I glance back at Priest. Everything about him looks relaxed, but I bet he’s paying attention to every detail of what’s going on around us. What’s happening now is fun, and it feels real, but it’s early. I love that Priest, Sinner and Colt are unapologetically who they are, even in a world where I usually feel like I’m anyonebut myself. I don’t know how this will work long term, but I’m not going to run away from what could be the best thing to ever happen to me.
“I think you’re on the right track,” Mila says, and as if in response, there’s a rumble of motorcycles approaching. “I think we’re about to have company.” She gets up from the bench, waving as Sinner and Colt pull up. They park next to Priest’s bike on the strip of greenery that separates the promenade from the street.
We hurry over, and as soon as I get there, Sinner yanks me into a hug, followed by the kind of kiss I should be embarrassed having right in front of his little sister.
I’m barely out of his arms before Colt throws his arm around me. “Everything good?”
Mila nods. “I think I got what I needed. Time for me to go, because I really don’t need to see my brother’s tongue. Like at all. Not even a little bit.”
Sinner sticks out his tongue in response, blowing a raspberry. “That’s fair. Now you know how I felt when I was living with you.”
“Yeah, I think we’re set.” I turn to Mila. “It was nice meeting you. Please send me your write-up before you publish it anywhere, okay? I want at least my agent to go over it first.”
She nods. “Of course.”
“Ready to go?” Priest asks, wandering over to join us. “You’re going to want to get some rest before the club party tonight, because there won’t be much after.”
22
Chapter 22 - Quinn
“Quinn,I honestly didn’t know. He told me he was creating PR ops for you, and that they would seem more natural if you didn’t think they were staged. I swear, I had no idea that he was planning anything so dangerous. Never. I couldn’t even imagine!”
I should never have answered my phone, but I’m not as angry as I was when I first found out what she’d done. I think it’s still fundamentally changed something between us, though. I always thought I could trust her to know what was best for my career, and now I’m not even sure about that. Colt and the others would prefer that I go no contact, but she’s been my manager for so long.
That doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven her, or that I’m ready to see her in person. “You still went behind my back? I was scared when I got those messages, Mom, and all you said was that you would handle it.”
“Baby, I hate it when we argue. I know you want space, but we’re going to figure this out, okay?”
And here I thought she might’ve been about to actually say she was sorry. She’s lucky the sun is out and Erika’s waiting for me on the balcony with margaritas, courtesy of Colt’s superior drink mixing skills. I’m in an exceptionally good mood or I wouldn’t have picked up the phone in the first place. This was the third time she tried to call me today and I was getting sick of it ringing.
“It’s Friday, it’s nice out and I have Erika over. That should at least make you happy. We can do dinner on Monday. I just need some space to cool down so I don’t say anything I regret.” I think she wants to keep trying, but I say goodbye and hang up. When I come outside, Erika hands me my drink, and the world is already better.
“Don’t be a pushover,” Colt says from the kitchen. He’s leaning against the island. “Every time you let her get her way, she learns that if she just pushes enough, you’re gonna let her stomp all over you. You don’t owe her shit.” He takes a sip from his beer.
Erika wets her lips and looks like she wants to say something, but maybe isn’t sure it’s her place to do so. She takes a sip, then goes for it. “As the one who ended up in the river, I’m on your side. Definitely not acceptable. Your bodyguard’s right.”
It’s weird to talk to people about this. I’m used to dealing with Mom on my own. It’s nice, but it also makes me feel exposed in a way I sort of hate. There’s no pulling the curtain closed again if the vulnerability gets too much. “I know. But she’s my family and we’ve been through a lot together. I owe her enough that I can’t just drop her, you know?”
“Owe her?” Colt snorts. “Taking care of your kid just means being a fucking parent. That’s the bare fucking minimum. Barely worth a participation trophy.”
The doorbell rings, interrupting us. It’s not Priest and Sinner. They know the code and aren’t shy about using it. I go to answer, but Colt puts out an arm to stop me. He checks the doorcam, then waves me over. Chatting together on the other side are Paige and Jess from the club, along with a couple of other women I haven’t met.
“Should I let them in?” Colt questions me with a raised eyebrow.
Struggling to keep a straight face, I ask, “Are they dangerous?”
“Yes, but only because they’ve probably gotideasand will talk your fucking ear off.”
“I’ll take the risk.”
He opens the door. “Ladies.”
Paige points for the others’ benefit. “See? I told you? An actual TV star, and we know her!”
“Um, hi?” I glance over my shoulder. “Sorry Erika, I didn’t know they were coming over. Is it okay?”
She shrugs. “If it’s safe for you, it’s no problem for me.”
