Page 70 of Breaking the Rules
Sylvia smiled sadly. “I wish it wouldn’t be so new for us. But I’ll take what I can get.”
“I think I love him, Mom.”
“I know, sweetheart.”
Kate poked her head in the studio door.
“Well, you look wrung out,” Sylvia commented.
“Arturo and his magical hands. I swear to God that man must have been a baker in a previous life. He had hands like a dough kneader,” Kate sighed.
Sylvia laughed. “If you girls will excuse me, I’m going to visit the ladies’ room, and then I’ll meet you for facials.”
As soon as Sylvia breezed out of the studio, Kate’s expression went serious. “I have interesting news.”
“Dante?” Waverly asked.
Kate shook her head. “No, more Xavier-related.”
“What is it?”
“Calla Cabot. She wants a meeting with you.”
Waverly’s eyes widened. Calla Cabot was the woman Xavier had dated seriously after their breakup. Waverly had spent an embarrassing number of hours poring over pictures of Calla and Xavier together and the woman’s social media accounts.
“What does she want?”
Kate shrugged. “She didn’t say. Just said she’d be grateful if you could set aside a few minutes for her today.”
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Waverly walked into the Polo Lounge at precisely three o’clock. The hunter green walls and plaid carpet gave the large room the requisite equestrian feel. It wasn’t too busy yet, so it was easy to spot Calla at a small two top table in the corner.
It was odd seeing someone in the flesh after spending so much time studying them onscreen, Waverly thought. Though it was a common feeling in L.A. where you spent years worshiping actors from afar only to run into them at the next booth in your favorite restaurant.
With Calla it was different. She cut her hair, Waverly noted. Before she’d worn her blonde tresses long with a touch of waves. Now, she rocked a short, sleek pixie cut that angled across her forehead with a sexy sweep. She was tall and slim with a pert nose and a dimple in her chin. Her eyes were gray as storm clouds and currently taking in Waverly.
Waverly patted herself on the back for having the spa give her the full works for hair and makeup and wished she’d worn a more formal outfit. Her suede booties, distressed jeans, and white tunic blouse were far more casual than Calla’s simple gray suit.
The woman rose as Waverly approached.
“Thanks for meeting me,” Calla said, coming to her feet and extending her hand. “You’re even more gorgeous than I was expecting.”
“I was just thinking the same thing,” Waverly said, grasping her hand in a firm shake.
“Please, sit,” Calla said, gesturing at the empty chair.
Waverly sank down keeping her chair angled to the room.
“I’m sure you’re curious why I reached out to you,” Calla began. She tugged at one of the simple platinum hoops in her ears, and Waverly realized the woman was as nervous as she was.
“I’m guessing it has to do with Xavier,” Waverly confessed.
Calla nodded briskly. “I’m sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong. But because I care about Xavier, I told myself it’s warranted.”
A waiter appeared and took their drink orders, hot tea for Calla and sparkling water for Waverly.
Calla waited until the waiter left before pressing on. “I saw you both on Max Heim’s show last night. And I’m not going to pretend to understand the ins and outs of relationships in Hollywood. But I hope you’re not playing him against your old boyfriend.”
