“Really? I’d love to! I also have some questions I thought you might be able to answer for me. Like, what to expect being around someone who has a less than stellar reputation with the media.” Chloe knew she didn’t need to elaborate. While Anders might have been a heartthrob to his fans, the media only loved to make his life hell.
Josie sighed. “It’s definitely an adjustment, I won’t lie. It gets easier, though. I’d be happy to talk to you about it.”
Chloe paused when she remember Josie mentioning packing. “Wait, didn’t you say something about packing? Are you going somewhere?”
“I . . . um . . .” Josie cleared her throat. “I’m moving.”
“She’s domesticating,” Madison added. “I think she’s insane, but she swears it’s what she wants.”
“I’m sitting right here,” Josie deadpanned. “And yes, I’m moving in with Anders. I also think I’m insane. I blame my mental break solely on him.”
“Wow,” Chloe exhaled. It still seemed unreal that her childhood friend was dating one of the hottest stars in Hollywood. “That’s awesome.”
“It’s been a year since we stopped hiding. If I haven’t killed him by now, his chances of long-term survival are pretty good. Plus, it’s not like I’m running off to Vegas and getting married like Maddie and my brother.” The snark in Josie’s voice was clear.
“I heard about that! Congrats, Maddie! I’m so happy for you and Holden.”
“Thanks,” Madison said. “It was time, and neither of us was interested in a big wedding. Josie made me a kick-ass dress, and Anders didn’t act like an asshole . . . much. It was perfect.”
“I want to see pictures when I get there,” Chloe insisted.
“I have some great ones I’ll show you,” Josie promised. “Anyway, back to your trip. I’m only packing a few things right now. I don’t plan on making my address change official until next month, so you’re staying with me.”
“Thanks, Josie. It’ll be like old times, except with tequila. I’ll text you my flight info later. I can’t wait to see all of you.”
After exchanging good-byes, Chloe opened her laptop and pulled up a playlist of Reid’s first album. With the volume up, she let the beat of the music and the sound of his voice mute the jumbled thoughts running through her mind. Instead, she focused on the things she needed to do, like clean out her fridge, set up her bills for autopay, and contact her landlord about subletting her apartment. The thought of paying rent for an empty apartment was a hard pill to swallow, but unless she found a new renter, she’d have to buy out the entire twelve-month lease. These menial, yet necessary tasks would keep her busy until she left for LA. Once there, hopefully spending time with Josie would calm her nerves and give her the confidence she needed to keep from embarrassing herself in front of Reid.
Heat sparked under her skin as she thought about how she’d reacted to him. It didn’t matter that he was one of the most attractive men she’d ever met in person, she could have blown the biggest opportunity of her life by acting like a star-struck groupie. It wouldn’t happen again. This gig was a gift and could be the beginning of all her dreams coming true. When she arrived in LA, she’d check her inner fangirl at the door, pretty face be damned.
Just as Chloe expected, the days that followed served as an excellent distraction. By the time she landed in LA, she was too exhausted to be nervous about seeing Reid or meeting the other members of his tour. Crowds of people moved through the corridors of LAX, everyone rushing to or from somewhere. Chloe secured the strap of her duffel bag on her shoulder, and with her violin case in one hand and the handle of her small suitcase in the other, she made her way out into the balmy California air to pick up her rental car.
She’d wanted to stop by Josie’s and drop off her things, but because of a two-hour flight delay, she would just make it to the studio for her meeting. By the time she pulled into the parking lot, a rush of excitement hummed along her nerve endings. She peeked in the mirror then looked away. For the next eleven months she’d be living on a bus with the people she was about to meet; there was no point in trying to look nice. They would see her at her absolute worst in a month. The thought made her stomach drop. Popping a couple of mints into her mouth, she grabbed her violin and climbed out of the car. Close quarters or not, halitosis was never acceptable.
After a brief conversation with the girl at the front desk, Chloe followed her directions to where the others were waiting. The sound of laughter floated into the hall as she turned the corner and stepped into the doorway. Her eyes darted around the room nervously as conversations continued and her presence remained unnoticed. After a few moments, she straightened her shoulders and cleared her throat. The hum of voices silenced and all eyes turned in her direction.