Page 120 of Love on Tour
“Do you still love him?”
Christine’s voice fell to a whisper. “Yes.”
CHRISTINE WAS MAKING DINNERwhen her phone chimed with a text.
It was Austin.Hey, Chrissy. I hope you’re going to be home tonight because I’ll be at your place in an hour.
Christine smiled. She was ready to see him.
I have plans with Julianna at eight.
I’ll be there by seven.
Christine changed out of her big, stained T-shirt and put on a blouse. She ran a comb through her hair and put on a little mascara and lipstick. She didn’t want Austin to think she was a total mess—especially if he was reporting back to Matt.
She opened the door to see him holding a bouquet of lilies and grinning like a fool. “Get in here,” she said.
He wrapped her up in a hug, twirling her around the room. “God, I’ve missed you,” he said. “My therapist told me I needed to see you. She was right.”
“Your therapist?” Christine had no idea what he was talking about.
“Do you really think I didn’t need some help after this? My God, woman. You’ve been through hell because of me. That’s some pretty heavy shit.”
“So, you’re saying it’s not all about me?” she asked, a big grin on her face.
“Ha. That’s what I’m saying.”
Christine moved into the kitchen. “Want a beer?”
“Yeah, but only one. I drove here.”
“Smart call. ’Cause I’m not driving your drunk ass home.”
“Those days are over, Chrissy. I’m growing up. Oh, damn. Sorry. Christine.”
“Nah, call me Chrissy. It’s been healing to hear it come from someone I know cares about me. Like ripping a Band-Aid off, but very slowly. And are those drunk days really over?”
“Okay, they aren’t totally over. But it’s time. Hell, I’m thirty-two.”
“Your bio says twenty-eight,” she said. She handed him the beer and they sat on the couch. “What’s this visit about? Personal or professional?”
“Both. I needed to see you. How are you?”
“I’m okay, Austin. I mean it. I’m really okay. Matt was spot-on about sending me to Oasis. It’s intense, but you leave with a set of tools that help you through the tough times.”
“Matt’s always spot-on. With everything.”
“Yeah, he is,” Christine said.
“Did my Chrissy just make dreamy eyes?”
“Shut up.”
“Okay. Moving on. Remember back when I asked you to consider coming to work for me?”
“Yes.”
“Hear me out. I’m starting a publishing company. It’ll be small at first, probably just two writers and myself. But I need a song plugger, and I want you.”
