Page 35 of In His Skates

“Isn’t it obvious? If she helps bring Hollywood’s it-couple back together, her ratings will soar.”

“Well, she can dream on. I’ll never take that asshole back.”

“You’d better not. But you can’t flat-out say bad things about Nick. You know he’s well-liked, and anything you say against him could backfire and tarnish your image.”

“Why? He’s the lying cheater.”

“Come on, Leigh. You know how unfair this business is. Men can get away with way more stuff than women. You mess up once, and you’re burned at the stake.”

Jesus. I didn’t realize things were that backward in the entertainment industry. But then, I haven’t really paid attention to it much. Leigh coached me in case Trina brings up Nick, but now that I know this is a setup, Leigh’s evasive answers won’t cut it.

“Okay, what’s the game plan, then?”

“Under no circumstances are you to say anything negative about Nick. Just smile and change the subject.”

It’s exactly what Leigh told me to do, but somehow, I don’t think that will be enough.

Leigh comes down the stairs. She washed my hair and is wearing the change of clothes I brought.

“Bobbi, I have to call you back.” I hang up before he can say anything.

Leigh’s brows arch. “You were talking to Bobbi? What did he want?”

I don’t want to talk about Nick’s interview yet. I’m too curious about something else. “So… did the shower help?”

Leigh’s face turns bright red, and she averts her eyes. “Yeah.”

“Oh my God. It didn’t! Does that mean you…?”

“Shut up. I don’t wanna talk about it,” she grits out, then plops onto the couch next to me and hugs a pillow against her chest. “What did Bobbi want?”

“While you were taking care of Iceman, I⁠—”

Leigh raises a hand. “Taking care of who?”

“Iceman.” I point at her crotch. “My cock.”

She gasps. “You named your dick Iceman? Who does that?”

I shrug. “I don’t know who else does that. I did.”

“But… why?”

“Iceman from Top Gun is a stud, just like my dick.” I smile and wiggle my brows up and down because I know it’ll piss her off.

I didn’t need to share that detail with Leigh, but Simon knows about the nickname, so it’s better if she’s aware in case it comes up.

She shakes her head. “Oh my God. Just when I didn’t think you could get more ridiculous, I learn this.”

“I’m not ridiculous. Anyway… the reason Bobbi called is this.” I pass my laptop to her and click the Watch Again button.

“Shit. Trina interviewed Nick?”

“Yeah. The video was posted less than an hour ago.”

While Leigh watches the interview, I keep quiet and observe her reactions. I’m not only relieved when she makes a disgusted expression during the part where Nick says he wants a second chance, but I’m pleased. Not sure why.

Leigh’s face is as hard as marble when she shuts the laptop and turns to me. “We need to get you ready.”