The Hottest Ticket in Town by Kimberly Van Meter Read Free Book Online

days. As luck would have it, she actually found quite a few cute outfits and scooped them up before the stares turned into questions she wanted to avoid.
    Standing at the checkout, she asked the clerk, “May I use your dressing room to change?”
    â€œSure, honey,” the woman answered, giving Laci a speculative and openly curious look. “That’s some outfit you have there.”
    Laci risked a brief smile. “Costume party,” she answered with what she hoped was a believable lie, but she didn’t waste time on details and simply disappeared into the changing room with her new-to-her clothing.
    The fact was, being a celebrity wasn’t quite what she’d thought it was going to be like. All those people wanting a piece of her every night was more than a little unsettling. All she’d ever wanted to do was sing. Now, people wanted more than just her voice, they wanted her damn clothing, too! Once, a woman had practically ripped a piece of her costume off her body, screeching with victory as she’d sprinted away from Security with her prize. Laci had been stunned that someone would want a piece of her sweaty costume and then a little freaked out because what was the woman going to do with it? But Simone had been pissed as hell because she’d spent hours sewing that costume.
    At the thought of Simone, Laci almost picked up her cell and gave her a ring, but she couldn’t bring herself to do even that—not that she didn’t want to worry Simone, but she couldn’t take the chance that Trent might be lurking nearby.
Trent’s not a bad guy
, her daddy’s voice chided her from inside her mind.
He’s made you a star and this is a fine howdy-do you’ve handed him for all his hard work
.
I raised you better than that, didn’t I?
    Laci pursed her lips.
True, Daddy, but Trent’s driving me into the ground. I need this
.
Just a few days, I promise.
    Her next stop was the small, locally owned furniture store, Bleudell’s. She walked into the store and went straight to the appliances. Cora wouldn’t want something too fancy, but maybe something just slightly better than what she had. Maybe even the same model, only newer, she thought, eyeing the refrigerators.
    â€œCan I help you find something?” The friendly voice at her back caused her to turn with a shy smile, a little afraid of being recognized, particularly by someone who might’ve known her when she was a kid spending her summers in Woodsville. “That there is a good model, but the best value is in the stainless-steel one.”
    â€œIt’s for a friend and she’s a little stuck in her ways, so I want to get something that’s close to what she’s got,” she explained to the woman wearing a polite, retaily smile. “I mean, I’d love to buy her the state-of-the-art appliance if she’d let me, but I don’t want to buy something she’s going to end up eyeing sidewise, you know?”
    â€œDo I know your friend? Maybe I can help.”
    She opened her mouth but thought better of it, saying, “No, I don’t think so. She keeps to herself. What’s the price on this model?”
    â€œThat’ll set you back about eight hundred dollars,” the saleswoman answered. “I can guarantee that’s the best price you’re gonna find in the surrounding area.”
    Laci gave the woman a short smile, murmuring, “I’ll take it. Can you have it ready by the end of the day?”
    â€œWe can deliver it if you like, honey. Where’s it going?”
    She shook her head, not wanting people gossiping when they found out it was for the Bradford ranch. “I’ll have someone pick it up. Can you show me the stoves?”
    â€œThat’s some friend you have. I wish I had a friend like you who bought me new appliances. Is this by any chance a special fella you’re buying for?”
    Laci barked a laugh.