Page 21 of Songbird
“You’resafestwhen you do what you’re told,” I grumble.
“Yourbodyguard?” Violet considers me with new appreciation. “I didn’t know that.”
“It was a while ago, and only for two months,” I explain. “Rosie’s here because… because…”
“Because I needed a place to hide out while I figure out my life,” Rosie says over my fumbling. “Do you want to come in? I just made coffee.”
“Uh, sure. Thanks.”
I relieve Violet of the shopping bags as we move inside, accidentally on purpose getting a look at something red and lacy in one of the bags, and Violet gives me a curious glance as I warn her off the coffee with a tight shake of my head. Violet accepts a cup anyway, takes a sip, and does a pretty good job of hiding her disgust as she takes a spot on the sofa next to Rosie.
Violet sets her mug on the coffee table and nods toward the armchair where Rosie’s dress is carefully arranged over the back. “I can take your dress back to the studio, if you like. Have it cleaned and stored correctly to preserve the fabric.”
Rosie glances at the dress with a regretful sigh. “That’s a good idea. I’m sorry I won’t be wearing it this weekend. It really is beautiful.”
“Please don’t apologize. You have enough to worry about without adding a dress to the list.”
Rosie responds with a small smile of thanks, then cranes her neck to look around the room. “Did I hear you say something about my lingerie order?”
Violet casts a shy look my way. “Yes. I also brought some shampoo and body lotion. A few T-shirts. Jean shorts. Sweatpants. Sneakers. I had your measurements, and considering the way you ran out of my studio yesterday…” Violet winces apologetically. “I didn’t know enough about your situation and wanted to be prepared. Where are those bags?”
I lift them up to prove I have them, then deposit it all on the floor at the girls’ feet just as my phone vibrates silently in my pocket. I swipe it out and Rosie looks up with expectation.
Drew’s name flashes on the screen, and nervous anticipation hits.
“I’ve got to take this,” I say, already halfway to the door. “Don’t leave the cabin by any way other than the front porch.”
I take their agreement as given as I close the door behind me and set my phone to my ear.
“Drew,” I say. “That was fast. What have you got for me?”
“Nothing you’re going to like,” he replies. “We can’t find Rosalie’s stalker via our usual ways. I’m sorry, Finn. The guy could be anywhere.”
seven
Rosie
“Thankyouforlettingme borrow your car,” I say to Violet as Finn strides from the cabin. His urgency can only mean that his phone call is about me, but I’m in no rush to know more. Reading the headlines this morning was a reminder I don’t need about how difficult it is to live in the spotlight and how desperately I need a break. “I’m sorry my exit was so dramatic.”
“It’s fine,” Violet says kindly. “I wasn’t worried about the car. I was worried about you.”
My relationship with Violet has always been more professional than personal, but I’ve also never been alone with her because Lauren came to all my fittings. Now that it’s only the two of us somewhere other than her studio, the dynamic between us vibes more toward friendly.
I consider for a moment that I’m so starved of genuine human attachment that I’ve read this all wrong, but when Violet offers me an encouraging smile, the tightness in my chest eases.
“I hope things weren’t too difficult when Lauren came back and found me missing,” I say. “I didn’t mean to put you in the middle.”
“You didn’t,” Violet assures me. “She returned and asked me where you were. I handed her the ring along with your message, then told her honestly that you left through the rear exit and I had no idea why. She didn’t waste time with more questions. Your bodyguard did a quick check of the parking lot, but Lauren was on her phone and out the door again almost instantly.”
I nod with understanding. “She would have called Chip as soon as she realized I was missing. Those two deserve each other.”
Violet’s face softens and she rests her hand on mine. “I don’t know what’s happening, Rosalie, but I’m sorry that it was bad enough for you to have to run like that.”
“I didn’t cheat on him,” I blurt out.
Violet’s voice falls to a soothing whisper. “I believe you.”
I set my other hand on Violet’s and grip it tightly. “Can I trust you, Violet?”
