Page 25 of New Year's Faye

"Hey." He reached across the table, his fingers brushing my wrist. "You've never messed up anything. You're the reason we've made it this far."

"That's not?—"

"Remember that incident with Justice and the llama?"

I smiled. "That was different."

"Or the time Felix accidentally started that cult?"

"That wasn't actually a cult," I corrected automatically. "Just some very enthusiastic fans who misinterpreted his tweet about starting a cheese appreciation society."

"My point is," Sam's thumb brushed over my pulse point, "you've handled everything we've thrown at you. This is just another day at the office."

"Except I'm usually handling other people's crises. Not starring in my own."

"True." He withdrew his hand, and I tried not to notice how I missed his warmth. "But now you've got me to help handle it."

Before I could respond, Justice's voice boomed from the back of the bus. "If you two lovebirds are done canoodling, we've got a show to prepare for."

I straightened in my chair, professionalism snapping back into place like armour. "No one says canoodling anymore."

"I do," Justice appeared in the kitchenette doorway, already dressed in his signature all-black ensemble. "And I'm a rockstar, so I make it cool."

"Keep telling yourself that," Sam murmured into his mug.

I stood, gathering my things. "The car will be here in forty-five minutes. Everyone remember their talking points?"

"Yes, dear," Sam drawled, earning him a glare.

"Don't call me dear."

"Sorry, sweetums."

"I will end you."

"Promises, promises, snookums."

Justice looked between us, shaking his head. "You know, for two people pretending to be married, you already bicker like an old couple."

I ignored the comment, just like I ignored the feeling of Sam's eyes following me as I left the kitchenette.

Just another day at the office.

Right.

The sound stagelights burned hot against my skin as I watched from inside the studio as the Wild Ones performed Wild Heart out on the plaza stage. Like many morning shows, Good Morning Today had their own set up specifically for days like this.

And to land the band of the moment was quite the coup. Which meant they’d gone all out on the stage decorations for today.

"Two minutes!" the floor manager called out.

Liz appeared at my elbow, tablet in hand. "We've got this."

"Of course we do." I smoothed down my pencil skirt, checking my reflection in my phone. The bandage on my forehead covered by a brightly patterned head wrap. "It's just another interview."

"Except this time you're the story."

I shot her a look. "Not helpful."

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