Page 12 of Wildest Dreams

I feel like I’ve been hit in the gut by a bowling ball of panic. “Wait. You want me to go with you?”

Patsy’s mouth has hit the floor and her whole body is shaking. I put up my hand to shield my eyes and turn away.

“Of course! I’d feel weird going to a bar alone, and you’re the only person I know in town.”

I think I’m in shock. Is this a date, or does he want a random person to sit with? Doesn’t he have other movie star friends coming to town? What could we possible have to talk about?

“Um, I don’t know.”

Patsy gives me awhat-is-your-problemlook.

“I don’t mean to make it weird. You were very sweet the other day, and I wanted to get to know you a little better. If you have plans with your boyfriend or whomever?—”

“No, no boyfriend. I’m sorry. I’m being rude. You caught me off guard is all.”

“So is that a yes?”

Holy shit. I’m going out with Pierre Chatham. “Yes. I can meet you at 5:30?”

“Sounds great! See you then.”

I hang up and Patsy squeals.

“Did I hear that right? Do you have a date with Pierre f-ing Chatham?”

“I don’t know?” I know I look completely shell-shocked.

“You’re meeting him for drinks?”

“Yes.”

“Is anyone else going to be there?”

“I don’t think so.”

“That’s a date!”

“I’m going to be sick,” I say, putting my head down on my desk. I haven’t been on a date since my divorce, nor do I have any plans to start dating anytime soon. The thought of getting close to someone, building this whole new life, then having it disappear out from under me again…it’s too much.

“No, you’re fine. You are going to rock this date and have the time of your f-ing life.” Patsy walks around my desk and kneels beside my chair like she’s comforting a child.

“What am I doing?” I ask her. “He’s only in town for a few weeks. He’s a movie star. Why would a movie star want me?”

“Because you’re beautiful, Kendall! You deserve the hottest guy on the planet, and he just so happens to be living in your house!”

“This is such a bad idea. Where can this even go?”

“Nowhere! That’s the point! He’s the perfect rebound!”

“I feel like the statute of limitations on rebounds has expired. It’s been three years.”

She rolls her eyes. “Imagine what F-er would think if he found out you’re dating Pierre Chatham.”

I have to admit she has a point. Once I show up at Cattywampus with the Hollywood “it guy”, the entire town will know within a day. Tucker’s phone will explode.

So will his head.

“What if I like him? He’s only here for two months, tops.”

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