I found everything I needed in the second overhead cabinet. I mixed a martini for her, poured whiskey for myself.
When I turned around to hand her the glass, I noticed she’d opened a recording app on her phone and froze.
“What are you doing with that?”
“I like to record conversations in case I forget details.”
“No.” The word came out clipped and cutting, and I expected Hailey to give me shit about it. To my surprise, her gaze softened.
“Okay. I won’t record this. But I’d like to take notes, if that’s okay? Just key words. They won’t mean anything to anyone else... you know, in case they fall into the wrong hands.”
Brilliant. Now she was handling me with gloves. I nodded, feeling idiotic. She’s here to help. Not sell you to the press.
There were stools at the sleek counter, but we ended up sitting at the dining table. Hailey took out paper and pen.
“Want to tell me why you changed your mind about our collaboration?”
I hesitated. She held up her hand. “You know what, you don’t have to tell me if it’s not pertinent to the case.”
“It is pertinent.” I forced myself to keep talking. “My sister said she’s been having a hard time at school since this whole issue started. It’s paramount for me that she and my parents are kept out of this. I don’t really care what anyone writes about me unless it hurts them. And it looks like it is.”
Something changed in her gaze. It was still soft but different than before.
“I understand. It’s an unfortunate side effect of scandals. Families sometimes must deal with the fallout. Reporters hound them.”
I stiffened. “You think that’s likely to happen?”
“Hard to tell. You’re not what they’re usually looking for. But since Marion is a celebrity....”
“That can absolutely not happen. How do I fix this?”
“First things first. I will talk to your sister, give her some advice on how to respond to verbal attacks.”
I had not expected that.
“It’s not a PR problem, per se. Bullies at school.”
“I can still give her advice.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I can’t stand the idea of kids being bullied.”
I felt an instant kinship with Hailey. I liked this woman.
“As I said, I can give her tips.”
“I would appreciate that. I tried, but it’s not my area of expertise.”
“I can also coach her and your parents preemptively about what to tell reporters, so they’re prepared in case they’re contacted.”
“I don’t want to worry them except if it’s absolutely necessary.”
She pursed her lips. Fuck, they were just beautiful and begged to be kissed.
“We’ll circle to that another time.”
I smiled. “This is your idea of a compromise?”