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“Thanks. I’m trying not to expect too much. Just go with it and see what happens. Appreciate all your support, Dee. Will you come?” Her palms press together in the sign of a prayer. “I really want you there.”
There’s no hesitation. Even though punk rock isn’t my type of genre, Lena has been invaluable to me. My practice couldn’t have doubled in size so quickly without her meticulous organizational skills and willingness to do whatever was asked of her beyond the tasks of an assistant. Above that, I consider Lena a friend.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Awesome!” She throws her arms around me for an effusive hug then steps back. “Bring Mick. I’m dying to meet him.”
“Uh…”Awkward. Lena still doesn’t know that Micah Peters and my Mick are one and the same. Though she expressed her suspicions, I’ve evaded the complicated truth.
“Uh, what?” Her eyes widen eagerly. “Tell me.”
My message to Mick about trust and honesty scratches my conscience. “You know how you’ve wondered about—”
“I knew it!” She shoves her fist in the air for a victory pump before I even get the words out. “You and Micah Peters.”
“The thing is…” I try to temper her excitement, “with Mick being a celebrity and a witness in Dwayde’s case, we’re keeping our relationship low key for the time being.”
“Oh yeah sure.” Lena sobers. “Totally get that. I won’t say a word to anyone.” She makes a zipping gesture across her lips before they curve up into another animated smile.
“How are you not shocked by this?” I have to ask.
“Shocked by what?”
“Me and Micah Peters.”
“Why? Because he’s famous and mega hot?”
“Well, yes.” It’s what everyone else will wonder.
“That doesn’t make him blind or dumb. I can totally see why Mick would be into you. You’re smart, successful, caring, and beautiful. I could go on. You’re amazing, Dee.”
“Thanks, Lena.” Her words mean more to me than she could ever know.
“I’m just curious as to how you happened to meet Micah Peters before the case?” She fills a mug and tops it with skim milk and fake sugar. “I got the impression you guys have history.”
“We do. But that story is for another day and over lots of wine.”
“You supply the date. I’ll bring the booze.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I eye my watch. “Ready to work?”
“Yup. Files for your meetings are on your desk.”
“You’re the best.” I take the coffee she hands me and go to my office.
It’s an excellent space. Timber-beamed ceilings, distressed hardwood floors, and brick walls that might have given the loft a closed-in, cavernous feel if not for the giant slanted window panels that bring in an abundance of natural light.
Before getting started on what will be a busy day, I pull my cell phone out of my tote bag to text Jordyn and Lexie in our group chat. I lead in by telling them that no one from the party had called the media, putting Lexie’s mind at ease about her mother’s involvement. I explain that it was Mick’s agent who has since been fired.
Given he was the leak and not anyone that saw us together, we’re going to take some “us” time and keep our relationship out of the press for as long as possible. But Mick isn’t taking any chances with reporters. That means I have a bodyguard. :(
Jordyn responds first:why the frown???? I can think of worse things than having Studly Stiles guard my body ;)
Me:It’s not Stiles. That would be too obvious. Mick is trying to give me “normal” so I don’t know who it is. But it feels weird to know someone’s following me around. Seems over the top.
Lexie:Sounds like Mick is just being careful.
Me:That’s what he said. I’ll deal. Mick is worth it.
