Page 72 of Home Town

“Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey sold out Madison Square Garden. They were just nice enough to let me tag along.”

“One day I’m going to make you realize how great you actually are. But right now, I’m going to thank your manager for his help and then yell at him one more time for giving you nodes. Okay?” Josie asked.

Bailey laughed. “Okay. Better get there before Quinn does.”

“Good idea,” Josie agreed.

“Miss Baldwin. You look lovely,” Xander said, looking Josie up and down.

“Thank you, Mr. Barrington. But don’t get used to this. I don’t intend to put on another dress until my wedding day.” Her feet were already killing her.

“And is that upcoming? Your wedding day?” Xander asked.

A few weeks ago Josie would have laughed at that question and then said no. Definitely not. At least not in this decade. But now…who knew?

“I’ll guess we’ll see. I’ll let you know when I do,” she promised.

“You do that. Now, tell me. What do you think of the entertainment? Do I get credit for this touching homage to Bailey Knowles?” Xander asked.

“No, because the reason she’s not singing herself is because you pushed her too hard. You can’t do that, Xander. Your job is to rein her in, because no one will push Bailey harder than she’ll push herself. Even if it means bodily injury.”

“I know. I’m beginning to fully realize that. And you’re not saying anything that Captain Sweatpants hasn’t already drilled into me. Trust me.”

“The question is, will you listen?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t dare not listen. Not with your entire family protecting her. Your mom took the opportunity to reprimand me, as well.”

Go, Mom.

“Good,” Josie said. Then added, “But Xander, Bailey thinks of you as her family too, you know. You’re important to her. She really doesn’t have anyone else besides us.”

Xander looked a bit choked up as he nodded. “I understand.”

“Do you?” It was as much an accusation—a challenge—as a question.

“Yes. Believe it or not, I truly do. More than you can know. Sometimes family is who you find along the way. People who choose to be a part of your life. Not the people you’re born to.”

“Hmph. Maybe you’re not all bad after all.” Josie bumped her shoulder against his.

“Thanks, I think. And I’m so glad you think so, because I’d like to offer you a job.”

“You what?” Her eyes widened.

“We’ll talk. Not tonight though. Enjoy your evening, Josie. We’ll discuss details next week. Tonight, just enjoy your triumph… And your date.” Xander glanced over her shoulder then nodded to her and moved away toward—was that Derek Jeter from the Yankees?

She shook her head, thinking tomorrow she was going to have to go through the photographer’s files and see who exactly had been here for this thing. With Xander in charge of the VIP invite list, it could be anyone.

Spinning on her kitten heels, Josie turned and saw Corey just inside the door, looking pretty damn good in a tuxedo. He caught sight of her and began walking over.

“You’re late.” She narrowed her eyes at him but didn’t really mind. Tonight had already been too busy and too amazing for her to be annoyed.

“Yeah, sorry. My date took a while to get ready.” Corey tipped his chin to where his mother stood talking to a couple of the committee members and looking absolutely gorgeous in a beaded sapphire-colored gown.

“Wow. Well, I have to say, it was worth it. She looks incredible.”

“So do you.”

She didn’t miss how his gaze took in the vast amount of cleavage exposed by the low cut dress Bailey made her wear. It was a pretty color though. A shimmery ivory that looked almost like liquid when she moved.

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