Page 16 of Wine & Whiskey
Nick lets her lead the way, and she chooses a spot in the back corner. Three chairs, two zebra stripped and one pink, surround a table inlaid with a black and pink checkerboard. She takes a small bite of her parfait as Max sits down.
“Next time, I’m picking the place. I need real food. I can’t make it on muffins and yogurt.”
Nick pats him on the shoulder. “Okay, Max, next time we’ll go out for bacon and eggs.”
“Don’t forget the sausage, biscuits, and omelets.”
Her mouth begins to water thinking about it. “What about pancakes or French toast?”
Max points an approving finger at her. “Definitely. Maybe even crepes.”
A flash lights up behind the counter. One of the girls shoves a phone in her pocket, her ponytail swinging as she pretends to busy herself with stacking mugs. A streak of red runs up her exposed neck to the tops of her ears, a symbol of her guilt.
Shae’s stomach drops as her world ruins their breakfast. “I’m sorry, guys. Your picture may show up on some gossip website in the next few days.”
Max glances at the girls while they whisper. “I don’t know how you do it. Doesn’t it piss you off being watched all the time?”
She shrugs her shoulders as she stirs her fruit cup. It’s wrong to complain about the downside of fame when she’s enjoyed so many benefits from it too. “I’m used to it, for the most part. Fans usually just want a picture or an autograph. The paparazzi can be pretty aggressive sometimes, though. I don’t like feeling stalked.”
Nick reaches out and takes her hand, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles. “You don’t have to put up with that.”
“Yeah, who’s your security guy?” Max leans in closer to her. “I can talk to him about providing you with better protection. You shouldn’t have to be afraid.”
Their protectiveness makes her heart flip-flop. “Thank you, but I’m okay. I stick with places they can’t bother me, like the gym, and use bodyguards when I need them. It’s fine.”
Max frowns in confusion. “Why can’t they bother you at the gym?”
“Jason legally made it a members-only club, so they aren’t allowed onto the property. Now, I can come and go in peace. I know it’s not fancy, but it’s a haven for me.”
Swallowing a bite of muffin, Nick shakes his head. “I didn’t realize Jason owned it.”
“Yes, that’s what JET stands for—Jason Edward Tyler.” She laughs, a reminder of her friend’s crush. “It’s also for Tom Cruise in Top Gun. He loves Tom Cruise.”
Nick winks at her with an odd expression she can't quite decipher. “He loves you too, probably more than you know.” He squeezes her hand, making her chest flutter. “What are your plans for today?”
“Actually, I don’t have any, and it feels wonderful. I was gone so long on tour, it’s nice to stay home. I’m kind of a nerd that way.”
Max coughs before clearing his throat. “I don’t think anyone would call you a nerd.”
Despite Team Shae’s best efforts, she can’t uphold the party girl image they like to portray. The rumors of her closing down the clubs, leaving with the hottest actor of the moment, sells more records than the truth. Yet intensifies her guilt for the young girls who think it’s cool and try to emulate something that’s not even real.
“I mean, I don’t really go out much or anything. Carrie loves to dance and tries to drag me along. But, I’m just as happy staying home, watching movies and eating popcorn.”
Having already wolfed down his muffin and yogurt, Max eyes the menu board before turning back to her. “So, that’s the real life of a pop star? Hanging out at home watching movies?”
She leans forward and whispers, “Yes. Please don’t sell my secrets to the media.”
Crossing his heart, Max winks at her. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell a soul.”
They finish eating and are walking out when Max suddenly stops. “It’s Juan.”
Nick steps in front of her as two men approach them, one about two feet behind the other. Both have dark hair and caramel skin. A crescent-shaped scar mars the taller one’s left cheek, giving the appearance of a pumpkin carving gone wrong.
The other man stands so close to Nick, she suppresses a cough from his musky cologne. Humorless brown eyes bore into Nick, conflicting with the fake smile crossing his lips. He spreads his arms in front of him, feigning disbelief. “I wasn’t expecting to run into you here.”
“It’s not a coincidence. What do you want?” Nick’s body stiffens, his voice conveying a hardness she’s never heard before. Her heart constricts at his reaction to the men, his laid-back demeanor vanishing at the confrontation.
“You’re so rude. Can’t we have a civil conversation? Discuss some important business?” He motions to her. “It won’t take long. I know you don’t want to keep your beautiful friend waiting.”
