Page 16 of Seeking Her Studs

A more thrilling task can finally begin. ‘Operation Find my Mountain Studs’ has officially commenced.

And this mission starts as all good missions should: by squeezing into leather pants.

I button the tight black leather pants around my waist and slip on a linen sleeveless blouse that looks simple and conservative in the front but dips low, revealing my tanned back. It’s understated for Los Angeles, but likely a bit adventurous for Solace Springs. I finish the look by slipping black Prada cowboy boots under the leather pant cuffs.

I grab my pale blue Chanel clutch and head out the garden door.

As much as I want to resent staying here, the place is paradise on earth. Wide open plains stretch out to jagged mountains. Every view looks like it’s been expertly picked out by location scouts to serve as the backdrop for some moody romantic western. It’s the kind of place that I imagine myself living in some alternate reality. I’d let my hair grow long and spend the morning planting vegetables that I’d actually be able to tend, without worrying where in the world I might need to work the next month.

That will never be me, even if I wanted it to be. But at least I get to play pretend for a little.

I scan the property as I walk to the dirt driveway, where Lacey said she’d pick me up. I’ve managed to avoid the guys since I finished my chores and I’d like to keep that streak going.

Lacey’s old blue Corvette rumbles up the driveway. It was our Gram’s old car, and it fills me with a pang of nostalgia. For a moment, I wonder if it will be Gram smoking a cigarette in the driver’s seat.

“Settling in nicely?” Lacey cocks an eyebrow as she reaches over and unlatches the passenger door.

“Let’s just say I’m ready for the honkiest-tonkiest bar you’ve got for me,” I say, sliding in next to her.

Lacey shakes her head laughing. “Be careful with those words, Blaire Evans. The people of Solace Springs can’t handle much more from America’s sweetheart.”

I know Lacey chose perfectly as soon as I step through the door. The Saddle is a Solace Springs’ classic. I’ve heard it referenced a dozen times by other people but have never been myself. The old wooden interior is simple but charming. Wooden booths line the edges of the tight space, but the dancefloor and stage are the real highlights. The floor is scuffed and well-worn as soon as the dancefloor begins, and it’s obvious why. There are about five couples line dancing to the band that plays on the stage behind them. The sounds of their cowboy boots hitting the floor are almost as loud as the music.

Lacey heads for the bar and I follow her, trying to glance casually around me to see if anyone notices me, but luckily, people are too absorbed in their own Friday night. Solace Springs never gives me any trouble when it comes to my celebrity status. Sure, they might not like me for other reasons. But for some reason, they don’t make a big deal like the rest of the world. And I’m hoping tonight it stays that way.

“Two beers, an order of bacon cheese fries, cheesy tots, and two burgers,” Lacey says before she looks back at me. “Anything else?”

I open my mouth to refuse and ask for a salad, but think better of it. I have no fittings or red carpet events to attend tomorrow. I’m going to eat a damn burger.

“Sounds good.” I take out my wallet. “But let me pay. It’s the least I can do.”

She shrugs. “I won’t say no to that freshly minted Hollywood money.”

I laugh as I hand over my card. Lacey makes me feel at ease because she’s never pretended that we’re anything we’re not.

“Okay, B, now the most pressing order of business,” she squeezes my shoulder as we make our way to an empty booth with our beers. “Is Mika Lane as sexy as he looks?”

I bite my lip, debating what to do here. I’ve been refreshing our names in my search bar every so often just to see if any news on a possible breakup is out. Nothing so far.

I want to tell her, but it’s kind of like showing how the sausage is made. Once I admit just how fake Hollywood can be, then she’ll see it everywhere. But when I hesitate, I wonder if I’m protecting Lacey or myself from revealing just how fake the world I’m a part of is.

“Ugh, well…” I start.

“I knew it.” She snickers and takes a sip of beer.

I cock my head at her, waiting for an explanation.

She swallows and laughs. “How are you the one that made it as a big actress? You can’t hide a damn emotion on your face.”

“I-” I start to protest, but instead I start laughing.

“I could tell you and Mika were bullshit all the way from here. You never looked remotely interested in him in any of the pictures or videos.”

I sigh in relief. “You have no idea how good it is to hear that. Everyone has been so obsessed with this relationship and I’m here wondering if real love exists at all. Because if people get so excited about my relationship with a man I’ve only ever kissed when hundreds of cameras are there to capture it, then I’m not sure I trust anyone’s take on the matter.”

“No. I know real love when I see it.” She shakes her head. “And that was not it.”

“He’s a perfectly nice guy.” I shrug. “But we both grew up as child actors. It’s like trying to save a drowning person by throwing another drowning person next to them.”

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