Logan cough-laughs and I glance at him.
“Love you,” he mouths.
“Who’s there?” Miranda snaps. “Is that Logan?”
He stands and walks around to my side, leaning over the table. “Yup, it’s me.”
“Greg, can you—”
“No, Miranda,” I cut her off. She’s not talking Greg into kicking Logan out of the room. “Logan didn’t do anything wrong. This is bullshit.”
“Shelby, I’m trying hard here. And you’re fighting me at every step. I know what I’m doing,” Miranda says.
I take a breath and try to calm myself. “I appreciate that, Miranda. I do. But this is my personal life. These guys are attacking someone I love.” I choke back a sob. “It’s not right.”
“Okay,” Miranda says in a softer tone. “I understand.” She pauses. “Look, since you’re not willing to leave, Logan, you’re just gonna have to sit through what I need to say to my client.”
“Say whatever you need to say, Miranda. I know the truth, so you’re not hurting my feelings.”
She gives him a curt nod before returning her attention to me. “Shelby, honey, you’re really young. I know it doesn’t feel that way. But, I’ve been through this before. Many, many times. I’ve seen talented women throw away promising careers for a cheating boyfriend. Really ask yourself if the pain is worth it.”
“Jesus Christ,” Rooster mutters.
“Miranda,” I say as calmly as I can. “I appreciate you’re trying to look out for me. I understand your concern. However, in this situation, that is not what’s happening.” There. That sounded professional and not too emotional, I hope.
“Greg?” Miranda turns his way.
I grit my teeth.
He clears his throat and sits forward. “I understand your perspective. But keep in mind, you haven’t met Logan yet. I’ve been on the road with them for weeks. He’s devoted to her, Miranda. I have trouble believing there’s any truth to the story.”
Clearly, that’s not the answer Miranda wanted or expected.
Honestly, the way Greg busted in here, I didn’t expect it either.
I swallow over the lump in my throat and whisper, “Thank you, Greg.”
Miranda takes a deep breath. “Okay. All right. I will issue a statement that the piece is all lies and you two are on solid ground.”
I blow out a long sigh of relief. Finally, someone’s listening to me. “Thank you.”
“But.”
Dammit. I knew there’d be a catch.
“What?” I ask warily.
“I’d like Logan to sit out the Small Screen awards.”
“What?” I gasp. “No!”
“I want you to go with Dawson,” she says, ignoring my objection. “You’re already on tour together. It’ll help keep the focus on your music and the tour.”
My gaze goes to Rooster, searching his face for an answer.
But his expression’s blank.
“If Logan attends,” Miranda continues, “the spotlight’s going to be on this story instead of you.”
“But they’ll move on by then,” I protest.
“We don’t know that. They’re way too interested in your love life. Look how the Glow article got hijacked. Now this. They’re going to keep coming for Logan and digging into his life. Is that what you want for him, Shelby?”
Son of a biscuit!
She’s got me there. Logan never wanted any of this publicity in his life. Every time one of these stupid articles is published with his picture attached, he risks exposing his club. Sure, up until now, they’ve found it amusing, but how much longer will that last? What if they name his club next time? Will his president find that as funny?
Logan reaches for me, curling his hand around mine. “It’s fine, Shelby. I have some business up in Washington I need to handle. I’ll take care of that while you’re in Irving for the show and meet up with you when you’re done.”
“But…” He’s giving me an easy out. Maybe he really doesn’t want to go. Logan’s already done so much for me. Uprooting his life to drive me all over the country, buying the RV, having all his time consumed with my tour, my music, and the shows. Every day he’s focused on making me happy. And how does he get repaid? Some idiots on the Internet calling him a cheater.
He’s probably dying for a break. He didn’t choose to be in the spotlight. At least I sort of knew what I was in for way back when I agreed to be on Redneck Roadhouse. But Logan never asked to have every move he makes scrutinized.
It’s not fair for me to expect him to attend an awards show where he’ll be miserable.
In their whole fifty years of marriage, Dolly Parton only had her husband escort her to one event. And yet, they’re still together. They make it work. We can do this. It’ll be okay.
“All right,” I say.
“Good. Glad that’s settled.” Miranda claps her hands like she’s dusting this mess off. “I’ll get a press release out.”
Rooster leans in and kisses my cheek. “It’s the right choice, chickadee. I want you to enjoy your night without worrying about all this other stuff.”