Being run over by a bike messenger was nothing compared to this. They say bad things happen in threes. Hopefully, this is the third thing, as I can’t even imagine what fate has in store for me next.
I wrap a towel around me and realize I have nothing to change into since all my clothes are at my house, possibly ruined. I’ll need to borrow something from Daisy. That might be tough since I’m several sizes larger than waif. But it’s either that or wander around the mall naked while browsing for new clothes.
I look in the mirror. Audrey told me recently that repeating positive affirmations can help in all sorts of situations. Sometimes she’s a little overfond of the personal development section of the bookstore. I decide it can’t hurt to try it. “This will all be okay,” I say out loud, into the mirror. “I’m okay.” I feel silly but repeat it until I almost sort of kind of believe it. Huh. Lying to yourself does work.
Feeling slightly better now, I walk out of the bathroom in my towel with a frown on my face but determination in my steps. That determination falters when I pass the living room to see Daisy sitting on one couch.
And Ryder Black sitting next to her.
Rock star Ryder. The musical genius who transitioned from boy-band heartthrob to full-fledged rock god years ago. A singing, guitar-strumming, piano-pounding god. Sitting in Daisy’s living room.
My towel slips, but I catch it before I flash a second celebrity this month.
This time, though, I’m not mortified. Maybe it’s that I’m getting used to being semi-naked around famous people. Or it might be the exhaustion, the fire, and the relief I’m not dead.
Basically, I’m out of fucks to give.
So, I stand there, looking from Ryder to Daisy. Each gives me a casual smile as if there isn’t anything odd about this scenario. Ryder sips from a glass of what looks like water but could be vodka, knowing Ryder’s reputation.
“Daisy?”
“Yes, Olivia?” she asks, head cocked.
“Why is Ryder Black sitting in your living room?”
“Really, Olivia, that’s a rude question with him right here. I mean, he can hear you. Why shouldn’t he be sitting here?”
“Is he also your long-lost foster brother?” I’m just teasing her since I know about her crush.
She snorts. “God no.”
I turn to Ryder, who has one eyebrow arched. He and Chase do that amused eyebrow arch so well.
“Ryder, why are you sitting in Daisy’s living room? Not that I have an objection to it. But just…why?”
Daisy’s mild expression breaks, and she cracks up laughing. “Oh, Olivia, you should see your face. I thought you’d drop your towel again.”
“When was the last time she dropped her towel?” Ryder asks, leaning forward with interest.
“She told me she dropped it in front of Chase. I think he liked what he saw, judging from the pictures of them making out,” Daisy says.
I pull the fabric tighter and glare at Daisy. “I told you that in the strictest confidence. You might not want to be sharing any secrets, Daisy. I could let certain things I know slip out.” I look meaningfully at Ryder.
Daisy narrows her eyes at me, but she wisely changes the subject. “Wow, you’re a grumpy cat. I’ll give you a pass because your house almost burned down. Anyway, to answer your question, Ryder is here to take us to Malibu.”
I sink down on the edge of the couch, pulling at my towel. At least Daisy splurged on extra-large towels, unlike the hotel.
“Say again?”
“I called Chase about the fire and the threatening letter. He freaked and called Ryder to whisk us away since Chase is in the Amazon, and it will take him a day or two to get home, even with him leaving right away. So, Ryder’s our official white knight and will fly us back with him, along with a gazillion bodyguards that Chase arranged. Isn’t that kind?”
“White knight at your service.” Ryder’s dimples pop as he smiles.
“We’re going to Malibu? With you? Where will we stay?” I hate being ten steps behind everyone else, but nothing makes sense right now, and all I feel is overwhelmingly tired, as if I could go to sleep for two weeks straight.
“We’re going to Chase and Ryder’s place,” Daisy answers, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Well, it’s technically Sebastian’s estate, but Chase and Ryder live there too.”
“Chase doesn’t want you to stay in San Francisco until they know who sent the letter and your place is inspected for structural damage,” Ryder interjects. “After what happened, it’s better to be somewhere with gates and security.”