Page 43 of Jonny’s Redemption

“Don’t mention the concert,” Kennedy snapped.

“Girl, just because you’re breastfeeding doesn’t mean you can’t go. Unless your boobs spontaneously explode if the little milk sucker isn’t near.”

The new mother’s gaze sliced to me and her eyes narrowed. “We don’t want Noah on a flight with a bunch of germs. And driving eleven hours with a nursing baby doesn’t sound like fun. I’m totally bummed I’m gonna miss it but I’ll catch the next one.”

I didn’t want to tell Kennedy I doubted there would be a next one. Evie was only doing this concert because Sean Lovette had called Evie direct and asked her to perform with him. She wasn’t all fired up about putting herself back in the spotlight. Plus, she and Chasin were starting a family and Evie would never allow her children to be used by the media.

“If that’s what’s holding you back, then you’re in luck. We’re not flying commercial.”

“Seriously?” Kennedy breathed.

Evie gave me a swift shake of her head and I understood she didn’t want me to elaborate on the private plane. She was careful not to flaunt her wealth, especially in front of her friends. This wasn’t because she was worried about what they’d think of her. Everyone knew she was rich. But Evie had more class than to show off what she could buy.

“It’s more comfortable for Evie, not to mention safer,” I explained.

“You know sometimes I forget you’re Vivi Rush,” Macy told Evie. “I didn’t think about what a stir you’d cause at the airport. I guess everyone around town is so used to seeing you they don’t make a big deal about it anymore. I totally forgot what a pain it would be for you.”

Macy was kind of right but also wrong. People still stopped Evie around town. She didn’t mind, she adored her fans. But sometimes they got pushy wanting more than an autograph and picture so she rarely went out alone.

“So you’ll come?” I asked Kennedy.

“I’m all for it but I have to check with Jameson.”

He’d say yes. The man was a sucker for his wife.

“Great. Then ladies, it’s been a pleasure, but I have calls to return and studio time to book.”

Hugs were exchanged and I went back upstairs to my office. When I made it back to my desk, I had ten more emails to answer and a missed call from Jonny.

Jonny first.

Jonny. Just the thought of his name made me smile. So much had changed in the space of a few days. Somehow seeing Jonny, the real Jonny, the man who had a bad temper, who was less than perfect, who was so strong but still had weaknesses, had waylaid my fears of inadequacy. Sure, some of my old insecurities were still simmering below the surface, but it was easy to keep them at bay. I knew Jonny loved me. I knew that if things ended he wouldn’t do it ugly, he wouldn’t walk away without explanation and abandon me. That alone gave me courage.

“Hey, babe,” he greeted when he answered the phone.

“Hey, hot stuff. How’s your day?”

“Paperwork,” he grouched. “I can’t be sure but I think I signed over my firstborn to Nixon. There’s no other reason to have a forty-page contract unless he’s buried something hokey. My eyes were blurry by page twenty. Oh, and I went from being debt-free with a healthy savings account to being broke. I hope Evie pays well, baby, you’re our only hope of survival.”

Evie did pay me well. And for years I’d lived in her guest house rent-free. Since moving to Maryland, that hadn’t changed. Evie and Chasin had overhauled an old shed and made it into a cool-as-all-get-out house for me. I still didn’t pay rent or living expenses even though I’d demanded I carry my weight. Evie wouldn’t hear of it. When she opened her studio and rewrote my employment contract, housing was included in my salary.

“Fear not, handsome, I’m loaded,” I teased.

Jonny chuckled and I sat back in my chair savoring the sound of his amusement.

“Do you have time to come into town for lunch?”

No, I did not have time. I was swamped.

“Absolutely. When and where?”

“Meet me at the office and we’ll walk around the corner to Sam’s. Two hours? Does that give you enough time to get yourself out from under the mountain of work you have piled on your desk?”

Yes, Jonny was smart. He knew I’d be busy after taking a few days off even though I’d worked while I was at the beach.

“That’s perfect.”

“See you then.”