Page 75 of The Perfect Melody

No matterhow long I stare at the contents of my wardrobe, nothing cute appears. What the hell was I thinking when I packed for this trip? Scratch that. I know exactly what I was thinking—I wanted to look absolutely nothing like Melody Night and to wear all the things Miranda banned from my closet long ago. Comfy sweatshirts. Jeans. Baggy t-shirts. I expected to spend my time in Pine Grove as a complete loner who mostly stayed in her room, except to eat, browse the cute shops Bailey told me about, and go on the occasional walk in the surrounding area. But no, I had to crash Liam’s car into Bowman’s and let my entire plan to live like a hermit implode from there. Now I have my first official date with Austin tonight and absolutely nothing appropriate to wear.

It’s been a little over a week since we got together, and tonight is the first evening we’ve both had free. That’s not to say we haven’t spent a lot of time together these past few days—it’s just mostly been exchanging heated looks across the bar, or naked in his bed after the closing shifts we’ve worked together.

Tonight is different. Tonight, we’re going to a proper restaurant with a wine list neither of us cares much about. We’ll go through the motions of letting the server pour a little fromthe bottle for us to taste before we all agree that yes, it is wine. Austin will try to pull my chair out for me like a gentleman. I’ll ask him not to because the whole awkwardly scooting in with someone’s hands hovering over the back of your chair thing is responsible for some of the most deeply uncomfortable interactions I’ve ever had in public. Considering I’m famous, that’sreallysaying something. We’ll get to know each other better bathed in flickering candlelight, while I do my best to be open with him without giving away anything about my secret life. Then, after a lovely dinner, we’ll go back to his place and keep getting to know each other on a more intimate level. Or we would if I had anythingremotelyacceptable to wear.

Flopping back onto my bed, I video call Liam. He’s got some time off between the ad he just finished shooting and the mini-series he’s due to start working on at the end of July, so he’ll probably pick up even though it’s early.

After a couple of rings, he answers, leaning against his headboard and looking like he’s only recently woken up.

“Help,” I moan pitifully.

“What’s wrong? Did someone find out you’re Melody?”

“No. This is personal drama, not career drama,” I assure him, trying not to giggle at his alarm and the way his chocolate-brown hair sticks up in every direction.

The panicked look in his eyes recedes. “OK, good. What’s wrong then?”

“I have a date with Austin tonight and nothing to wear.” I pout.

“You stopped being a chicken and told him how you feel, huh?” Liam asks, a smug smile on his face.

“No need to look so pleased with yourself.”

“Sorry, I thought I was speaking to someone who wanted my help.”

I sigh dramatically. “Fine, yes, you were right. Talking worked, but now I have a date and nothing to wear.”

He runs a hand through his hair, leaving it looking even more rumpled. “You know this is really more Bailey’s department, right?”

“What do you mean? You both have great style, plus you know me better.”

“Correction,Baileyhas great style.Ihave a great stylistwho tells me exactly what to wear.”

“God, you’re so Hollywood.”

He snorts. “Says the princess of country music.”

“You know I hate that stupid nickname.”

“Sorry.” Liam grimaces. “I’ve not had my morning coffee yet—my brain to mouth filter hasn’t switched on.”

“Has it ever?” I tease, making sure he knows I’m not taking the dig to heart.

“Ha ha.” He gets up, presumably walking to the kitchen for said coffee.

“Is Bailey free?”

“Did I hear my name?” Bailey’s voice sounds from somewhere offscreen. For a moment I’m treated to a view of their kitchen tiles as Liam leans in to give her a quick kiss. “Yeah, Cassie wants to talk to you.”

Bailey takes Liam’s phone. “What’s up” she asks.

“I need fashion advice.”

Her grey eyes widen. “From me, why?”

“Because she’s got a daaate,” Liam singsongs from off camera.

Bailey gasps, eyes glittering with excitement. “You do? Who with? Wait,pleasetell me it’s with your hot boss. When’s it happening?”