? Johnny and June - Heidi Newfield
Liam
As we’re packing up and preparing to head back to Oak Ridge, the media frenzy surrounding the case ramps up. In a shocking move, Ruby’s former label releases a statement saying they will be appealing the verdict, even going so far as to accuse several witnesses of perjury. Adam assures us that the threats are empty and the case will likely be thrown out, but he implores us to take Nico with us to Oak Ridge to ensure Ruby’s safety.
“Is this really necessary?” she asks, tossing the last of her clothes into the rolling bag.
“I’d feel better having him with us,” I admit. “I have to go back to work tomorrow, so I won’t be home to protect you if any reporters come sniffing around.”
“Fine. But where will he sleep? Connor’s already in the guest room.”
“Connor can move back to the Willow Creek Inn. Or, betteryet, Lexington.” Just because I understand Connor better now doesn’t mean I’ve completely forgiven him for everything.
She pauses with her makeup case halfway to the suitcase, face pinched. “Wait. He didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Um. Nothing.”
“Goldie…” I draw out the nickname suspiciously. “What do you know?”
“You should probably ask him yourself.” She zips the suitcase and hoists it off the bed before expanding the handle. “Let’s go.”
She walks straight past me out of the bedroom. I throw my head back and groan. Apparently, my brother has some explaining to do.
The front door creaks open and Aiden comes rushing down the hallway. “Dad! Ruby! You’re back!”
“Hey, buddy. Did you have fun with Uncle Connor?”
He nods. “We played with dinosaurs, and he taught Jerry how to high five!”
“Now this I’ve gotta see!” Ruby ruffles his hair. “Missed you, little man.”
Aiden hugs her and takes her by the hand, dragging her down the hallway to his room. She glances back at me and shrugs.
Nico comes in behind me with his duffel bag in hand.
Connor rounds the corner at the same time. “Welcome home, bro—” He freezes in the entryway, blinking rapidly.
“You good?” I ask.
He shakes himself out of the stupor. “Who’s the Michele Morrone look-a-like and why is he in your house?”
Nico swipes a hand through his hair, keeping his expression blank. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him smile.
“This is Nico. He’s Ruby’s bodyguard.”
“Right. Is he… staying here?” Connor slips his hands into his pockets and rocks back on his heels.
“Just until the media shitstorm dies down. You’ll have to move back to the inn.”
Nico shakes his head and scrubs at his jaw. “I’ll take the couch.” He picks up his duffel and strides past Connor without a second glance.
Connor’s gaze follows him all the way to the living room, where he deposits his bag and makes himself at home on the sectional.
“Not much of a conversationalist,” Connor says.
“Speaking of conversations… we need to talk. You’ve got my girlfriend keeping secrets from me.”
