“Good enough.” Max pulled out his phone. While he waited for the person he was calling to pick up, he said, “Saxie forever, right?” Her subsequent laugh, even strangled by her sore throat, was music to his ears.
—
After a couple of phone calls, the two drove to Amalia’s office in Max’s truck, where they sat huddled with Bobbi and Amalia at a conference table.
“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. We can buy you one day, but that’s probably it,” Bobbi said. Then she turned toSadie. “Do you need to see a doctor, or do you think it will pass with some rest and lozenges?”
Sadie whispered, “No doctor. Rest should help.”
A ribbon of guilt moved through Max. If Sadie hadn’t come to Banff to drag him back, she could have properly rested after the tour.
“Sadie’s a pro,” Amalia said. “She’s dealt with this before. She’ll be good to go by tomorrow.”
“Go have a rest day, then, and take care of that throat. But make sure to also be ‘seen,’ okay?” Bobbi raised an eyebrow at the couple, and Max understood what she meant: make sure the paparazzi got photos.
“What will you tell Cruz? He just texted me, wondering where we are,” Sadie asked, the croak in her voice making everyone wince. Max not only felt pained by the sound of her voice, but also by the mention of Cruz sending Sadie a text. He pushed the memory of Cruz’s other text aside—he couldn’t focus on that right now.
Bobbi shrugged. “We’ll tell him the lovebirds needed a day off after traveling. Christmas shopping, a nice meal out, yada-yada-yada.” Max swallowed hard at the thought of playing up #Saxie for the cameras, after the tranquility of Fox’s Corners. But he’d faked it before, and he could do it again.
—
Everything in here is beautiful... andexpensive,” Sadie said under her breath to Max. They were in Louis Vuitton at The Mall at Green Hills—the ideal place to play up the couple they were pretending to be, and to “be seen,” as Bobbi had requested. “This is beyond my budget.”
“Louis Vuitton isn’t about budget, Sadie,” Max murmured. They’d dropped Patsy off at the Brody estate (Becca promised to look after her, after giving Max a ten-minute lecture followed by a long hug) and then swung past Sadie’s apartment so she could change into something more photo-friendly. The faded jeans she’d chosen fit her like a glove, showcasing her long legs. She had paired them with a black cashmere sweater and boots, and a white-and-black-plaid wool coat. With her hair pulled back in a messy bun, and a mauve lipstick, Sadie Hunter looked the part. Country music ingenue, on the arm of her Nashville prince boyfriend.
They held hands as they moved through the store. Sadie’s fingers felt warm in his, and he almost forgot that things had changed between them. What he wouldn’t give to go back to Banff.
But right now, Max could feel the stares from fans and curious onlookers. He knew they had been recognized, both at the coffee stand where he bought Sadie a hot candy-cane-flavored tea for her throat and once they’d waltzed into Louis Vuitton.
“Let’s do a lap,” he said, bending his head to hers and murmuring softly. “Go try on some stuff. Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy anything.”
While Sadie looked around, Max inconspicuously scanned the store and its surroundings. He saw a few cell phones pointed in his direction, and in Sadie’s, and knew Bobbi and Amalia would be happy. Acting unaware of the cameras, he went to the front cash register and leaned across the counter to talk to an employee who was wearing a monogrammed tie and matching pocket square.
A few minutes later Max headed over to where Sadie stood in front of a mirror, turning this way and that, a cross-body bag swinging against her coat as she did.
“Sweetheart, that was made for you,” Max said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her. She startled slightly, but then leaned into him and turned her face, giving him a smile.
“Thanks, babe,” she said, and Max kissed her cheek. In the mirror he could see another cell phone pointed their way, so he stayed like that for a moment, making sure whoever it was got the shot. Then Max turned to the saleswoman. “Would you mind giving us a moment, darlin’?”
Max felt Sadie stiffen somewhat in his embrace, but at least she didn’t pull away.
“I have something for you,” Max said, his lips close to Sadie’s ear. “Close your eyes.”
Sadie had a curious look on her face.
“Please,” Max added, watching her in the mirror. She closed her eyes.
He took the scarf he’d just purchased and carefully wrapped it around her neck, making sure it was cozy but not tight. Her hands rose to the material, cashmere, her fingers running the length of it. She raised her eyebrows but kept her eyes closed.
“Okay, open up,” he said.
He could tell she loved it. Her eyes widened as she took in her reflection, and her look of surprise was delightful. “Max, it’s gorgeous. And my favorite color!” She admired the deep magenta pattern of the scarf. “How did you know I love this color?” She turned to face him, and her smile this time was genuine.
“You’re welcome, Sadie,” Max said, his resolve to remain unaffected by her rapidly dissipating.
—
I could sleep for a week straight,” Sadie said in her gravelly voice.
