Page 99 of Love on Tour
“I think Julianna is too close to Phoebe to see her true colors,” Christine said.
“Maybe. It’s worth keeping an eye on her.”
“Did you mention her to Austin?”
“No, but he’s said some things that make me think he might wonder, too,” Matt said.
“Then why still date her?”
“What do they say? Keep your friends close and yourenemies closer? Plus, I think he enjoys the casual nature of their relationship.”
“Sex without commitment?” Christine said.
“Something like that. Austin and I tossed around a bunch of ideas to keep you safe and find this person. He’ll probably call you this week.”
“Anything I’ll like?” Christine asked.
“Probably not,” Matt said, chuckling. “But try to keep an open mind.”
“Awesome.”
“I think your class is lining up. We’ll chat soon, okay?”
“Absolutely. Thanks, Matt.”
He gave her a hug and she held on. If she could just start dating him, she’d be perfectly safe. And happy. Being in Matt’s arms felt natural. They fit together, in personality as well as physicality. She’d have held on forever but the class was about to start. As his hands slid from her shoulders, she felt her sense of security slip, too.
MATT WAS RIGHT.She didn’t like Austin’s idea.
“I don’t want you to live here anymore. I want you to live in Julianna’s complex,” Austin said, sitting on her couch, facing her.
“Julianna already offered, but I can’t impose on her. Two grown women living together can get too close.”
“I want you to live in her building, but in your own apartment.”
“Oh. Did I win the lottery? Funny, ’cause I don’t even play. Look, Austin, I want to drive a Mercedes, but I have an old Toyota. I don’t have family money like Julianna, and I’m not a rich and famous singer. I’m a lowly song plugger. One of Nashville’s musical matchmakers. I live in an apartment I can afford.”
“Not anymore.” Austin had a tentative smile on his lips, like he was proud of something and nervous about it at the same time.
“What did you do?” Christine put her hands on her hips.
“I bought you out of your lease. Paid off your last few months and ended your contract.”
“How dare you!” Her face turned red, and her eyes narrowed.
“I dare to try and keep you safe. I’m the cause of all this, and I have to fix it.”
“You can’t fix it.”
“I can try.” Austin jumped to his feet and started pacing. “Just listen to me. I fixed it so your rent there is the same as it was here.”
“That’s not possible.”
“It is possible.”
“If you’re paying the extra money for it, then no. I won’t be your charity case.” Christine folded her arms across her chest and shook her head.
“You aren’t my charity case. Banks are willing to work with people who have money. I have money. I worked out a deal. You can move in to the condo right next to Julianna.”
