Page 122 of Whiskey Lies

She nods. “Yes. Well, we tape earlier. It’s not live. So, we would have to leave now to head to the studio, do the interview, and give them time to edit.”

“What is the story about?”

“Your company. Dating. How the wealthy find one another. It’s intriguing for mere mortals, Grace. You must know that. That’s why you’ve been all over the papers lately.”

My stomach sinks. This isn’t about the dating show. It’s about me. I’m currently a topic, and they want to capitalize on that. But truthfully, it would be good for business. And I feel like I owe Vanessa because I never should have set her up with Cash in the first place. I knew Cash had real feelings for me even back then. Even when he was angry, there was always something simmering below the surface between us.

“My divorce?” I ask.

“Not a topic,” she replies. “This is an opportunity for both of us, Grace. I sold it to my boss when I thought I’d be the one dating Cassius James. But I know a good story when I see it, and I’m not going to allow my personal feelings for Cash to interfere with my career.”

That is certainly something I understand. As women we so often put men, our feelings about them, and our relationship statuses first, but like me, Vanessa is driven and wants to put her career first. I admire it.

“Fine. Send me the address and I’ll be there. What time?”

Vanessa shakes her head. “We need to go now. There are people at the studio who can do your hair and makeup while you and I prep.”

My teeth gnaw on my lip, but I don’t really see a downside. Free advertising for the firm, I help Vanessa out with her career thus easing my guilt, and I can even promote my new idea. It feels like a win-win. But I also have an uneasy feeling. “You realize Cash is not up for discussion?”

That’s my line in the sand. If she thinks she is going to use this to highlight my relationship with him, she is sadly mistaken. I won’t allow him to be dragged into any of this.

Vanessa looks affronted. “Of course not. Do you think I want the world to know he was seeing you while also seeing me?”

I glare at her. “I already told you, that’s not the case.”

She shoots her eyes to the ceiling in annoyance. “Right. Whatever. The point is my viewers already knew that I went out with Cash. It does me no good to point out that you are together. I promise, that isn’t what this is about.”

“Fine. You’ve got yourself a deal.”

Five minutes before the interview is set to start, my phone beeps with a text from Cash.

You’ve completely fucked me.

My heart jumps. Is this about the interview?

What? I simply write.

Cash: Every time my secretary calls me Mr. James my dick jumps thinking of you. I had to tell her to start calling me Cash.

I laugh out loud and roll my eyes. We’re fine.

Grace: Sorry about that Mr. James. Hope she doesn’t call you sir while you’re in meetings today, I type out with a huge smile on my face.

Cash: You better behave Grace.

Grace: Well considering I thoroughly enjoy my punishments…

Cash: I’m going to fuck you into tomorrow and slap that ass so hard when I get home.

Home. I sigh as a stupid smile crosses my face.

See you at home, Whiskey. I love you.

Love you too, Angel.

I read his message as one of the techs walks up with headphones on her head and a clipboard in her hand. “Vanessa is ready for you.”

I pocket my phone with a smile. It’s show time.

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