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“Okay.” She nods. “Well, then I guess I’ll see you later. You’re in charge of wardrobe, right? I have a few ideas.”

“Of course. I’ll see you soon. It was nice to meet you.”

She’s gone as quickly as she came, the scent of her perfume lingering in her wake.

Holy fucking shit.

It wasn’t just a rumor.

Shandy is really going to be making a guest appearance on Dusty Peaks.

And Alexa told her about my designs.

Shandy’s support could change everything for me—both personally and professionally.

Cash will never forgive me if I forge any kind of relationship with Shandy, but if I burn a bridge with Alexa, that could decimate my designer dreams before they even start. And I have no idea how to reconcile any of it.

Chapter Thirty

Cash

The week away feels like the longest of my life. We seem to be on a losing streak, and while it happens in an eighty-two-game season, having it happen this early in the season sucks. We started so strong but now it’s like we’re falling apart. That might be a slight exaggeration but I don’t like losing multiple games in a row. Viktor can’t seem to stop anything, all the scorers on the team—myself included—spend far too much time hitting the post, and our defense can’t stop a damn thing.

Coach changed lines for tonight and I hope we can end the trip on a high note. I don’t like playing on the second line but I don’t care as long as we win. Hell, Ashton is on the third line, which is unheard of, so it’s going to be an interesting night.

I’ve just sat down for the pre-game meal when I see a text from Maya.

MAYA: Hey, do you have a minute? It’s important.

CASH: For you, always. What’s up?

MAYA: Can I call you?

Uh oh. This doesn’t sound good, so I call her instead.

“Hey, babe, you okay?” I step into the hallway to get a little privacy.

“Yes, I’m fine. It’s just…” She sighs. “I wanted you to know…Shandy is working on the show. She’s been here all week but I didn’t know until she got here. There were rumors—but I honestly hoped that’s all they were.”

Shandy—on Dusty Peaks?

That’s just great.

Unfortunately, it makes sense. It’s a hot show and she’s a hot actress. I wish she was on the other side of the country, as far away from me as possible, but I can’t control that. Right now, though, I’m more concerned about the worry in Maya’s voice. Like I would somehow blame her for Shandy getting a part on the show she’s working on?

“Did you think I would be upset about it?” I ask carefully.

“I wasn’t sure, to be honest. I meant to mention it but kept putting it off, hoping it wasn’t true.”

“You can’t control those things, babe.”

“I know, but I have to talk to her every day. I have to be nice to her.”

“You’re doing your job.” I pause. “I mean, you guys aren’t suddenly besties or anything, are you?”

“What?” She sounds shocked. “No! Hell no. I just…I know you’ve had a rough few days and I wasn’t sure how to tell you. But they did a bunch of press today so you’re going to hear about it, and I didn’t want you to think I lied.”

“I guess you kind of did.” I point that out gently.