Page 78 of The Star in Room 7

“My mom is going to need to meet you.”

I laugh. “I can’t wait.”

After introducing Nate to Melanie, he gets kicked out of the room so we can go through the contract. I read it carefully and then sign it. The sense of relief and elation I feel is incomparable. I was excited when I signed on for Confessions, but this is different. This is next level. The contract includes a strict non-disclosure agreement, so I can’t even tell my family. Technically, Nate shouldn’t know anything either, but I know he won’t tell anyone. His business relies on his and his agent’s discretion.

Afterwards, he drives us to a seafood restaurant in Headland Cove. He must have called ahead to make a reservation, because we get seated right away. My presence turns a few heads, which I wasn’t expecting in this sleepy town.

Nate points to a guy in a suit, eating alone at a corner table. “That’s Grant.”

I frown.

“He’s your protection tonight. I’m only pointing him out so you’re aware he’s here.”

Grant catches my eye and nods politely.

“Nate, I⁠—”

“This is on me. Once your big news breaks, we can discuss your security requirements. And don’t worry about payment. There’s got to be some perks for dating the boss, right?” He moves his hand toward mine, stops, and brings it to rest beside his cutlery.

So far, nothing we’ve done would suggest we’re anything other than two friends, out for a meal. But that isn’t how I want to live anymore.

I take a breath and reach for his hand. “Thanks.” I fall short of calling him Daddy.

I’m aware of a couple of people staring at us. My heart rate picks up, but I tease Nate’s fingers open so I can hold his hand nonetheless. I love this man. I’m proud to be with him. So what if our relationship hits social media before our meal is over? Okay. Maybe I do care. But I’ve made my decision, and I’m not going to go back in the closet again. If there’s any backlash, Nate will help me weather it.

“Oh no,” I mutter.

“What’s wrong?”

“My parents are going to find out I’ve effectively come out via social media, aren’t they?”

“And that you’ve got a boyfriend?” Nate ventures.

“Nah. They already know that. Mum emails me every week, remember? I mean, I don’t tell her everything, but some things are too important to keep secret.” Especially once I realized I was falling in love with Nate.

“Call them?” he suggests.

“It’s the middle of the night in the UK.”

“Of course.”

“I’ll call them first thing in the morning. Maybe I’ll catch them before they check out social media.”

“Fingers crossed.”

I look into his eyes and smile. “I love you.”

His eyes sparkle. “I love you, too, sweetheart.” He nods to the waiter who is hovering. “We should decide what we want to eat.”

Laughing, we flick open our menus and quickly select a dish and a drink each. Nate gestures to the waiter, who hurries over to take our order and, pink-faced, asks me for my autograph. I sign a page in his order book.

Nate threads his fingers together and rests his chin on them. “I went to visit Kurt today.”

“His grave?”

He nods.

“I would have gone with you.”