Page 51 of My Rock Star Neighbor
“And here I thought I might get to see your jujitsu moves in action,” I say.“You don’t see anyone else following us, right?We’re actually safe now to go straight home?”
“I don’t see anyone.You?”
“No,” I say.Is this going to be my life now?Am I going to have to worry about crazy fans and lose all privacy?Lots of celebrities live in New York City, though, without any problem.New Yorkers generally take pride in ignoring VIPs.Ms.Cara-wannabe is a one-off—someone who’s trying to use my popularity to boost her own.
Wait.
“Isn’t that the Citi Bike again—same red helmet?”Maddie asks.“Let’s take the back route into our apartments.”
“Okay, but first I want to get a photo.”I head straight for the guy on the bike, clicking photos with my phone.
The guy on the Citi Bike finally sees me, stops short, and then turns, speeding away.
I return to Maddie.“I’m going to ask Luca if he can provide extra security for the parks concert.”
“Did you get a good look at his face?”Maddie asks.
“Let’s see.”I show Maddie the photos.“Oddly, it seemed like he was focused on you rather than me.”
She widens the photo so she can see the person’s face.
“That’s Nemesis!”Maddie exclaims.
Chapter thirteen
Maddie
Nemesis!She’stryingtoscoop my story again!She must have followed me from work.Hayden, our new “boss”—while my usual boss, Felicity, is out on medical leave—must have given Sarah the same lecture he gave me, that I need to up my game before the new recruits come in June, all fresh from journalism school.But she and Hayden are close, so I thought he only gave me the lecture.He then assigned me a sure-to-be-riveting story interviewing the Head of Sanitation about how they are preparing for an upcoming snowstorm.I handed that in yesterday so I’d have the weekend free for the miniature show I plan to sell at.
Sarah probably saw us enter Strangelove, but neither Nick nor I saw her there.Did she wait outside?Did she see us with Demoraux?What if she interviews Demoraux?My blood runs cold.She might scoop me again.No.Then she would have followed him and not us.
Is she trying to prove that we arenotdating?Or figure out what I’m investigating?At least we looked romantic at dinner.So romantic that I almost believed it myself that we were dating.At least I finally had the chance to run my hand through Nick’s hair.And the way he looked at me made my stomach quiver.Was that real or part of the charade?And I’d been so tempted to kiss him.Clause eleven strikes again.I had to remind myself that this charade is not supposed to make me want to kiss him.
Once we’re sure she’s gone, Nick and I continue on to our apartment building, entering through the deli entrance just in case.He waits at my door for me to unlock it.
“So…” he says, sounding a bit awkward.“See you tomorrow for the mini show?”
I nod, pleased that he remembered and that he even suggested that he come along.“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”
I smile and then step into my apartment and close the door softly behind me, blowing out a quiet breath.I pick up Sherlock and bury my face in his soft fur.I know I’ll be replaying tonight’s dinner in my dreams, but that’s what dreams are for.
Nemesis was not on the bus with us to New Jersey today for the mini show.Only dealers are allowed in this huge hotel conference room right now to set up.Nick is next to me, unpacking my felted miniatures to sell and arranging them on my table.I glance at his profile.He’s so attractive, but he’s also such a good guy.He really likes discussing my investigations.He has good insights.A heaviness fills me that this dating relationship isn’t real.
The friendship is solid.That’s what counts.And I’m at a mini show.Honestly, for someone who loves minis, a miniature show is pure heaven.I’m not going to let thoughts of Nemesis ruin it.Plus, I’m with Nick.He’d agreed at dinner last night to be my wingman because it’s hard to man the table all by myself.Last time, someone actuallystolea miniature silver tea set off a dealer’s table.It’s a day with Nick and a mini show.I smile.
I sneak another peek at him.I can’t quite believe he’s here with me.
I set out a little box of minis priced at twenty-five cents each for kids to buy.When I was a kid, I loved finding miniature treasures at vendor tables.
“I can tell you want to check out all the other tables, so go ahead.I’ll watch this,” Nick says.
“Thanks so much!I can’t spend much, so I want to take a quick run around so I can think about what I want—what I absolutely love—before the show opens,” I say.
Nick smiles at me.“Have fun.”
This huge room has been filled with rows of tables, each with different vendors selling miniatures.One table has handcrafted metal miniatures, like trash cans, kitchen sinks, and ranges.They’re so realistic and detailed but way out of my budget.Prices start at three hundred dollars.Another craftsperson is selling the most beautiful flowers.So many choices!I narrow my picks down to a miniature teddy bear and an orange cat that resembles Sherlock.I quickly buy those and return to my table.
The show door opens, and a wave of excited voices rolls over the room.The first person who reaches our table studies my little animals, picks one up, puts it down, and scurries away.
