So Toxic(Bad Boy Next Door Book 4)(198)

Exhilaration zips through me. This could mean a big boost in sales—doubly so if Jack is on board and isn’t out to trash it. “Maybe we can stick to four or five. I shouldn’t give all of them away, because then people won’t buy the book.”

“Four or five would be great. I’ll pick a couple, and you choose one or two. That way we can have a real conversation about them.”

A real conversation. With Jack. About what traits are desirable in a man. This should be interesting.




I brush the hair away from my damp forehead with shaky hands. The acid in my mouth makes me feel the need to puke again, just to get it out. I stand and push out of the stall, staggering to the sink.

A lady with silvered hair thrusts a paper towel into my hands. “How far along are you, dear?”

I step back from her, pointing to myself. “Me?”

Her sweet smile widens. “Who else?”

“But I’m not—I—”

She crosses her arms, her green eyes sparkling with a knowing look. “Oh, it’s all right. We all go through it. Morning sickness is rarely confined to the morning. How far?”

I lean over the sink and crank on the water. I splash my face and rinse my mouth, hoping she’ll disappear before I finish. But when I look up, she stands behind me, another paper towel at the ready.

I take the offered help. “Thank you. I’m not sure how far along exactly. I haven’t been to a doctor yet.”

Her dimples deepen. “Well, you get on in to see one and make sure everything is going all right. The sickness should get better before long.”

“I hope so. It always seems to happen at the worst possible times.” I straighten my dress, apply a fresh coat of lip gloss, and fluff my hair.

“Hang in there. Before you know it, you’ll be carrying that babe in your arms, and then it will be hanging off your elbows, and one day you’ll turn around and he’ll be all grown up, making a life of his own. My son didn’t stay little nearly long enough.”

“Well, thank you for the help. I’m supposed to be getting ready to go on stage, so I’d best go.”

“What’s your name, dear?”

I extend my hand. “Oh, I’m so rude. Please forgive me. I’m Ronnie Fitz.”

Her eyes widen a bit. “I’ve heard of you. It’s lovely to meet you in person.”

I lay my hand over my thumping heart. “You’ve heard of me?”

She shrugs. “You have a book, don’t you?”

A little thrill of excitement rushes through me. “I do. I do have a book.”

“You’d better go, or they’ll be looking for you. I hear the host can be a handful.”

“That’s what they say.” A little spark ignites deep inside. Only a few more minutes, and I’ll see him again—even if only for the limited time we’re in front of a live audience.

At the T at the end of the hall, I look both directions. The greenroom’s to the left, or was it right? Aw damn. I forgot to ask the sweet woman’s name. Can’t go back now, she’s probably just dropped her drawers and getting to business. I’ll ask, if I run into her again.

I check my phone. Another hour before the show even starts. Why on Earth they want guests to be here so early, I will never understand.

I find the greenroom after going the wrong direction and having to turn around. Why can’t they paint the halls different colors or something to make it easier to find where you came from?

I sit on the sofa, scrolling through emails. I wish I’d have brought Shay with me to at least keep me company.

A few minutes roll by and Cindy pops her head in. “Ms. Fitz, can you please come with me?”

I check the time. “The show hasn’t started early, has it? Are we taping?”

She shakes her head. “No. Mr. Tremaine wants to go over a couple of things with you before you go on.”

I grab my purse and follow the perky girl down the corridors. She holds her clipboard to her chest, a little spring in her step.

I have to ask. “Just out of curiosity, do you like working with Mr. Tremaine?”

She nods. “Oh, yes. He’s great. I’ve worked for others in similar positions, but none are as awesome as he is.”

My jaw clenches. Is she sleeping with him? Has she slept with him? She is cute. “What makes him so awesome?”

She stops and lets out a huge sigh. “My husband has some health issues. Jack’s been amazing about helping us out. He’s super understanding when I have to take off work or if something comes up and I need to leave. I used to be employed by the show, but when it looked like they were going to let me go because of all the missed time, he told them he’d personally pay my salary. He’s probably one of the nicest guys I know.”