“Obviously. Well, let me remind you that you’re one of the biggest names in pop music. People want to know you and be tied to you, and I will have them jumping at the chance to help you pull this off.”
“Even though I’ve been out of the spotlight for a while?”
She scoffs. “You’ve barely been away for a month. That’s a normal vacation for most celebrities. Trust me, you’re as relevant today as you’ve ever been. The entire world is dying to know where you are and what you’re doing.”
“Really?” It still baffles me that people are so interested in my life. I might have several hit singles and awards sitting on my shelf at home, but I’m just a normal woman.
I eat way too much.
I go weeks without shaving my legs.
I fart.
I know, I know, hard to believe, but it’s true.
“Yes. I’ve been able to play up your time away as a personal soul-searching. The world knows you’re changing, and when you come back, we’re going to reveal a whole new Nora.”
“I can’t wait.”
And I needed to hear that. I’ve enjoyed my time away, and while I don’t miss the demands of my job, or Becky, my old manager, I do miss my fans and being onstage. It’ll be hard to leave the kids, but so great to get back to LA, even if it’s for the weekend. And I’m excited to have Grayson by my side.
“Anything else from Todd?”
“Not a word. That peckerhead has been silent. He knows he’s lucky you’re even coming. But I wouldn’t put it past him to try to talk to you at the premiere, so be prepared for that.”
“I will, although I don’t think he’ll get too close to me with Grayson around.”
“Your boyfriend sounds like a bit of a badass.”
“He is.”
“I love him already.”
Me too. Wait, what?
A strangled noise comes from my throat.
“Nora, are you okay?”
“Fine.” I walk to the window and look down at Grayson. He’s stopped fussing over the box and is chasing his kids around the yard. He runs past Henry, scooping him up, and they go after Jack and then dodge left for Emma. She stumbles but catches herself, and I find myself smiling as I watch them interact.
I don’t know how it happened, but in a very short time, these four people have come to mean so much me.
I love them.
I love the kids, and I love Grayson.
I love Grayson.
Is that even possible this early in the game?
“Marnie, I’ve gotta go.”
“Are you okay?” Grayson whispers the next day as we stand in the backyard and stare out at what might be the greatest miracle ever pulled off by anyone in the history of miracle workers.
I’m great.
Better than great.