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Tate smirks and crosses his arms. ‘Is that right?’
Chloe takes a few seconds to realise what she said, then the blush comes out in full force. ‘I can’t believe I just said that. Oh God. Now I feel like an idiot. I didn’t mean... I just don’t think of you that way. I’ll shut up now.’ She buries her face in her hands and groans to herself.
He gets up and wraps his arms around her as she curses to herself. ‘Hey. That’s the best thing you could have said to me.’
One eye peers out from behind her fingers. ‘How is that a good thing? I just offended you.’
‘It would take a lot more than that to offend me. If anything, the fact you don’t think about all the celebrity stuff is a definite plus.’ He kisses her forehead then clears the plates away, leaving her to curse herself under her breath.
She sits up straight and sweeps her hair back from her shoulders. ‘Right, so naturally we’re both going to forget I said all that. So, have you been to this before?’
He sits down again and restrains the smirk that wants to break out. She’s still blushing slightly at her slip-up, and he fucking loves it. ‘Last year. We won our category but there’s a strong change we won’t be making it two in a row.’
‘Don’t count yourself out just yet.’
‘Yeah well I’m only going because Ellen is on my case about it. She thinks I need to get my face back out there again before people forget who I am.’ It’s getting them to forget about his overdose that’s his priority. He’s tired of seeing the words addict or troubled in front of his name. Seems the press have a longer memory than he would have liked.
‘I was thinking you might like to go shopping. I’m not saying you need something new to wear. Just that you might want something new. I’ll cover the cost.’
‘I don’t need you to do that, but I will definitely get something new. Do you think your sister would come with me?’
Tate frowns as he looks up at her. ‘Bria? Why?’
‘I just thought it would be a good chance to get to know her. This is her area of expertise isn’t it?’
‘Yeah, but you’ve never met. It’d be like going shopping with a stranger.’
‘She’s your sister, Tate. I wouldn’t call her a stranger. I honestly can’t think of anyone better to go with. I presume she knows all about these events?’
‘Well, yeah.’
‘Perfect! You’ve probably guessed this is all new to me. I could do with another woman’s advice. It’s easy for you - you just throw on a suit and you’re done. I need to put a little more thought into it. Bria is the perfect choice. Only if it’s okay with you.’
‘Me? Hell yes. I want you two to get along. It’s just... well, she’s not a fan of mine right now. She’s been off with me since I got out of rehab.’
‘Off how?’
‘Well she barely acknowledged me when I got out then took off a few minutes later and I haven’t seen her since. She’s busy with work apparently.’ He laughs harshly. ‘I let her down and she’s not ready to forgive and forget. The odds are in favour of a definite no from her.’
Chloe shrugs. ‘All you can do is try.’
Tate takes a long breath then sends a text to his sister and places the phone on the counter. The phone buzzes and he stares at it. ‘Fuck. She responded.’ He checks the message. ‘Huh. Weird.’
‘What? Is there a problem?’
‘Oh no. Sorry. I just wasn’t expecting her to reply. She’s on for it. She wants me to give you her number. Should have known she wouldn’t say no to a shopping trip.’
‘Are you sure you’re okay with me doing this?’
He nods but doesn’t smile.
‘Tate?’
‘I guess it just hit me how much I miss her.’
Chloe squeezes his hand and he smiles at her. ‘Just give her some time. I’m sure things will work out.’
‘Yeah. I hope so. I’ll send you her number and let Ellen know you’re on for this. I haven’t given you much time so make sure you get in touch with Bria ASAP. Probably best you get together in the next few days.’
