Page 112 of Faking the Shot

“To be a blessing to those women.”

She nodded. And look how well that had turned out. She slumped, and he moved slightly, like in a silent invitation for her to tuck her head on his shoulder. So she did. And closed her eyes. Savored the quiet peace she found with him, until one of the roiling questions popped back into awareness and begged to be asked. “Why were you asking about Rosie before?”

“I was just thinking that here are these people trying to do you harm, so what could be better than proving you’re okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, someone somewhere spent a lot of time trying to hurt you. Their actions were mean and petty, and designed to upset you. I think it could be good to prove them wrong, to show that they didn’t hurt you as much as they thought they could.”

She blinked. “Are you serious? You mean let them get away with it?”

“I mean you ignore it. Don’t give it any oxygen to breathe.”

“But don’t you think it needs to be addressed?”

“I think you’ll see it gets addressed by plenty of others. It sounds like your agent is on the job, and the police will find those responsible. You might not have stayed on social media long enough to see the trolls getting their posts taken down, and various men and women out there standing up for you.”

“They are?”

“Mm-hmm. While you were taking a shower I got a message from Diana to say that even yourAs The Heart Drawsfans are up in arms. You’re a popular lady. So let them fight your battles for you.”

“I don’t know. It feels like they’re getting away with it.”

“I’m sure your agent and the police won’t let that happen.”

She sighed. Maybe she did have some people around her, supporting her.

“I know this wasn’t targeting me, but I think your best response is to treat it with humor or let them see it doesn’t bother you.”

Wow. “You mean like turning the other cheek?”

“I hate to admit I don’t really know what Jesus would do in this situation. But maybe?”

Hmm. Maybe. “So you suggest just let the storm rage, but show I’m not bothered?”

“Exactly.”

“But how do we do that?”

He faced her. “Would you mind if we took a photo?”

“Of us?”

He nodded. “It could be good to show people that you’re happy. That we’re happy. Like you haven’t even noticed.”

Louie meowed again, and she stroked his head. “I mean, I suppose it is flattering to have someone imagine I look like that under…” Her cheeks grew hot. It was probably best not to finishthatsentence.

“You’re beautiful just as you are.”

“Even in my slouchy at-home clothes?”

“I think you’re beautiful when you’re all dressed up, but even more when you’re relaxed like now.”

Her chest tightened. He was so kind to her. So encouraging. Wise, even.

Then what he’d said earlier sparked humor. She snickered.

“What is it?”