A quick look at the pink clock on the wall said it was well past quitting time after another long and busy day.

My back ached as I removed my apron and headed into the kitchen where all the leftovers for the day sat. Usually I sold them at half price to latecomers before closing. But when there was a lot, I drove them to the women’s shelter two towns over.

Well, at least I’ll have something for dinner. The worst part of cooking for a living is that I had no energy or creativity to do it at home, especially when it was cooking for one.

Pathetic.

The chime over the front door sounded, telling me I’d forgotten to lock it, which meant I’d better not put anything away yet. “Sorry but we’re…closed.” The last word came out on a whisper as I took in my new customers.

My new superstar customers. Actress Kerry Manes and her mega famous Rockstar boyfriend Crosby, just Crosby, stood in my little shop. Holy friggin’ crap on a biscuit, how did this happen?

And I was staring with my mouth open. I could hear Aunt Becca now, close your mouth girl before you catch flies. That got me right back to the present and I blinked, shook my head and smiled. “Sorry, I had a mild freakout for a moment. Welcome to La Belle Bean, what can I get for you guys?”

Crosby smiled indulgently while Kerry looked around at my pristine shop like it had cooties. No, worse, like it had cockroaches. “You wouldn’t happen to have anything gluten and dairy free, would you?”

I would have loved to say no, just because of Kerry’s diva attitude and that pinched look on her face. But not only did I have a massive crush on Crosby, I was a total fangirl. And because Aunt Becca had drilled southern manners into me from the moment I landed on her doorstep. “If you don’t mind the daily leftovers I have some cupcakes, a donut or two and a few loaves of bread. Oh, I might have a couple vegan sandwiches too.”

That perked Kerry right up, and her almost award-winning smile flashed bright. “Bless you, woman! I’ll take it all,” she said on a relieved sigh. “I love New Orleans, but I swear this state subsists on butter, sugar and pork.”

I laughed because she wasn’t wrong. “Anything you don’t like on a sandwich?”

“Raw onions,” they both said at the same time, sharing a smile so hot the shop windows started to fog up.

“All right. Have a seat and I’ll box it all up for you.” It took about ten minutes to whip up a few sandwiches, for the biggest rock star in the world and his girlfriend. “Okay, that’s all the rest of the gluten and dairy free product for the day.” I gave them the total and Crosby froze.

“Is this some quid pro quo for an autograph?” His voice was hard, not like the smile he seemed to wear so casually.

“No,” I sighed, suddenly feeling deflated and thinking about that old saying about meeting your idols. But I shook it off and wiped the smile off my face. “All daily leftovers come at a discounted price, but if it makes you feel better I can charge you full price.” They could afford it, after all.

“No, thank you,” Kerry offered with her billboard perfect smile.

“Welcome to Belle Musique.” As soon as they were gone, I wiped down the counters and locked up, tired and ready to relax on my sofa. It was a short walk home, even if I took the detour to avoid Mason’s shop, Ink Stain. It wasn’t a big deal to pass the shop, but since we were neighbors I liked to limit our interactions. Our fights.

“Excuse me, Miss?”

I knew that voice, had sang along to his songs at least a thousand times, which meant I had to stop. And turn with a tired smile for the famous couple. “Yes?”

“Can you tell us how to get to Ink Stain? Mason gave us directions, but we went off the path in search of food and now we seem to be lost.” Crosby flashed his platinum smile at me like that would entice me. It wouldn’t, but proper manners dictated that I alter my normal path to make sure they arrived safely.

“Sure, it’s on my way home. Follow me. No charge,” I told him plainly, and started the walk home. The one I’d taken for the past few years, until about four months ago after Mason and I had our first big fight.

“I didn’t mean anything by it.”

I waved him off, no longer interested. “No need to explain.” And there wasn’t. I understood exactly, even though I’d never been rich or famous. Being female was enough. Men often said or did things that seemed nice or generous at the time, but really they had ulterior motives. Hidden agendas.

“He really didn’t mean anything by it, Miss.” Kerry, jumping to his defense like a good little girlfriend.

“My name is Trish, and really, I don’t need an explanation. I’m sure people try to get things from you all the time, this just wasn’t’ one of those times.” Thankfully we crossed the street to the corner building where Ink Stain was located. “Here we are.”

“Thank you, Trish. Really. You’re a lifesaver.” Kerry gave my arm a squeeze and sent a genuine smile my way.

“You’re welcome. It was nice to meet you. Both of you.” Mason was approaching the door so I took a step back, waved and hightailed it away from the shop, not stopping until I was inside the little house where I grew up. Putting Mason where he belonged, in my fantasies.

Not my life.