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We exchanged goodbyes with Kingston and Zoe, patted Pongo, and headed for the garage.
The door opened to reveal Rome’s car collection. And it was impressive. He had an Escalade, some kind of classic muscle car, a fancy new sports car, and a 90s pickup truck for some reason.
“If we want to draw attention, we should take the Roadster.” Rome nodded at the new sports car. “I’ve been driving it since I got home. Paps will know it’s me if we leave in it.”
My eyes went back to the Escalade. Given how this afternoon went, I know I’d feel safer in that huge thing. I opened my mouth to say as much when Rome spoke again.
“Thanks again for doing this. And for keeping our story straight with King. He doesn’t… He’s done so much for us growing up and since moving to Cali. It means a lot to me to do something for him for a change.”
The naked vulnerability on his face was so raw. And real.
And made me forget everything I was going to say. He flustered me with his honesty. “I uh, I’m glad to help.”
Rome opened the passenger door for me. “We can go over our plan, and I’ll give you paparazzi 101 on the drive.”
I sank into the low, butter soft seat and nodded absently. “Sounds good.”
Seconds later, Rome was next to me, and we pulled out of the driveway.
As we cruised down Malibu Colony Road, Rome lowered the top.
I squealed and grabbed at my flying hair.
Rome laughed lightly. “I’ll put it back up in a sec. Just want to make sure we get their attention when we leave.”
I rolled my eyes but didn’t protest. Out loud at least. Inwardly, I lamented the twenty minutes I spent on my hair. What a waste.
Or not.
As we pulled up to the gate, the cacophony of camera clicks and shouted questions kinda proved Rome’s point.
“Rome! Are you two serious? Is she moving in?”
“Rome! How’s your brother? When’s the funeral?”
“Sophia! Look this way! Sophia!”
It was surreal to hear my name shouted by photographers. Was this really my life?
“Rome! Where are you two going?”
Rome slowed and looked over at the waving crowd of photographers. “I’m taking my girl out to dinner.”
“What restaurant?”
“Do you really think I’d tell you guys that?” Rome scoffed as he raised the car’s top again while we waited for the gates holding back the paps to open.
A few moments later, we pulled through the gates and onto Malibu Road. A glance at the side mirror showed the pack were already following us.
“Once they see that we’re heading into LA, I guarantee the pack will get larger.” Rome glanced at his mirrors as he smoothly changed lanes. Because he wasn’t affected by the craziness. This was all just old hat to him.
Meanwhile, my heart was still pounding in my ears.
I swallowed sickly. “Great. Then Kingston and Zoe can head safely home.”
Because that was the whole point of this.
This was pretend. No matter how charming and sweet Rome was.
