Page 79 of Movers and Shakers

I couldn’t say no to Ruth’s face.

“I’ll try my best.”

I was dropped off at the hotel and I wondered what I could do for a man who wanted to know my life but obviously didn’t want me to know his.

Juno did a double take when I walked in. This time, we had a suite because she wanted to be closer to me with all of the fanfare around ‘Goodbye, Good Riddance.’

“What are you doing back? Weren’t you supposed to call me?”

“Things got a little wild. Someone else gave me a ride back.”

Juno frowned. “That’s not the safest idea. I knew I should have stayed.”

“It’s fine. I don’t think anyone saw me, and it wasn’t planned. Something big happened for Barry and he wanted to be alone.”

“Oh,” she said. “Is everything okay?”

“I don’t know. I want to go check on him later.”

Juno nodded and glanced out the window. She cursed and slammed the blinds shut.

“What?”

“Paps. I don’t know if they’re here for you, but they’re here.”

“Damn it,” I cursed. “How long do you think they’ll hang around?”

“Too long. I’m sorry, but I think your plans are dashed.”

“Minemight be, but I have another trick up my sleeve.”

“No.”

“Yes. It’s time to be Rose for a little bit.”

“We’re on borrowed time,” she said, shaking her head. “You were supposed to be here just to see him for a day.”

“I can’t help that something happened. I’ll just move some meetings. I can’t leave right now.”

“And what if he recognizes you?”

“No one has so far and I’ll go to the bar tonight. The low lights will help.”

She pressed her lips together, still unhappy, but I knew I couldn’t leave Nashville yet. Not after what I’d seen.

“Fine, but I’m staying close this time.”

“Deal,” I said. “Thank you, Juno.”

Barry

Lila left.

Because of course she did. No woman of her caliber would want to stick around while I found out my father, the man who tried to ruin my life, wasn’t even related to me.

I stared at the space she occupied, wondering if she’d somehow come back.

But as seconds trickled into minutes, I turned away, ready to accept that I would be alone.

---