“Are you looking to open another store? Because I found a location not far from the shop.”
“That hadn’t crossed my mind. Why would I want another store?”
I’m taken aback, and a little embarrassed. “I… I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess I thought you might be interested in opening a clothing store with my designs.”
I want to die when she laughs at that idea. “Honey, we think big. If we like your designs, and I have a feeling we will, you’ll see what I mean by that.”
“Okay,” I say sheepishly. She’s so intimidating.
“I’ll be in Portland for the next two weeks while you’re with Rhonda, but I’ll make a trip down there to see the store and meet with Stacy. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person when you get back. Until then, do me a favor and don’t mention the clothing line to anyone.”
Why would she want to keep it a secret? Who knows, but I’m sure she has her reasons. “Yeah, I can do that.”
“Good. I’m going to transfer you to my assistant so hecan make your travel arrangements. Have a good trip, Maddie, and I hope Rhonda will be all right.”
“Thanks.”
It takes almost twenty-four hours before I’m at the nurses’ station asking where Rhonda’s room is. The woman behind the counter points to a door across the hall.
I knock twice. I didn’t tell her I was coming, hoping it would be a big surprise. As soon as the plane landed and I had cell service, I saw that I’d missed several text messages from her. She sounded pretty desperate to talk, which makes my impending surprise even more exciting.
I open the door and step into her room. From her hospital bed, she screams holding out her arms. “Oh my God! I can’t believe you came!”
Her leg is in a cast past her knee. It’s awkward with all the hospital equipment and monitors surrounding her, but I manage to give her a big hug anyway. “I came as soon as I could. How are you?”
Eventually, she lets me go, and I take a seat in the chair next to her bed.
“They had to use a bunch of screws and plates to put my leg back together. I was in surgery for six hours. They said I probably can’t travel for several weeks, so I’m stuck in New Zealand for a while. I’m so glad you came!”
“Me too. I’ll be here for two weeks. I was hoping you’d be able to travel back with me.”
“Probably not that soon. Besides, I’m planning on going to Los Angeles with Top, remember?”
“I can’t believe you two are together now. Where is he?”
“He had to go to the warehouse today. He’ll be back sometime tonight.”
“What happened with Ash? I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I came all this way just to find out.”
She laughs. “So that’s why you came?”
“Yeah, why else? Did you think I came because I care about you? Please.”
“You love me, and you know it.”
I lean back in my chair and check my nails like I don’t. “Only if you tell me what happened.”
“You’re never going to leave me alone about this, are you?”
Now it’s my turn to laugh. “What do you think?”
“Oh, all right, then.” Her chin drops as she stares at her hands resting in her lap. “We were so busy, and everything was so rushed, and I got caught up with being on the film crew, and…”
“And what?”
She looks up. “And I kind of forgot to take my pill.”
My heart skips a beat. “Are you—”
