Page 111 of Beautiful Distraction

That’s why he was so secretive. He probably thought I mightsell his story to the tabloids.

What’s wrong with me?

Why can’t I show enthusiasm for the fact that the cowboy Imet is a famous rock star?

Josh says something about an after party, when all I want isto lock myself inside my bedroom and Google the life out of Mile High.

There must have been some indication, some clue, and I wastoo blind to catch it. But I know better than to believe that. I just wasn’tinterested. I might never be.

I blame my parents and their crazy obsession with theorchestra. They’ve ruined music for me, and now I just can’t be like any normalwoman and squeal and wear fan T-shirts.

“Please take me home,” I say, my voice shaky.

“I’ve been instructed not to do that,” Josh replies.

I don’t need to ask who ordered that. “I’m not feeling verywell.”

Mandy shoots me a concerned look.

“In spite of what he’s doing, he’s a good guy, Ava,” Joshsays.

“I never doubted that,” I lie.

“He likes you. That’s why he went through all the trouble toarrange you winning the tickets.”

My head snaps to him. “What?”

“Sorry. What was I thinking?” He slaps his forehead. “Ishould never have mentioned it. Let’s forget what I just said.“ His mouthclamps shut. In the rearview mirror, I see his expression darkening, like he’salready said too much.

“It’s okay. You can tell me,” I say, my voice faint.

He takes a sharp breath. “Look, I don’t know what’shappening between you two, but I can tell you he’s never been like this. He’snever done this for any woman. I think you need to talk. Just listen to him, andthen make up your mind. Please.”

“Listen to what?” I stare at Josh’s back, waiting for him toelaborate. He just shrugs and keeps quiet.

Mandy’s eyes are big and mirror my countless questions. Buteven she remains silent as Josh stops the truck. He gets out of the car, andshe turns to me, whispering, “Look, I had no idea.”

I glare at her. “How could you not know? You’ve been a fanfor ages.”

‘Probably the biggest of them,’ I want to add, but don’t.

“They never take off the masks.”

“What about in interviews?” I ask incredulously.

“They wear heavy makeup,” Mandy says. “Besides, I don’tfollow their every move. I’m not obsessed with them.”

“Still.” I shake my head. “You should have recognized thevoice.” I’m so mad at Mandy. It’s all her fault that we landed at Kellan’sdoor.

Josh opens the door for us, waiting for me to get out. Iglance out of the window and realize we’re at the same bar we visited more thana week ago, surrounded by hundreds of girls and women, all waiting to get in.

My heart lurches.

Huge, angry bouncers are guarding the door.

“Are you coming?” Mandy asks.

I shake my head again. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

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