“No boyfriend—or something. My place is fine.”
“That’s great. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
Was he really sitting here listening to the biggest movie star on the planet express gratitude to him? Fantasyland, darling. Clearly fantasyland.
A half hour later, Ru stepped into the front door of Shazam after his short walk from the Playhouse. The beautiful building, remodeled by Billy Ballew, Shaz’s husband, glowed all around him. A skylight in the reception area let in sunshine that warmed the slate floors, while a trickling fountain complemented the soft, piped-in classical music, and plants and flowers softened the modern décor. He loved it. And there to the right stood the door that would lead to Ru Maitland Designs—or it would as soon as Ru had the money and customers to support his own business. Shaz wanted to give it to him, but not happening. Shaz had made it on his own, and so would Ru. Sure, he’d take help, but he wanted to build his own company. The play would be a big boost. He swallowed. So would a connection with the soon-to-be-wife of Gray Anson. Shit.
The door into the studio opened, and Bitzie Freeland backed out, juggling a pitcher of water and a stack of toilet paper. Bitzie had replaced Millicent, who became one of Shaz’s junior stylists.
“Let me help.” Ru hurried over and retrieved the rolls from under Bitzie’s neck.
“Thanks, Ru. Restocking the guest bathroom. He’s looking for you.”
He set the paper on her desk. “On my way.”
The studio opened into a large space divided into functions—hair, makeup, wardrobe, accessories, and the dressing and fitting lounge where clients hung out. Shaz’s voice spilled from the lounge. “It’s perfect, darling. This is the style the world’s been waiting for.”
Ru walked in just in time to see Edie Hershey, one of the biggest stars ever to shine in Nashville, spin forward looking like she’d never seen a trailer park. A formfitting gown of silver paillettes shimmered, framing her sleek, beige-blonde hair, which curled on her shoulders without taking over the planet. What a transformation.
She grinned at Ru. “Whaddaya think, dollface? Can I fool ’em into believing I’m a lady instead of an overpriced white trash filly from the back of beyond?”
“Ma’am, I think they’ll genuflect and make you queen.” He laughed and gave her a sweeping bow.
“Well, dayum, I know why you pay him the big bucks, Shaz.”
Shaz gave Ru a kiss on the cheek. “Hi, darling. I need your incomparable eye on this gown.”
Ru stepped back. “Maybe a tiny bit tighter in the hips so it emphasizes the flare. I’ll tell James.”
Shaz helped Edie down from the platform. She smiled at Ru. “So Shaz tells me you’ve been hanging with Mr. Hot Bod Action Hero himself.”
Ru ducked his head. “Not exactly hanging, but yes, he’s in the show I’m designing. You know him?”
“Just met him a couple times. He’s pretty popular in the good ole boy crowd, so he comes to Nashville and Texas and those parts from time to time for parties and such. Quite a contradiction, isn’t he?”
He glanced up and met her bright, smart-as-a-whip blue eyes. “What do you mean?”
“One minute he’s confident as a circus clown on stilts, the next he’s lookin’ like somebody threw him in deep water and let in the sharks. You notice that?”
“Yes. Actually I have.”
“I’m guessin’ that boy’s had too much too soon and hasn’t had a chance to make his own choices. I mean, he may earn an oil gusher or so a year, but he’s still a young’un.”
Ru grinned. “You do have a way with words, dear.”
“Hey, a man like you could teach him a thing or two about the world, I’m betting.”
“I’m younger than he is.”
“Well, yeah, but then there’s young and young. You’ve made all your own choices would be my bet.”
He inclined his head with a smile. “Why would someone like Gray Anson need my help?”
“You tell me, darlin’.” She grinned and swept out of the room into the dressing stalls.
Shaz sidled over and said softly, “How did the day go, dear?”
Ru glanced at his feet.
“Tell Shazzy Wazzy.”
He pitched his voice low too. “Gray wants to give me a team of Hollywood seamstresses to help with my collection.”
“Shitfire, darling, have you been doing blowjobs in the costume department?”
Ru flashed him a grimace. “You’re only half kidding, I know. But apparently I helped him understand Hamlet, and he wants me to coach him on his performance.”
“Uhh, Ru Maitland, boy drama instructor?”
“I know. I told him I’m not qualified. Anyway, he’s delivering the seamstresses tomorrow, and I agreed to help him.”
“When?”
“Uh, tonight.”
“You sure this isn’t just a ruse to get you alone?”
“I can only wish.”
Shaz snorted as Edie emerged in her next outfit. He put a hand on Ru’s arm. “Just be careful, darling. Men that famous have too much to lose to be reliable.”
The phone in Ru’s pocket buzzed. He stepped away and answered while Shaz worked with Edie. “Maitland.”
“Mr. Maitland, this is Officer Cantrell at the Laguna Beach police department. I’m calling for Chief of Police Kincaid. She’s wondering if you could come in this afternoon and answer a few more questions about the robbery you were involved in?”
“Uh, well, I was the victim, so I’m not sure ‘involved’ is quite the right word.”
The young officer sounded embarrassed. “Sorry, that’s what I meant. The robbery in which you were a victim.”
Ru frowned. “Can you tell me what it’s about? I’m pretty busy.”
“No, sir. She didn’t say. Just asked if you could come in?”
His stomach flipped. “Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Thank you. Same place you came last time.”
“I assumed.” He hung up.
“Everything okay, darling?” Shaz stood adjusting a shawl on Edie.
“Uh, yes. Fine. I was, uh, witness to a crime, and the police want me to come in and answer some questions.”
Edie said, “Oooh, that’s exciting. What kind of crime?”
“Robbery.”
“Hey, now you’re talkin’ my kind of folks.”
Shaz frowned. “You never told me.”
“In all the excitement about the play, I guess I forgot.”
“Gray Anson could make me forget my own mother.” Edie bellowed her laugh.
Ru pointed toward the door. “Okay if I leave for a while?”
“Darling, how often must I say I’m not your boss? Of course, it’s fine.”
He kissed Edie good-bye and left the coziness of Shazam for an uncomfortable walk to the police department three blocks away. What the hell could they want with him?
It didn’t take nearly enough time to get there. He stepped up to the desk in the lobby, where a young female police officer was tapping on a computer. “Excuse me. I’m Ru Maitland.”
“Oh, hi. I’m the person who called you. Apologies for the bad choice of words.” She smiled, which brightened her plain face. “Come with me.”