Page 205 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
I slouch. “How can I not?”
“He’s at Ashworth Estate,” Dad replies, “the safest place in the mountains.”
“He’s back in opulence, and I’m kept away from him again.”
“You know why he couldn’t stay.”
I nod. “I know. It wasn’t safe.”
“For any of us,” Dad says. “I won’t put my family in harm’s way.”
I lean into his hug. “I’m really annoyed, but I love you, Dad.”
His belly jiggles in a laugh. “Love you too, Josie-posey.”
Thirty-One
Dad’s plan for me to answer every question with the fact I signed an NDA actually worked. The first half of school, people were all over me with questions. I guess word traveled fast because, by lunchtime, the fascination with me had cooled down.
Thankfreakinggoodness!
It’s amazing I got through an entire day of school. Maybe Wyatt not being at my house helped. I don’t feel as rushed to get home. But all day, I’ve fantasized about being at Ashworth Estate. And when the final school bell rings out, I get to my locker with lightning speed. I need to survey the halls for one particular person.
Bingo.
Vanessa Ashworth strides along the hallway like she owns theplace.
Okay, I think, technically, her familydoesown the school, but that’s besides the point.
I surge toward her, my only link to Wyatt at this point. Ashworth Estate is gated with some of the best security in the area. No school bus will take me there.
I gain on her, but my words won’t come out.
Yes, the Ashworth siblings go to our school, but I’ve never talked to one. I know, I’ve hung out with a celebrity all week. But billionaires are totally out of my league.
Vanessa notices me by her side. I maintain eye contact but I choke on my opening sentence.
She arches an eyebrow. “Yes?”
I squeak the word out. “Wyatt?”
Vanessa halts, looking me up and down. “Are you Josie?”
I nod with desperation.
She beckons me to follow. “Come with me.”
Too in awe to speak, I follow quickly behind the billionaire heiress.
Outside the school, a shiny black limousine idly waits. The driver holds the rear passenger door open, and Vanessa thanks him.
Vanessa turns to me with a smile. “Coming with?”
I nod again, sheepishly following Vanessa inside the limousine.
As I sit across from Vanessa Ashworth, she notes the apprehension mixed with wonder on my face. “First time in a limo?” she asks.
“Mm-hmm. Wyatt’s crew used SUVs.”
