Page 33 of The Kissing Part
“Thank you, Olivia,” Shayla says sweetly.
I turn to Olivia, hoping for an ally. “So what do you think of this idea to move to Clover Park and commute into the city?”
Olivia looks to Shayla. “The real answer or the dutiful assistant answer?”
Shayla gestures for her to go on. “I always appreciate your honesty, even if I don’t agree with you.”
“Right.” Olivia turns to me. “It’s a logistical nightmare. We’re going to have to be up at five a.m. to drive in for makeup and hair call time, returning in what will likely be rush-hour traffic back home. I’ve suggested using the house for weekends only.”
“But that won’t make it feel like a home,” Shayla says. “I want to be part of daily life there with you, Mackenzie, and Harper. Having dinner together, binge-watching TV, catching up on our lives. Maybe I’ll even get a cat.”
“No cat,” Olivia says. “I draw the line at a cat. I’m allergic.”
“What about a hairless cat?” Shayla asks. At Olivia’s pointed look, Shayla says sheepishly, “Okay, no cat.”
Who’s the boss of who here?
“And what happens when you go off for your next job?” I ask. “Harper and Mackenzie are on the hook for the mortgage payment?”
Shayla stares at me. “What kind of friend do you think I am? Of course not. I paid for the house in full, and they can live there rent-free for as long as they want. I’ll come back to live there when I’m between jobs.”
“She’s keeping the house in LA too,” Olivia says. “It’s important to have a homebase there.”
Right. My parents still keep an LA house for when they’re out there. Seems like Shayla’s following in Mom’s footsteps with a Connecticut homebase and an LA house. Still, I’m not happy.
“You can’t live there without a guard,” I say.
“I’m on it,” Olivia says. “I’ve got three candidates lined up for Shayla to meet in person this week.” She tilts her head at me. “For the vibe check.”
“Right, the vibe check.” I’m a temporary part of her life. I have to remember that.
I give Shayla a hard look. “I’ve got my work cut out for me, securing an old Victorian, making sure you and my family are safe. And you too, Olivia.”
“Don’t worry about me,” she says before taking a bite of sub. She’s short and round, kind of an apple shape. I can’t see her taking down a stalker.
“Why shouldn’t I worry?” I ask. “Do you have self-defense training?”
“If I ever see Matt Boone in person, I’ll kick him in the balls,” Olivia says matter-of-factly. “I always wear steel-toed boots.”
I look under the table. Yup, black steel-toed boots with a white belted dress. She’s starting to remind me of my aunt Madison. Badass to the bone despite their petite size.
I spread my arms wide. “Sounds like you ladies have it all under control.”
Shayla beams.
“He’s being sarcastic,” Olivia whispers.
“I like you,” I say to Olivia.
“Thank you.”
Shayla frowns. “I know you’re worried, but it’ll all be fine, and I’ll be out of your hair.” She lifts her chin, her eyes glittering. “I’m sorry I got you involved in the first place. I’ll have everything I’ve ever wanted in my new home in Clover Park.”
I stiffen. Guess she was just acting when she talked about missing me or that I was the best she ever had.
“Well, I’m sorry you ever came back,” I snap. “How am I supposed to sleep at night knowing you’ve put my family in danger?”
Shayla’s face crumples.
