Was it her fault he had such a sexy voice and she enjoyed listening to him talk? It wasn’t like she didn’t have work to do. Thanksgiving was a few weeks away, and her office would be closed the entire week. She was excited at the thought of seeing Garlan again. He had remained three additional days at Westmoreland Country before heading back to Harvard. A part of her was a little disappointed he hadn’t accompanied her back to LA and hung out with her those extra days.
Pushing the disappointment aside, she was about to get up and place a folder in the filing cabinet when her cell phone rang. She knew that ringtone. “Hello, Shauna. How are things going?”
“I’m in a bind.”
Iris lifted a brow. “What’s up?”
“I have two tickets to that huge charity event sponsored by one of the local hospitals.”
“And?”
“I know this is short notice and all, but I need a date.”
“A date?”
“Yes.”
Iris threw her head back and laughed. When she finished moments later, Shauna had the nerve to ask what was so funny?
“You. On what planet would actress Shauna Barnes, who just last week was on the cover ofPeoplemagazine, need a date? I’m sure men would stand in line at your door if they knew you were in that sort of bind.”
“Well, there’s a reason I prefer not having a date for this particular event.”
Iris lifted her brow again. “What’s the reason?”
“Whoever I come with, the media will put a spin on it like we’re involved.”
Iris shrugged. “They always do, and it’s never bothered you before. You enjoy the publicity since it benefits you.”
“I know, but not this time.”
“Why?”
Shauna paused, and then she said, “Dylan Emanuel and the Techstones are performing.”
“Oh, I see.”
“I don’t think you do, Iris.”
“Trust me, I do. I noticed your interest in the drummer, Graham Ives, while in Westmoreland Country.”
“You did?”
“Yes. You were all but drooling whenever you looked at him.”
“Oh, my gosh. If you noticed, then I’m sure you noticed he wasn’t looking back at me. It was like I didn’t exist.”
Iris frowned. She thought Shauna sounded worse than disappointed. She sounded wounded. “He was there to perform, you know.”
“I know, but still…”
“But still, what?” Iris wanted to know.
“Nothing.”
She figured that whatever it was, Shauna would share when she was ready. “So, what’s the plan?”
“No plan, I just want you as my date.”