Page 92 of Love on Tour
“Matt mentioned having an idea he wanted to talk to you about. I think it had to do with this whole debacle. I’ll have him reach out to you.”
Christine’s mood lightened. Matt had talked about her. He had an idea for her. She felt tingly and worked to suppress her excitement so Austin wouldn’t pick up on any vibes.
“I’m open to any idea, but Austin, the main way for me to stay safe is to distance myself from you,” Christine said, her hand reaching out for his arm.
“Uh-uh. No. I don’t buy that.” Austin backed away, shaking his head.
“We have to. Just for a while. Let’s see if this person will back off before it gets any worse. Or more dangerous.”
“You’re scared.” It was a statement, not a question.
“I am.”
“I don’t want you to be scared,” he said, reaching for her. She moved in and hugged him.
“I can’t keep living this way.”
He backed away from her. “So what exactly does this mean? I cut your songs and you’re dropping me?”
“Of course not. I’ll still be working with you. I just can’t hang out with you or go on the road with you. We need to keep it professional. It worked the last time and is the only thing that has worked.”
Her phone alarm went off, reminding her she was supposed to be back at the office.
“Oh, crap. I’m late. I’ve got to run, but thanks so much for coming by. I’m sorry you heard my rant, but I’m glad we cleared the air. About that and needing some time apart.”
“Your rant explained some of your moodiness when we discussed music. I didn’t realize that every day I put off making a decision was another day of stress for you. I respect that you didn’t want to tell me why, and it means a lot that our friendship means more to you than our business relationship.”
“It does.”
He held up a finger, shushing her. “But you need to be honest with me. Okay?”
“Okay. You made my day brighter. Heck, my year. I just wish things could be different. That there wasn’t this crazy person threatening me.”
“Me, too. I’ve never had anything like this happen. I mean, I have my share of fanatic fans but never someone who wished another person harm. It’s insanity.”
“Yes, it is. And unfortunately, it’s directed at me. Anyway, I’ve got to get these cassettes to Rick or he really will fire me. But we’ll talk. Over the phone, through text, about business. That’s the best I can offer for now.”
“Then it’s what I’ll have to accept, for now.”
Austin grabbed the box of cassettes and they left her apartment. He put it in Christine’s back seat and gave her a quick hug goodbye before going to his car. Christine drove back to work feeling both lighter than she’d felt in a long time and sadder than she’d felt in a long time. This stalker was ruining their friendshipyet again. Christine felt a new determination to find out who it was. She called Rick and gave him the good news. He was ecstatic, thanked her, and told her he’d extend his line of credit until the songs paid off, which they would. She’d done it. She’d saved the company.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Two days later, Christine texted Matt about the idea Austin had mentioned. Maybe it was something that could help. And it was an excuse to text him.
Hey. Austin mentioned you had an idea to help with my stalker. Care to share?she wrote.
He texted back,I study tae kwon do and hapkido. Maybe you should take the beginners’ course.
Christine’s mind raced at the idea of spending quality time with Matt while learning how to defend herself at the same time. Two birds, one stone.
Sounds interesting. I’ve never been athletic,she texted.
You don’t need to be. At least not in the way you’re thinking. Beginner class meets Monday and Thursday evenings. Let me know and I can meet you there.
You wouldn’t normally be there?
No, I’m in an advanced class. But I can get you started. I sometimes help teach the beginner class when I’m in town.
