.

“I can’t help that the plane had terrible food. Who serves salmon on a plane?”

“First class does,” I remarked. “It’s why I prefer the lower classes.”

“This time, I agree with you. We should get going. Judging by the traffic, it’s gonna take us hours to get anywhere.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Rose

My leg wouldn’t still. I was trying to focus on what Mom was saying about her therapist and doctor, but all I could think about was how my tour was fucked and it was all my fault. I hoped that the addition of Barry, Ruth, and Tom would help.

I saw the black limo I’d sent for them pull up. My eyes followed it as they climbed out.

“Who’s that?” Mom asked. “I thought this was a low-key place.”

“Just some friends of mine.” I got up when I saw Barry, nearly running to where he was getting out of the limo.

His long hair framed his face and he looked gorgeous in the light. My entire body loosened as I got close.

“Hey—‍”

He didn’t get to finish because I jumped into his arms.

“God, I’ve missed you,” I said into his shoulder.

“Likewise, sunshine.” Even his voice was soothing.

“Hi,” Ruth said as Barry reluctantly let me go. “It’s so good to see you again.”

“You too. I’m sorry I can’t go to the concert. Work is so—‍”

But then Tom walked up, offering up another Murray grin. “Hi, Rose.”

“Hey. Okay, so when we meet my mom—‍”

Someone grabbed my arm and I turned to see the very woman I was talking about had followed me.

“Who’s this?” Mom asked, but her voice shook this time.

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