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“No,” she says firmly. “He can’t. TJ, you have to get these things passed by his publicist and manager. Hell, probably even by the record label. You can’t sign him and the guys up for something without their knowledge.”
“I mean, I did kind of get Tatum’s permission a few months ago when I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to be on a reality show?’ and he said, ‘Yeah.’ So, I’m not totally out in left field here, right?”
Kiki groans. “TJ, you’re on another planet. It’s not going to happen. I’m happy for you if they want your and Connor’s story, but I can guarantee Lex and Tatum will not be doing an interview or any kind of filming withNashville Next.”
“Kiki, I signed a contract.”
“Well, maybe you should have consulted everyone first.”
“Fine. I know you’re right, I just got so excited when they called,” I say glumly.
Kiki gets out of her seat and wraps her arms around me, kissing my cheek. “I know your intentions were meant to be good, but I don’t trustNashville Nextnot to throw all of us under the bus. They’re known for digging up dirt. I’m sorry to kill yourNashville Nextdream, but trust me when I say, I’m looking out for everyone’s best interests, okay? I love you.”
“Love you, too.” I pout, stirring my straw around in my drink. “What’s the other thing you wanted to talk about?”
“So, I invited you to lunch today not to talk about your pits or your tinkle problem or evenNashville Next, but because I wanted you to meet Gloria. She should be here any minute.”
“Ooh, this is exciting. I love meeting new people. Is she a client?”
“No.”
“Are we hiring her? Is she a designer? No, wait, a long-lost sister of Tatum’s. Wouldn’t that be so crazy?”
“TJ, no—”
“Is she your new nanny? Your new assistant? I’m so glad you decided on hiring someone because, no offense, but you look super tired and rundown. Like raggedy-ragged.”
“Did you know that when someone starts a sentence with ‘no offense’, it’s ninety-nine percent of the time quite offensive?” Kiki growls. “But thanks a fucking lot—”
“So that’s a no on the assistant? That’s a shame. Oh! I know. You guys went with my idea of hiring a barista for the studio, so I don’t have to go get coffee every three hours. I’m so excited!” I clap my hands. “It’s a brilliant idea if I say so myself. Thank you, Kinky. This totally is a mood changer for me after you gutted my heart withNashville Next.”
“She’s not a fucking barista!” The couple next to us look over and scowl. Kiki leans in and lowers her voice. “Can I get a word in?Jesus. Maybe you need to cut back to two cups a day.”
“I could never function on two cups. You might as well put my jammies on and put me to bed. Goodnight, Irene. Two cups…that’s poppycock.” Her piercing glare would turn most people into a withering crisp. I sigh and motion for her to continue. “Fine, tell me, who is this mysterious Gloria person?”
“Gloria is a social worker. I found her online. She works in the foster care system and specializes in helping those in the LGBTQ community.”
“Nope. We decided we weren’t going that route. Remember poor little Gino?”
“It can’t hurt to see what she has to say about their program.” Kiki looks up. “I think this is her. Be nice.”
“Hi. Mrs. Reed?” An attractive African-American woman wearing a navy suit approaches our table.
“Oh yes, hi! Gloria?” Kiki scoots her chair back and stands to shake the woman’s hand. “Please have a seat here.” She pulls out her chair and motions for her to sit. “TJ, this is Gloria Rooney from Child Services. I called her because I thought it might be a good idea to talk to someone in case you and Connor decide to go the foster care route,” Kiki says carefully. She mouths to me,Be nice, when Gloria’s back is turned.
Gloria sets down her shoulder bag next to her chair. “So, I don’t normally do this…meet at a restaurant, but Mrs. Reed thought it might be easier for you to meet in public.”
“I bet she did.” I sniff. “I’m so sorry to waste your time, Gloria, fabulous name by the way, but I don’t think my husband and I would like to be foster parents. We’re looking to adopt a baby.”
Kiki kicks me under the table right in the shin, causing my eyes to water.What the hell?
“TJ, it wouldn’t hurt to have Gloria explain a little about how the program works.”
“Oh, I know how it works.”
Kiki sighs. “He watched the Mark Wahlberg movie about fostering.”
“I’m afraid Hollywood doesn’t always get it right. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, being a foster parent—a caring parent—is difficult.”
