Page 108 of Faking Ties

“I’d love to leave here for good, but that’ll take weeks to close on a house. Maybe we should go on a vacation for a couple weeks first. Let this all blow over and get you out of possible danger.”

It’s a good idea, especially if someone starts poking around here. I’d also love to treat Nina to a fancy vacation, to take care of her like she’s taken care of me. Much to her dismay, I’ve been sending her money regularly, to get her out of the trailer home she shares with her mom, but she refuses to use the money and insists on staying there.

I start in on making the cookie dough and ask, “Where would you want to go on vacation?”

“A beach resort in the Caribbean.”

I laugh. “Been thinking about that for some time, huh?”

“Mayyyybe.”

“Let’s do it. Some time away would be beneficial. Maybe I can rent a house somewhere else for Mom for a while, get her away too.”

“Good idea. Rose has always wanted to go to Florida…”

I grin. “I think a house on the beach would do her some good.”

I try my donut-hole-cookie idea while we chat about our upcoming trip. When she tries the finished product, in the shape of a flat muffin, her eyes widen. “This is it. This is what you need to sell.”

I try one myself and groan. “Holy shit. Did I make this?”

Nina snorts. “Don’t be surprised. You’re fucking talented.”

“Hey,”I say in my daily video call to Hunter. “How are you?”

“Good, Stella’s video worked. There are still five people who consistently follow me, but no one has tried to break in again, so that’s a win.”

“I’m worried about you…”

“Don’t be. I’ve got a team of people keeping me safe. I’m more worried about you.”

“I’m okay. Nina and I are going to go on a beach vacation for a week.”

“That’ll be fun. What spurred this on?”

“Well…people have been poking around that bar in Nashville I sang at. The one that went viral and caught Stella’s attention.”

“Shit. So, you’re leaving in case anyone comes to your town?”

I nod. “It’s just a safety precaution. I’m also moving my mom to a beach house in Florida for the week since she doesn’t want to go to the Caribbean.”

“You should take a bodyguard with you.”

“That’ll be too obvious. I plan to wear a prosthetic nose and overexaggerate my lip liner and lipstick to make my lips bigger. So, if I am photographed, it won’t be obvious I look like Stella.” Nina had the idea about the lips and nose, and I’ve rented a villa on the beach for us. No one will be around, except a chef to make our meals for the day. Nina plans to be the only one interacting with them, and with our private plane, it should be safe. Well, safer than here. “I wish you could come.”

“Me too,” he says sadly. “But I’m being followed too closely. Tell me more about what’s new with you.”

I launch into the details of my cookie-and-donut-hole idea, and he listens intently as I talk about my passion. He demands I send some to Jake and that he’ll try them at his house. I grin, loving how supportive he is.

He yawns multiple times and I say, “Are you sleeping okay?”

“Yeah, just had a grueling practice. I’ll be fine.”

I squint at the screen, trying to determine if he’s lying or not. “You sure?”

“Yeah. I’m good. I’ve got to run, but don’t forget to send me those desserts.”

“I promise,” I say. “Love you.”

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