Wild Side (Rose Hill, #3)(91)

“It’s a sweet shirt, and Wild Side is pretty cool, so this all makes perfect sense to me. But you don’t need to apologize. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you it was him. He…” I trail off, again analyzing how much I should or should not say. “He’s been very private about his identity, and I was trying to respect that.” It’s not a lie, but it doesn’t give anything away.

Cora gives me a firm nod. “Good. I’m glad he’s with you and not that chick they’re playing off as his girlfriend. I fucking hate that storyline.”

I resist a wince. Deep down, I fucking hate that storyline too, and I’m trying not to let it get to me. I trust Rhys though, and I know it’s just part of the gig. But I’m seriously hoping it doesn’t go too far with everyone here watching.

“Well, get in there.” I hike a thumb over my shoulder. “It’ll be starting soon, and I’ve got snacks and hot appetizers galore.”

Cora’s head tips back, and she groans. “Oh, fuck yeah. I love your cooking.” Her eyes widen like she shouldn’t have sworn in front of me. “Don’t tell my dad.” And with that, she darts into the kitchen and dives into the plates of food set out on the counter.

I prop a shoulder against the spot near the entryway and watch everyone together. Laughing, eating, conversing.

This. This is what I love. It’s why I opened the bistro. It’s why I’ve got a freezer full of meals for Rhys and Milo.

Rhys.

A searing ache hits my chest just thinking about him. I know he’s away doing what he loves, and that makes me happy. But I know this would blow his mind. A room full of people, waiting to watch him do something that he’s hidden for so long.

So I pull my phone out and fire him off a text.

Tabby: You already in show mode?

Rhys: Not yet. What’s wrong?

I chuckle down at my screen. Such a worrier.

Then I snap a photo of the living room and send it off to him.

Tabby: Watch party.

Rhys: Funny.

Tabby: What is? I’m serious. Everyone is so excited.

Rhys: This is actually happening right now?

Yup. It’s blowing his mind. I go out on a limb and send him a video call request. When his face pops up on the screen, I sigh.

“Wild Side. Nice to see you.”

His eyes roll, but it doesn’t stop him from coming back with, “You too, Mrs. Wild Side.”

I’m grinning when I turn the camera around and show him the living room just beyond me. “See? This is actually happening right now.”

His eyes move through, as though soaking up every person crammed into my small house, and all he comes back with is a rough, “Your parents are there?”

“Oh yeah. I think my dad is a little pissed I didn’t think to invite him. Showed up unannounced because he heard about it from West.”

His Adam’s apple bobs. “Wow.”

“An entire enthusiastic cheering section for you up in Canada. Cora even said you’re too old for her to crush on now, but that she’s still a fan, so that was nice.”

“Tell her I’ll get her tickets. But everyone else…they know it’s just a regular Monday night? Like not a special event?”

He sounds so confused.

“I don’t think they care. They just wanna watch you. So win tonight. Or do I need to talk to the writers?”

That draws a gravelly chuckle from him. “Well, I can’t officially say anything, but I don’t think they’ll be disappointed.”

“Excellent. Okay, go kick some ass out there. I just wanted to show you what was going down at home.”

His shoulders heave as he lets out a huge sigh and hits me with a heartfelt, “Thank you, Tabby.”

I smile, trying not to let it turn watery. “Always.” He told me that it may be a few weeks before he comes back, depending on his schedule, and of course, I was fine with it. Just like I need my work, he needs his. That he has a passion for something—that drive, that focus—it’s one of the most attractive things about him.

“We miss you. Please tell Little Willy that I hate his guts.”

Rhys laughs now. “He will certainly get a kick out of that.”

“Okay, bye.”

“Bye.”

I’m about to hang up, but his voice mere seconds later stops me.

“Oh, and, Tabitha? I—”

He pauses, and my heart seizes, and I wonder if he’s about to say something that will change the game between us. I don’t think I’d even hesitate to say it back.

The silent beat has me on the edge of my seat, but he takes it in another direction. “I miss you guys too.”





CHAPTER 41


Rhys





Rhys: I have a confession to make. It’s been stressing me out and I could use your input.

Tabby: No. I have not been faking the orgasms.

Rhys: Funny.

Tabby: If you send an ominous text like that then you should 100% expect me to get weird.

Rhys: Okay, but it’s not about you. Well, not directly. Anthony wants to unmask me at Pure Pandemonium. He brought it up a while ago and isn’t letting it go. Now he wants Elle to remove it.

Tabby: Fuck Anthony.

Rhys: I’ve always known this storyline might come. It’s been done before. It’s always kind of exciting.