Page 19 of Never Been Matched
She stares at it, then her gaze lifts to mine. “I can open it now?”
“Of course. Take your time.” I go back over to the sink to wash the dishes while she reads.
The paper rustles, and then the sound is drowned out by the faucet as water gushes out of the tap.
When I’m done, I turn around and find her staring down at the letter, a frown tugging at her lips.
“Everything okay?”
She blinks at me. “Yeah, just a little surprising. Am I allowed to tell you what it says?”
I consider that for a second. “There’s nothing in her instructions that says you can’t,” I answer carefully. “But it might be better if I stay out of it. I have to act as an objective administrator.” I glance at the clock. “I can take you to the theater when you’re ready. Daphne should be there by ten. She’ll be able to show you everything you need to know about managing the theater. We can leave here in, say, thirty minutes?”
Vivien nods slowly, her gaze drifting back to the page.
Curiosity tugs at me.
What the hell is in that letter, Beverly?
Chapter Five
Vivien
* * *
I trudge upstairs with my bag, still reeling over Beverly’s words. I must have missed something. Misread something. Maybe I’m having a stroke.
I need to read it again once I get to my room.
My thoughts spin to Spencer. I can’t believe he reached out to Noah and got my things before I even woke up, then the cooking and the care and concern . . . it’s all so thoughtful.
What does he want from me?
The thought surfaces before I can stop it. Past experience has taught me that no one does anything for free or out of the goodness of their hearts. That sweet journalist who brought me my favorite tea? Spun my quotes to make me sound like a diva. That makeup artist who gave me all the tricks and tips? Sold details of my personal life to the press. That director who was kind and understanding? Convinced me to have a kissing scene with Hudson. I was thirteen. My first kiss, and it was on a sound stage in front of twenty adults.
But Spencer doesn’t act like most people do around me. And this isn’t LA or New York. He’s not trying to be famous. I don’t think. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be living in the middle of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it nowheresville Massachusetts. Either way, I’m going to be cautious. I don’t know any other way to be. I’ve been burned too many times.
Back in my rooms, I tuck myself into the chair next to the window, plug in my cell phone to charge, and then pull the envelope from my pocket, sliding out the first page to read it again.
* * *
Vivien,
* * *
Here is where the fun begins.
Enclosed is the key to The Palace. Daphne has been managing the theater for a while now, and she will give you all the details you need to take the reins from her. She’s a hoot. You’ll love her.
Before we get to the first task, some background. Your mission is to take over the list of people I didn’t have time to finish matchmaking, starting with the couple at the top.
* * *
I slide the second page out of the envelope.
* * *
Graham Deadwyler & Vivien Hart
