Page 88 of Faking Ties

“She’s not,” I lie.

Hunter glares at me and reads the text on the screen. “What if you extend the set on Monday by a few songs? Make up for the delay by giving them a longer performance.” He scrolls up. “What if you debut a new song at the concert?”He types something on the phone and then locks the screen.

“What did you do?” I screech, jumping onto him.

“Set a boundary.” He oh so calmy lifts me up, sets me back down on the couch, and walks to the kitchen. He then shoves my phone into the highest cabinet. “No more phones tonight.”

“But—”

“It’s for your own good. Let’s focus on right now and getting through this storm. I’m sure Stella’s ideas are coming from a good place, but they also mean more work for you.”

“We’ve already gone over this; this is my job,” I say sullenly, crossing my arms and pouting.

“Extending the concert or debuting a song you don’t even know isn’t part of your job description. You’re already running yourself ragged on tour. You don’t need to do any more than what you’re already doing.”

I lift my chin and refuse to look at him. He’s helping me, I know that. Of course, I do. But it doesn’t stop me from being irritated at his high-handedness. At the fact that I didn’t think to set a boundary with Stella before now. I guess I’m more angry at myself than him, but I’m too upset to explain that.

“Elodie,” he says. I glance at him in surprise. He used my real name. “Remember when you told me that you felt like no one was looking out for Stella?”

I nod and he scoots closer to me on the couch, so close his thigh brushes against mine.

“That means what’s happening now is not in your best interest. Rachel isn’t working in your favor, or Stella’s, and Stella’s too caught up in that thinking to be helpful. I’m just trying to protect you, and from your reaction, I think I’m going about it the wrong way. But please know my heart is in the right place.”

“I know you’re looking out for me, and I appreciate that. I guess I’m annoyed that I didn’t stand up for myself, that it had to get to a point where you had to help me.”

“Don’t worry.” He cups my cheek with his hand. “I’ve got years of being an asshole under my belt.” He laughs softly. “Never thought it’d come in handy right now.”

I lean into his touch. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me, too.” He kisses me so softly, so tenderly, it’s like an apology in physical form. There’s no need for it, but I relish in the feel of his lips against mine.

“Since we have some time, do you think I can meet your mom?”

“My mom?” I parrot, not sure I heard him right. “How is that logical?”

“She’s important to you, and I’d love to get to know her.”

I glance at the time. “I mean, we can try to video her?”

“Please.” He grabs my phone from the cabinet and hands it back to me.

I keep shooting him glances as I press the video button next to my mom’s name. She answers after the second ring.

“Well, butter my biscuits, look who it is,” she says.

“Hi, Mom.”

“What’s wrong?” She squints at the screen. “Have you been crying? Do I need to come over there and use what I’ve learned fromThe Sopranoson someone?”

“No need, ma’am,” Hunter says, coming into view on the screen. “I’ve got that part covered. Hi, I’m Hunter, Elodie’s boyfriend.”

“I know who you are. I’ve seen the photos.” Mom’s eyes widen. “Wait, you know she’s Elodie and not…”

“Yes, he does.”

Mom gives Hunter a level look. “And you’re talking to me because?”

“Because I wanted to say hi to my future mother-in-law.”

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