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Her sister sat down on the bed beside her. “Why? Maybe it would do you some good to confront him and tell him how betrayed you feel.”
She clicked her tongue. “Do you honestly think he cares about the feelings of some random chick he picked up for a good time because he was bored with his life?”
“I don’t think you’re being fair, Coley. You never gave him a chance to explain.”
Nicole’s eyes widened. “What was there to explain? I heard what he said about me, Lindsey. I don’t need him to look me in the eye and say it.”
Her sister studied her closely. “I think you’re afraid to look him in the eye.”
Nicole flopped backward on the bed, a sweater twisted in her hands. “Maybe I am. I’m afraid to stop and look because I know I’ll only see what I want, not what is. I have to remind myself daily that he used me, but my heart doesn’t seem to care.”
“Mama always says you should listen to your heart because it’ll never steer you wrong.”
Nicole rolled her eyes. “Mama’s heart didn’t get broken by a movie star or have her hoo-ha splashed across newspapers worldwide.”
Lindsey shivered at the thought. “I didn’t want that image in my head, Coley.”
Nicole laughed but sobered quickly. “I know you’re disappointed. I’m sorry I’m making us cut our trip short. I really wanted to go to the movie convention too, but if he’s in town, he’ll probably be there. I’m not ready to see him again.”
“Do you think you ever will be?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
Audrey came into the room. “I’ve made arrangements for a car to pick you up to take you to the airport, Nicole.” She glanced over at the youngest girl in the room. “I’ve also called your parents, arranging for Lindsey to stay with me. I promised them I’d keep an especially watchful eye on her and not let her get into mischief.”
Lindsey squealed, jumping up and hugging Audrey. “You are the bomb, Audrey. Thank you so much. I promise not to drive you crazy.”
“Too late,” Nicole whispered as she smiled at her editor. “Are you sure you want to do this? She’s nineteen and a handful.”
“I keep you in line, don’t I?”
“Yeah, but I’m the good one. I never cause . . . oh wait, yeah, never mind.” She laughed, tossing her sweater into the suitcase.
Audrey picked up a pair of shoes, handing them to her. “How’s the new story coming?”
“You mean my autobiography that’s not?”
Her editor laughed. “Yeah, that’s the one. The bits you’ve sent me are good. I laughed myself silly on most of it.”
Nicole’s gaze was rueful. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
“Is it all true, or are you making it up as you go along?”
“Some parts of it are true. The first time they meet is true, and the kidnapping was true. The horseback ride was also real.”
Lindsey’s eyebrows lowered in confusion. “What are you talking about? You were kidnapped?”
Nicole glanced toward her sister. “Not really. My newest story is about my experience with Reece, although I’m going to change the names to protect the innocent.”
“Why are you going to write about that? I thought you wanted to forget it.”
Nicole rubbed her forehead. “It?
?s a way of putting the past to rest and finally getting him out of my system. I want closure. This is the way I can find it.”
Lindsey tilted her head. “I guess that makes sense, but do you really want him out of your system? I mean, I’ve seen the picture, Coley. You’ve never looked at a guy like that before.”
“What picture?” Audrey asked as Lindsey whipped out her phone to show her.
