Your One True Love (The Bennett Family 8)
“They won’t, but local business magazines are going to be very interested, and they pay well for exclusive stories. I’m friends with most of them, so I expect them to call me to confirm the story before they publish it.”
“And then you’d know who leaked it. Wow, my head is spinning. Can I help in any way?”
“You’re sweet, but I
’d never drag you into something like this. I’ll sort it out.”
“It sucks you have to do this at all.”
“Yeah. I’m going to cancel all celebrity events until I figure out who’s behind this.”
“Wow.”
“I can’t risk any more leaks. It’s not just about my reputation, but these people trust me with their privacy. If I can’t guarantee it, I’m not going to lie about it.”
“But won’t this affect your income?”
“Yeah, it will.” On a grin, I add, “Why? Will you ditch me if I’m poor?”
She returns my grin. “Aw, I’ll gladly take you in if you need a place to live. Purely out of the goodness of my heart. Not because you make tasty sandwiches. Or because you give me great orgasms.”
“Very magnanimous of you.” Before I get the chance to say anything more, the host of a famous talk show approaches us. She’s a regular client of mine. I stand, shaking her hand, focusing on her white hair because every time I look at her long, red, clawlike nails I almost gag.
“Daniel, how great to see you. We need to catch up soon.”
“Anytime, Cecilia. May I introduce you to my girlfriend, Caroline?”
Cecilia flashes her a bright smile. “You look familiar. Where have I seen you before? An actress, perhaps?”
Caroline shakes her head good-naturedly. “No chance. I’m a teacher. But maybe I have a famous doppelgänger.”
Cecilia’s smile falters at the word “teacher.” She recovers quickly, but I don’t miss the moment, and neither does Caroline. Her shoulders slump a little, even as she juts her chin forward with pride.
“Well, how nice.”
That just pisses me off. “It is, isn’t it? One of the noblest professions, if you ask me. Educating young minds.”
“Yes, yes, of course. Well, it was nice seeing you. I wish you both a pleasant evening.” Cecilia smiles indulgently before walking away.
“I’m sorry,” I tell Caroline as we both sit again.
“Nothing I haven’t seen before.” She waves her hand, as if saying, “forget it,” but I know better. This is a sore spot for her. I liked her mother, but she often—and openly—criticized Caroline’s choice of profession, insisting she should have chosen something that paid better. “What you told her was very sweet. But you don’t have to defend me.”
“Yeah, I do, and I will. I meant what I said to her.”
I place my hand palm up on the table, and she gives me hers.
“I don’t fit in with your people—”
“Those are not my people. They’re just customers. You are my people. You and my family. I don’t care about anyone else.”
Caroline sighs, shaking her head. “Okay, I have to ask. Did you take any courses on how to make a woman swoon or something? I don’t remember you being quite so charming last time around.”
I give her my most cheeky smile. “Can’t give away all my secrets now, can I?” Logan might have given me a piece of advice or ten, and I don’t need to take notes to remember it all.
“Well, whatever you did, it’s working.”
The waiter appears at our table, interrupting the moment as he sets the plates in front of us. I don’t realize how hungry I am until I take the first mouthful of paella.