Page 14 of Wine & Whiskey
“In the music business, you have to be very careful who you trust. It’s just a game to get rich, which all of them are now, thanks to her hard work.”
Sweet, yet jaded, she somehow thinks she needs to protect herself from him. Unaware the money and fame mean nothing to him. All he wants is her.
Jason squeezes a rope between his fingers before taking a deep breath. “Listen, I know you like her, but I think you need to leave her alone. I know who you are, and she doesn’t need someone like you in her life.”
Heat flashes through his body. This guy better know how fucking lucky he is that he’s her friend. “Did you warn her about me? Is that why she isn’t here?”
“No, she really does have a photo shoot.” Jason’s shoulders droop and he shakes his head. “She told me how upset you were about the bruises on her back. Just like I am. I’ve told her over and over to talk to the guys rigging her up to see if they could do something about it. But she doesn’t. Do you know why?”
His anger flares at the realization. She’s not being beaten, but she’s still being hurt. Injured by the people who are supposed to be looking out for her.
“Because she doesn’t want people to think she’s a bitch. She too nice to tell them they’re destroying her back, because she’s scared they’ll think she’s a diva. She’s always ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘everything’s fine.’ Even when it isn’t.” Jason shakes his head. “Shae’s one of the few genuinely good people in the world. She stood by me when I came out, and she’s gotten Carrie out of more scrapes than I can count. Now, it’s my turn to look out for her. I have to protect my friend.”
“Not from me. I would never do anything to hurt her. You can trust me on that.”
“All I know is the two of you together is a bad idea. I told her the same thing, but she wouldn’t listen. So, now I’m telling you.” Jason’s gaze never wavers but his voice cracks, revealing his fear.
Nick takes a deep breath, trying to reign in his fury. He refuses to jeopardize his relationship with her regardless of how much he wants to fucking pound this guy. “Don’t try to interfere with my relationship with her. If she doesn’t want to be with me, I’ll never bother her again. But, that’s for her to decide, not you.”
“There’s a lot you don’t understand. It’s more than just her reputation I’m worried about.”
While he appreciates the loyalty, Jason’s devotion to his friend isn’t enough to diminish his anger at the attempt to keep them apart. No matter how determined he is. “Tell me then. What don’t I know?”
“No, I’ve said enough. It’s between you two now.”
Irritation pulses in his neck at this guy jerking him around. “So, you’ve got the balls to fucking insult me, but you won’t—”
Jason puts his hands up in front of him. “Forget it. I don’t want to argue. Let’s just get to work.”
Nick shakes his head and tosses the rope onto the tangled pile. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
* * *
Alight rapon the door halts Shae and Carrie’s conversation. A young woman, her hair in braided pigtails, one purple, one blue, stands in the doorway. “We’ll be ready for you in about five minutes, Ms. Armstrong.”
After all these years, a little flutter still tickles her stomach at the thought of being in front of the camera. She smiles and nods her head. “Okay, thank you. I’ll be right there.”
The production assistant taps on her tablet before pushing a button on her headset and rushing off, her voice fading as she races down the corridor. “Armstrong's in makeup and will be in the studio…”
Carrie gently grips Shae’s chin and turns her back to face her. “Stop frowning so I can finish.”
“I didn’t realize I was.”
“Ever since I asked you about Nick, you’ve been smiling then frowning, then smiling again. You’re all over the place.”
Because that’s what he does to her. Makes her emotions twist like a kaleidoscope blurring back and forth between giddiness and panic, while he remains forever constant. Decisive and determined. With his work and with her. Tiny fireworks burst in her chest. His intentions toward her are always very clear.
With a careful hand, Carrie sweeps a glittery bronze eyeshadow across Shae’s lid. She leans over her kit perched on the black marble countertop, running her fingers across the tiny plastic cases until she finds the one she wants. “I know your mom liked you in pink, but this red dress is perfect. You look beautiful.” She tries to nod, but Carrie holds her in place. “Now, back to my question. Has he ever been arrested? Tried in court? Convicted?”
“No.”
Carrie waves her hand, shooing away the doubt. “Then, ‘alleged’ is just that. Nothing proven. Nothing certain.”
“I know, but what if it’s true?”
“Well, the real question is what are you going to do if it is? Are you going to keep seeing him?”
Her head immobilized by Carrie’s grip, Shae rubs her fingertips on the arms of her chair. Uncertain if she can stop even if she wants to. He fills her thoughts and finds her in her dreams, encouraging her to let him in, to give in to what frightens her the most. “We had dinner once, and we’ve been working out with Jason. That’s it.”
