Free Brooklyn & Beale by Olivia Evans

Maddie, who you guys met earlier, and the other guy is her husband, Holden. He’s also Josie’s brother and the owner and chef of one of the hottest restaurants in LA.”
    “Well, hell. Who needs Reid? Chloe’s the one with the hookup,” Inky joked.
    “Believe me, other than a possible free appetizer, I’m useless. You better stick with the one signing our checks.” Chloe grinned at Reid.
    Greer sighed. “Looks like we’re right back where we started, then. But I want some details about Mr. Movie Star. You’ve got to have some dirt.”
    Chloe looked around with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes and leaned forward. “Well,” she whispered. “There is one thing. That night, after we all went back to Josie’s place . . .” Pausing for dramatic effect, Chloe did her best to keep a straight face.
    “What did he do?” Reid asked. He had a feeling whatever she was about to say would be completely insane.
    “He ate three slices of pizza . . . and didn’t throw them back up.”
    “What the fuck?” Greer’s faced twisted with confusion. “How is that dirt? Or interesting?”
    Chloe tsked. “Well, clearly he’s not human. No one can eat like that and stay as fit as him. Duh.”
    Reid agreed. “It’s true. I haven’t had pizza in months and I still can’t get rid of these love handles.”
    “You both suck, bro.” Greer rolled his eyes but smiled nonetheless. “I’ll get something out of you.”
    Chloe popped a Starburst in her mouth. “I’m afraid you’re barking up the wrong tree. I only just met the guy, and he certainly wasn’t divulging his deepest, darkest secrets.”
    “I see you’re getting a head start,” Reid commented, motioning to the bag of Starburst sticking out of her purse.
    “The tour starts the day after tomorrow. We’re close enough.”
    “I get the feeling I’m going to have to monitor this Starburst situation. I can’t have my violinist in a sugar coma.”
    “Pfft. I have a high sugar tolerance.”
    Reid fell into the chair beside her and eyed the bag. “Do you at least share?”
    Dropping a few candies in his hand, Chloe pursed her lips. “I don’t make a habit of it.”
    Reid laughed, but before he could respond, a voice came over the speaker announcing first-class boarding would begin soon. Reid cleared his throat and looked from Chloe to the others in the group. “I hope you don’t mind, but I changed your ticket.”
    “That depends. What did you change it to?”
    “First class. I hate having a stranger sit close to me for extended periods, so I always book the seat beside me to keep it empty. I thought you’d appreciate the complimentary champagne.”
    Chloe reached into her bag then dumped a handful of Starbursts in Reid’s lap. “I’m definitely getting the sweeter end of this deal. You can have as many as you want.”
    Reid laughed. “So you’re not mad?”
    “Are you crazy? Who the hell turns down first class?” The look on her face left no question she meant what she said.
    “Cool. The guys are going to be jealous.”
    Chloe frowned and looked at the group. “Jealousy is an ugly thing. I hope they learn to cope while I’m sipping champagne.”
    “You sure are feisty today.”
    “I blame being around Josie and Maddie. Those two are a force to be reckoned with. I’m also really excited about this tour. Once I calm down, my bravado will fade.”
    “That’s a shame. I like it.” Reid blinked and pulled in a shallow breath when he realized how close he’d moved to Chloe. He shifted away and looked toward the gate as the attendant called for first class to begin boarding. “You ready?” he asked, feeling awkward.
    “Let’s get this bird in the air.” Chloe jumped to her feet and bumped his shoulder. The carefree smile on her face made the awkwardness vanish as quickly as it appeared. Reid smiled and grabbed his bag.
    “After you.”

    One layover and nearly fourteen hours later, the group landed in Dublin, Ireland. It was early