Page 54 of Rumor Has It

Isaiah’s razor and shaving cream sit in a puddle on my sink. He’s been respectful of my space. However, his cell rang before he had a chance to mop the water and put them away.

Whenever Isaiah has needed time alone to do whatever it is a country singer does, I drove into town or spent a few hours with my mom.

Yesterday, Isaiah took a call from Monty. His first. That I know about, anyway. The bodyguard wanted to check on the status of their departure. When it happened, I felt the connection between us slipping away, and I ducked out of the room.

Isaiah found me in the kitchen afterwards. He pestered me to teach him how to make appetizers to bring to my uncles’ house. Aunt Daveigh invited Isaiah over to say goodbye to Jake and Paisley, who returned to North Carolina to spend New Year’s with their close friends at Jake’s illustrious concert hall, Sweet Caroline’s.

Isaiah joked the lyrical duo might refuse to write with him again if he gave them food poisoning. But he followed my directions and Isaiah’s cooking was as big a hit as his current chart-topping song.

I tagged along by default and had a wonderful time. Daveigh and Paisley didn’t ask questions or press me for the sordid details Rhiannon is gunning for. They treated Isaiah and me as their equals. It felt natural to say yes when Paisley asked if I planned to join Isaiah on any of his tour dates. I do. Though I don’t know when.

Really, the only unusual thing this week was Isaiah and me hiding out in my room when the insurance adjuster came and when Gracyn met with the crew to get an estimate for how long the ceiling repair would take.

Not long, as I suspected.

And not wanting to face the reality that a lowly cook and a celebrity aren’t what anyone would call a match made in heaven, we haven’t done a deep dive into what happens when Isaiah leaves tomorrow.

Our mundane week, filled with take-out, laundry, movies and making love—which has never been humdrum for the number of times we’ve had sex—felt safe. Normal. Perfect.

Perhaps that’s why when I saw Vespa’s name flash on the screen earlier, I simply handed Isaiah his cell.

After he said hello, he placed it over his chest. Covering the mic, he told me he’d take the call in the suite he hasn’t slept in since the first night he got to the inn.

So far today, I’d kept thoughts about New Year’s Day off of my mind. But now all my insecurities are bubbling to the surface. Isaiah can’t extend his trip any longer and my vacation is ending. When he stepped out of the room, dread and sorrow filled my gut, and each inhale has become more difficult than the last.

Our dinner in Houston was private and I’m not sure how to play it cool on Isaiah Roomer’s arm tonight. He and I are opposites in every way. Once we’re in public, I’m uncertain the magnetic attraction won’t flip and repel us away from one another. I worry I’ll foolishly stand on the periphery while women fall on their knees, wanting his attention.

I already feel the same sense of humiliation that tied me in knots when my mom, aunt, and Paisley teased me and I fled.

But what’s worse is, no matter how well this evening goes, tomorrow he just… Leaves.

I glance in the mirror. Adjust the collar of my blue robe. Lean in to swipe a fingertip over my brow. Roll my unpainted lips together. I bite the inside of my cheek as it sucks in, daring to look myself in the eye, willing the tears away.

Crying now does me no good. I’ll ruin my makeup and wreck our night.

Walking over to where my dress hangs on the hook next to his suit, I let my maudlin fingers skim against his silk tie.

Don’t let Isaiah see you reacting the way you did after he got the shirt at the winery store.I warn myself.

I’m acting silly.

Vespa called because Isaiah has more on his PR schedule aside from the pre-recorded interview with Gatlin. He has a tour to prepare for.

Be excited for him.

Get over this.

He’s yours for one more night.

Enjoy it.

Live out loud.

Be the woman who showed up on New Year’s with Isaiah Roomer onherarm.

Who knows what new beginnings it might bring? Perhaps someone will look at me differently.Like you’re worth it.Maybe the confident person who does will be me, and that’s all it takes to find a happily ever after?

I shimmy off the robe, leaving me in nothing but a tiny black thong and slip the black silk dress over my head. The back of this dress is revealing, making it impossible to wear a bra. I adjust the girls and slide on matching black high heels. Then I leave the bathroom to check the time.

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