Page 22 of Her Rock Star's Dark Secret

“Oh, that’s right. Your mom mentioned that, and I think I’ve seen his billboards around town.” Which meant his dad wasn’t just some rinky-dink lawyer. He had enough money for billboard marketing.

“Oh, yeah. The billboards. I’ve seen them around.”

Lauren pulled her muffin out and took a bite.

“To answer your question, I had everything I could want financially. But my parents were controlling. Especially my dad. It was his way or the highway. He always had to be right. At least that was how he was ten years ago. I don’t even know him anymore.”

“In some ways, it seems like your life isn’t that different now than it was growing up,” Lauren said.

“I can see why you might say that, but my life is much better now.”

“Well, obviously that seems like an understatement.”

“You know, everyone thinks being this famous is the ultimate dream come true. But the truth is, most people are already are living their dreams. This life isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.”

“What do you mean by that?” Lauren asked.

“Well, you don’t get any privacy, and it’s hard to be in a relationship. Most celebrities struggle through marriages. It’s a rough environment.”

“But what did you mean when you said most people are already living their dreams?” Lauren asked. Because it was hard for her to see it.

“What about your sister, Maggie?” Chase asked. “I saw on the reunion page that she’s married. Is that right?”

“Yes.”

“Are they happy?”

“Yes, their marriage is rock solid.”

“So they’re living their dream.”

“I think I see where you’re going with this.”

“Yeah. And it doesn’t have to be marriage. Some people are happy being artists. Some are eternal students, or they’re teachers. My point is that you don’t have to be living this extraordinary life to be living your dream. Sometimes the best dreams are simple.”

“I agree with that. But I don’t feel like I’m living my dream.” Lauren surprised herself by admitting something so private to Chase.

“Why not?” Chase asked.

“I’m always exhausted. And I’m not reaching my goals.”

“What are your goals?” Chase asked.

“I want to renovate my salon. You’ll see if you ever actually come in for that haircut you were telling Mrs. Wheaton about. It’s horribly outdated.”

“Of course I’m coming in for my haircut. I have to look good for the reunion, you know.”

“I’m surprised you trust me with your hair. Don’t you have some celebrity stylist you’re used to?”

“Well, technically, as soon as you do my hair, you’ll qualify as a celebrity stylist.”

“Very funny,” Lauren said. Part of her wondered if he was actually serious.

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine on my hair.”

“I just don’t want to ruin your perfect image.” And she meant it. She felt like she was way out of her element when it came to styling Chase’s hair.

“You think my image is perfect?” Chase raised an eyebrow.

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