Silence.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” he replied. “You’re my kid. Of course I’m cool. You told us your queer news years ago. We know. I kinda thought it was an artsy thing, but it really doesn’t make no difference anyway. We love you. You know that.”
I swallowed hard and nodded, though the gesture was lost in the connection. “Yeah,” I rasped. “I do.”
“Good. Does he have something to do with your bodyguard acting job?”
“Um, yeah. I guess he does,” I hedged.
Silence. “I got one question for you and it’s not PC. Can I ask anyway?”
“Sure.”
“What’s this guy like? Does he watch sports and stuff or…what?”
Considering the source, that was pretty diplomatic. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and chuckled lightly. “He’s not necessarily into sports, but he knows what’s going on. I think you’ll like Seb. He’s funny. He’s a dad, you know. He’s got two kids.”
“Ah, your mom will love that. Boys, girls? How old are they?”
“Two sons. Twenty-eight and almost thirteen.”
“Oh.” He went quiet. I knew without asking where his mind had gone. I was afraid he’d acknowledge it, and I did not want to go there.
“It’s all good, Dad. I promise.”
One beat, two beats.
“Okay,” he replied. “I—oh, cripes! Did you see that play? The Phillies break my goddamn heart. Who do I complain to?”
I smiled with relief and refocused on the game. This might be okay after all.
Of course, I had to tell Macy too.
Macy screamed when I showed up for my first shift at Casa del Sol in two weeks. She grabbed my arm and marched me to a high table in the empty bar.
“Spill it. Everything. I cannot believe you and the sexy silver fox are an item. I told you my cards are magical. I’m gonna teach you how to read them so you can find me a prince too. It’s only fair.”
“Seb is no prince. He’s just a guy.”
“Just a guy, my lily-white ass. He’s a multi-gazillionaire, and he’s fucking gorgeous,” she gushed, flinging her ponytail over her shoulder before checking her watch. “Doors open in ten minutes, so…spill.”
“There’s nothing to tell, Mace.”
She regarded me thoughtfully as she leaned across the table. “Be real with me. Was I right? Are you an escort? Sometimes those big producers and directors mess up their terminology. I found out the hard way that mistress and girlfriend do not mean the same thing. You gotta be sure where you stand with those types of folks. One minute you’re riding high and the next…”
I rolled my eyes when she made a slashing motion across her neck. “I’m not an escort, and I’m no one’s fucking mistress. I like him, but this isn’t a long-term deal.”
“What do you mean?” Macy eyed me shrewdly. When I hesitated, she curled her fingers around my wrist and gasped. “This is a publicity stunt, isn’t it?”
I frowned. “Well, we don’t—”
Derian appeared out of nowhere and clapped me on the shoulder. “Look who’s back in town. Good to see you, Trent. Ravi says to tell you two to get your asses in gear. He opened early and you’ve got customers. Looks like I do too.”
He signaled to the couple waiting at the bar and started to walk away. I tugged his belt loop before he could escape, then stood slowly, giving him my best intimidating stare.
“Do not post another photo of me without my permission. In fact, don’t post any pictures of me…ever. Got it?”
Derian scoffed. “Dude, that’s my side hustle.”
“Huh?”
“Yeah, I freelance for one of those street blogs. If I see a movie star or an industry person of significance, I make note, take a pic, and sell that baby as fast I can,” he replied proudly.
What the fuck?
“Does Ravi know?” I whispered.
Derian made a zipped-lips motion. “I can neither confirm nor deny. C’mon, it’s harmless. That photo wasn’t great, and the big ‘news’ story behind it was that Baxter’s producer was seen eating here. It’s free publicity for the restaurant.”
“You’re supposed to get permission to use someone’s image for publicity, Der.”
“Oh, really?” Der replied sarcastically. “Hey, no harm, no foul. I got your back, dude.”
I glared after him and turned to Macy. “Did you know about that?”
“I thought everyone knew about it.”
“Not me!” I swiped my hand through my hair. “That’s unethical.”
“Oh, sweet Trenton. You’re unexpectedly adorably naïve. Do you think the paparazzi who take photos of movie stars pumping gas approach them afterward for approval? Yeah fuckin’ right. Der is harmless, and he’s the only one here who’s in the photo game. I think one of the chefs writes for a blog, though. Gotta make a living, right?”
“I wish I would have known.”
“Relax, big guy. I would have told you, but I had no idea who your secret beau was.” Macy lowered her voice. “But now that I do know…a word of advice: Everyone gets excited when they spot a movie star, but the real movers and shakers are behind the scenes. And they’re sharks. Cold-blooded and ruthless. If you’re hangin’ out with Seb Rourke, you’re swimming in deep waters. Be careful, Trent.”