Page 88 of Places I've Never Been

Mattie bit her lip. “It’s just speculation. Right?”

“I’m not so sure. It seemed a little too on point. They mentioned island retreat like they saw you land or something. Are you sure there’s no paparazzi there?”

Mattie looked out the window. All she could see were trees, but trees provided excellent cover for long-range lenses. She knew that all too well.

“I’m pretty sure. It’s a private island with no roads. How would they even get in without being noticed?”

Piper snorted. “They crawl through cracks like roaches. Trust me, they can get in anywhere. How many other groups are at the resort? Has anyone recognized you or the band?”

“We have the place to ourselves, and the staff photographer’s the only one I’ve seen with a camera.”

“Staff photographer. Right, you mentioned him before.” Piper leaned forward. “What’s his name?”

“Dan something?” Mattie furrowed her brow trying to remember. “Or Don. That’s it. Don.”

Piper picked up the phone and the screen blanked out with the word “Paused” in the center. “Don from Syer Island resort. Has he taken any other shots?”

Mattie thought of the night she spent with Adam on the beach. “I don’t think so. We haven’t done anything that would need photos.”

Piper’s face came back on screen.

“What about the other night? You wore the red dress, right? Are you telling me no photo-worthy moments happened?”

“Well, actually, Adam called right after we hung up to invite me on a picnic.” She kept her voice casual.

Piper’s eyes widened. “Nice. Did you say yes? Where was the picnic?”

“Yes, and yes, I wore the red dress.” Mattie did her best to look innocent. “We went to Lanmou Bay. It’s beautiful. There’s a waterfall and a small private beach.”

“Lanmou Bay. I saw that on the website. That’s what they call their lover’s hideaway.” Piper grinned. “You actually did it. You did the naughty tango with Adam Brooks.”

She rolled her eyes at her sister. “We had a picnic.”

“Is that what the cool kids are calling it these days?” Piper’s voice was filled with amusement.

“You did say I should relax and have a fling.”

“Yeah but I didn’t think you’d actually do it. I’m impressed.” Piper golf clapped her approval.

Mattie checked the time. “I should go. We start session in fifteen minutes.”

“Wait.” Piper pushed herself up higher on the pillows. “You have to give me some details before you run away. How was it?”

“It was nice.”

“Nice. That’s how you’d describe wallpaper. Surely he was better than nice.”

“I’m not going to give you a play-by-play if that’s what you’re hunting for.” Mattie lifted her chin and looked away, pretending disdain.

“Just rate him on the scale of your last five. Was he better than Devon?”

“Bitch.” Mattie glared at the phone. “I never slept with Devon. You know we only kissed once andthatwas the worst kiss in the history of all kisses. His nose was literally wet, like a dog.”

Piper flashed an unashamed grin. “So Adam’s nose was toasty warm, was it?”

“I’m not playing this game with you.” Mattie flung the pillow aside. “I have to go.”

“What about Hank the Tank? He was a lot of fun, if I remember right. You said he could hold you with one hand while he—”

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