Page 28 of You and Me, For Real
“She’s fine. At least, I think she will be. She’s got a minor cut on her back leg. She favors it slightly, but mostly, she just needs some time to bulk back up to a healthy weight.” That, and learn to trust people again.
My phone chimes in my back pocket. I pull it out.
Scarlet leans toward me, reading the screen. “Ashton? Who’s Ashton, and why are they asking to meet you somewhere tomorrow morning?”
I slap the phone against my thigh, my pulse accelerating. Does this mean she’s agreed to training?
At Scarlet’s intake of breath, I realize my error. I was too hasty in hiding my phone.
I keep my face neutral. “It’s no one in particular. Just a woman who works at the dog shelter. She helped with Roxy’s paperwork. She’s probably just checking on her.”
Scarlet crosses her arms over her chest. “A she, huh? Texting your personal cell? Do shelter workers often follow up with their adopted dogs? Since when do you give out your personal number to strangers?”
Never.
“Why isn’t she calling Luke? And what’s this about meeting you tomorrow?”
“Okay, fifty questions. Calm down. I haven’t even had the chance to look at the text yet.” I slip the phone back into my pocket.
She walks toward the bar, her long, jet-black hair swishing over her shoulder. “Oh, go ahead. I’m in no rush. I’ll just finish up my glass of water before I head out. I’m so parched.” She puts the straw to her lips, waving at me to go ahead. She pulls out the barstool and perches on the edge, sips her water, and then opens her phone.
I bite my retort, and instead, swipe open Ashton’s text message, eager to read her response.
Ashton
I can meet tomorrow morning. 7:00 a.m. at Canyon Hills Park for a trial session. I repeat, a TRIAL session. I’m not agreeing to anything.
“Yes!”
Luke’s head shoots up, the movement pulling my focus from my phone screen.
Dang it.Be. Cool.
Scarlet’s head swivels in my direction. “Good news, I guess?” She slowly, deliberately places the glass back on the counter with a clink.
I clear my throat. “Yes, the uh, shelter woman is also a dog trainer. She agreed to meet me tomorrow for a training session with Roxy.” I gesture outside. “As you witnessed from trying to call her, she needs it.”
“I know plenty of dog trainers. I could have suggested some. All you had to do was ask me.”
“Oh, well, this one is already familiar with Roxy, so I thought she’d be best. If things don’t work out, though, I’ll definitely hit you up for a recommendation.” I slip the offending object into my pocket, hoping to close the discussion.
“Where are you planning to meet tomorrow? I could come. Maybe even give your trainer some tips?” She saystrainerlike I’m making up the whole situation.
Do I want to see Ashton again? Absolutely. Do I think there’s some chemistry between us? I’d like to find out. Do I want to explore that possibility with my fake girlfriend in tow? Absolutely not.
Our relationship isn’t real, after all. Meeting with Ashton isn’t like I’m betraying her.
Right?
Yet, somewhere inside, guilt eats at my gut.
I have nothing to hide. Might as well put it all on the table.
“We’re meeting early at Canyon Hills Park.” I approach the counter, grab a grape from a bowl, and pop it into my mouth. “You’re welcome to come, but it’ll be at seven a.m., and I know how you like your beauty rest when we’re not filming.”
She stands, her ample bosom bumping into me. “I think I can make an exception.” She leans in. “Perhaps I’ll see you tomorrow.”
My chest tightens at her veiled threat.
