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“Yep.”

Worry rippled through Lewis’s eyes as he dipped his chin at me. “Holler if you need us.”

I formed a half-megaphone with my hand. “HOLLER.”

Chuckling, the guys shook their heads, turned, and disappeared into the crowd.

The petite woman thrust her hand out for me to shake. “I’m Gloria Pitman from Entertainment On-show. Nice to meet you.”

A foul taste rose in my mouth. Of all the entertainment gossip sites, Entertainment On-Show was renowned for their clickbait headlines, scandalous and often untrue news articles. I didn’t want to give her a sliver of information that she’d twist and turn into tomorrow’s top story.

I placed my hand in hers, but ergh, her fingers were wet and sticky, no doubt from spilling her champagne...at least, I hoped it was alcohol. “Evening.”

I released my grip, flicked the droplets from my fingertips, then wiped my palm on the back of my dress pants. Gross.

Gloria raised her glass toward me. “It’s good to see you back in LA.”

“Thank you.”

“I heard you’re filming a new show.”

Where from? Publicity for Angels in LA hadn’t commenced yet. This city and its network of inside sources and gossipers did my head in. “Yes. That’s correct.”

“Why did you leave Through The Smoke?”

My stomach sank to the floor. I hated being reminded. “It was time for something new.”

“Is it true you were injured on set?”

I drew my shoulders back. “Where did you hear that?”

“I interviewed Rhett Newton at the Emmys.”

Asshole. He’d promised he wouldn’t say anything. I didn’t need that information to get back to my new job. I didn’t want them to think I wasn’t able. “Yes. But it was nothing serious.” Liar.

She took a sip of her drink and waved her glass toward Cole and Lewis, who were talking to a group of partygoers. “The Flintlocks were awesome tonight. Lewis, the new bassist, is great. You two seem to be close.”

My pulse quickened. Oh, here comes the dig. Bring it. “We’re good friends.”

“Wouldn’t you say you’re more than friends?”

“No.” I took a dainty sip of my bourbon, when in reality, I wanted to knock back the whole damn drink and have another chaser or two.

“Those pictures online say otherwise.” A slimy, suggestive smirk slithered across Gloria’s lips as she raised a questioning eyebrow.

I shrugged, deflecting her attempt at getting a reaction out of me. I was an actress; I could control my emotions...sometimes. “You of all people should know not to believe everything you read online.”

“Are you two dating?”

Her voice was causal and light, but it took all my effort not to punch her in the face. “My personal life is none of your business, but no, I’m not dating Lewis.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I’ve seen bands fabricate stories to generate buzz for their music. Is that what the other night was about?”

That fucking boiled my blood. My grip on my glass tightened. No one accused my guys of such bullshit. “They don’t need publicity stunts to attract attention.”

“Is Lewis really gay?”

“Isn’t it inappropriate these days to ask about someone’s sexual identity or preference? And...if you’re good at your job, you would’ve done your research.”