Page 62 of The Kissing Part
“And then what?” I ask.
“Then we’d go from there,” she says. “See where it goes.”
I’m quiet. Shayla keeps talking about a future with me, but it all depends on me following her around. Now I’m starting to wonder if it was a mistake to let things get this far.
Olivia pipes up, ever practical, “If you want, I could contact the studio and see what kind of numbers we’re looking at for a security job. That might help your decision.”
“Great idea,” Shayla says. “Mackenzie said she’d like to visit me there. You could both go and check out the job. I’d really like you there in addition to Zander.”
I stiffen. I thought she was asking so we could be together. Instead she wants me to fill out her security team.
“I’ve got a big potential job in DC,” I say. “Mackenzie says it’s looking good. We’ll know for sure at the end of next week. If we get it, I’ll be in DC for three months.”
“Can’t Nathan do it?” she asks.
“Nathan promised he’d spend a couple of weeks at Martha’s Vineyard with his family, so he’d miss part of it. It’s best if one person takes the lead and sticks with it. And before you ask, Mackenzie doesn’t do the high-tech work. She’s more operations and accounting. The engine that keeps our company going.”
“Okay,” she says quietly.
Long moments pass. I glance over at her sad expression. Dammit. I can’t take how sad she looks. I’m the one who makes her feel protected and safe.
“I’ll think about it,” I say.
“You will?” She sounds genuinely surprised.
“Yeah.”
“Should I check in with the studio?” Olivia asks.
“Yes, go ahead,” Shayla says, beaming at me.
My chest puffs out with pride. It’s nice to be needed, even if it’s just for security purposes. This doesn’t mean I’m going to follow her from project to project. There’s a real possibility this studio gig is bigger than the government contract. I owe it to the company to at least look into it.
* * *
Shayla
The week goes by in a blur between work and nights with Owen. The best part is things are looking promising for him to work on the Vancouver location. They’ve been having a problem with people stealing equipment and selling it on the black market. I hadn’t realized that when I invited him. I just thought it would be great to make his job and my job fit together. I still have hope for our future, even if Owen pulls away at times. He’s not all in yet, but when he sees how it could work, then he’ll relax.
Tonight we’re at a friend’s Broadway show. It’s a sold-out Saturday night showing. My friend Rodney is a triple threat—acts, sings, and dances. I can carry a tune, but I could never do what he does. And forget about dancing. I stick to slow dancing, and if there’s no one with a camera, I’ll bop around the dance floor a bit too.
We’re sitting in the front row. I peek over at Owen to see if he’s enjoying himself. Hard to tell. It’s an upbeat musical, a reimagining ofRomeo and Julietwith a happy ending. Rodney plays Romeo. He’s heart-stopping gorgeous. Really. He was stopped on the street as a teen and signed to a lucrative modeling contract. Musicals are his true love.
The show ends to a standing ovation.
“Did you like it?” I ask Owen.
He nods. “Really good.”
“Come on, we’re invited backstage.”
We slip out of our seats to a side door where a guard, along with Zander, guides us through the backstage area to Rodney’s dressing room.
A few minutes later, he joins us. “Shayla! Thanks for coming. I haven’t seen you in forever.” He hugs me. We’re nearly always on opposite coasts.
“I know, right? This is Owen Campbell.”
Rodney shakes his hand. “Rodney Bell, nice to meet you. So what did you think? We’re still working out the kinks in the show. It’s only been a week, and the choreographer is still making changes.”
