Page 20 of Always a Chance
Tanner set his burger down and fixed his eyes on me. “The publisher can’t force you to do anything.”
That was sort of what a contract was, but I didn’t say that. “I just want to be me, you know?”
“What does Aidan think?” Finley asked.
“He wants me to make the decision that’s right for me, but I think he’s hoping I’ll tell the world who is really behind Trinity. He’s never been comfortable lying.”
She smiled. “I always knew I liked him. Whatever you decide to do, just tell us what you need.”
I looked at her, wanting to tell her how much that meant to me. “How can you look at me the same after all the lies?” I hadn’t just pretended to be someone else as a romance writer, I’d kept so much from my family.
Finley’s expression softened. “Johnny, when you signed for your first book, you were an eighteen-year-old kid who’d just left college. You were lost, something I wish we’d all known back then. They took advantage of you. I won’t absolve you of your part in the lies. You should have refused when they hired someone to play you to meet the fans. That was a line too far. But we all make mistakes. Plus, you’re a man. You’re pre-programmed to do stupid things.”
“Hey.” Tanner glared.
“Kidding.” She laughed.
Finley was right. None of this was okay. I had to do this for my readers, but it needed to be the right way. I just wasn’t sure what that was.
10
TALIA
“Come on, buddy.” Buddy may have been taking it a step too far. I knew it and so did Milo, who let out a low growl. Others may have mistaken it for purring, but I knew the difference.
I was on my hands and knees, trying to get back the sock currently nestled under Milo’s head where he lay under the kitchen table. I thought sock stealing was a pastime for dogs, but there was nothing normal about this cat.
“Come on, you evil thing.” I wedged myself farther under the table, reaching for his fluffy white tail. Milo lunged for me, his claws swiping at my face, catching my chin. A string of curses flew from my mouth as I batted him away and crawled out. “Fine, have the stupid sock. There’s a hole in it anyway.”
My phone rang, and I scrambled to my feet to snatch it from the counter. “Hello?”
“Hey, babe, how is Florida?”
“Barrett.” I relaxed against the counter, wishing he was here. “All I have to say is, I could really use a friend.”
“That good, huh?” He sounded distracted, but I knew he was probably just busy with work. Like I should be.
“Oh, you know, just in a place where no one missed me… except my sister. I’m here for her, but it’s hard.”
“How’s the interview coming?”
“It’s not. I tried to stop by Trinity’s place about an hour ago, but the roommate said she was at the beach, and I’m not really into stalking.” I hadn’t even told Barrett about Trinity’s true identity. That wasn’t my secret to tell.
“Are you kidding me?” Barrett laughed. “You can stalk with the best of them. Don’t give up. Love you and hope you’re back soon.”
“You too.” I hung up the phone, feeling better than I had. I did love Barret. It wasn’t a romantic kind of love, nor was it for him. But he was my closest friend.
And he, apparently, believed in my stalking abilities.
I headed for my dad’s office and poked my head in. “Dad, can I take Gigi to the beach?” She’d enjoy a day out.
He didn’t even look up. “No.”
“What? Why?”
His eyes scanned a document on his desk. “You do not have experience with assisting her, and her aide is still on vacation. I won’t discuss this anymore. I have to work.”
There was no arguing with my dad when it came to Gianna’s wellbeing. On one hand, I knew the truth in his words. On the other, they stung. Peering into Gianna’s room, I found her sleeping and left her to rest.
