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“We stayed up watching a movie,” is all I divulge. I’m afraid to share more. Not about Riley and me; Gigi wouldn’t care. I don’t know how she’d react to our getting caught by paparazzi. She might think it’s best for Riley to leave. I need to talk to him about his intentions first.
“Nova.” Inez pulls out a chair to the breakfast table. “You need to eat. I have a special breakfast made for you. Sit. I’ve been keeping it warm.”
“She’s been worried.” Gigi states the obvious and gestures for me to sit at the table.
She joins me, a glass of what can only be her favorite green juice in her hand.
Inez sets a tray in front of me and lifts the lid. A bowl of oatmeal with bananas, and peanut butter toast with a swirl of honey are before me, as well as cubed cheese and fruit.
“Extra protein and natural sugars for you this morning,” Inez says. “Eat up.”
“Thank you,” I tell her as she takes the tray lid to the sink before returning with coffee and water for me. I thank her again.
“Inez, you’re the best.” I beam at her and bite the toast. Peanut butter of any kind isn’t my favorite thing by any means, but it is really good for my sugar levels. Bananas are, too. Nerves fill my stomach and keep me from wanting to eat, but I force down as much of the food as I can so I don’t get sick.
“What’s the matter, Nova?” Gigi brushes my hair behind my ear. “You still look worried.”
I curse myself for having such a telling face. My expression gives me a way every time. Mom loves to tell me how disappointed I always look when I’m with her.
“It’s my sugar.” I lie. “I ate enough that I’ll feel better soon.”
Gigi arches an auburn brow. “I made a living off acting, Nova. Earned two Oscars for it. Now tell me what’s really going on.” Her tone is tender, not accusatory.
My phone chimes with a text. I snatch it from the table and read the screen.
Riley: Sorry. I was on a call. Where are you?
“It’s Riley,” I say with too much relief in my voice. “I need to talk to him.” I stand.
“Let me know if you need my help,” Gigi calls out.
“I will,” I say over my shoulder before exiting the kitchen.
I want to run but I don’t want to look like an idiot. For all I know, Gigi is watching or following me to make sure I don’t fall flat on my face. I’m not a klutz, but I’ve been known to trip here and there.
A quick glance behind me shows I’m in the clear. Gigi must still be in the kitchen.
She’s concerned. I understand and I’ll explain things to her later. For now, I need to see Riley.
I pass through the open glass doors in the great room and resist the urge to break into a run.
Outside, I speed-walk on the path through the manicured landscaping, trying not to trip over the flagstone walkway. Once I reach the lawn, I walk faster. The property seems bigger today, like it’s taking me forever to reach the pool house.
The sparkling pool water comes into view. I can’t help it. I run.
The doors to the pool house are open. I slow down before entering. Riley has the kittens on the rug near the couch. Does that mean he’s not leaving? If he had dire news, he’d be stressed, right? Not playing with the kittens.
“Hey.” I join him on the rug. “Everything okay?” Poppy rubs her head on my knee and meows. I pet her behind the ears and try not to focus on how long it’s taking Riley to respond.
He draws in a deep breath.
Oh no. No, no, no!I stiffen and continue to pet Poppy.
“Cooper couldn’t stop all the photos from leaking onto social media.”
I nod. “I know. I saw one this morning. I’m so sorry.”
He exhales and has yet to look me in the eyes. “There’s been a development.”