How fucking naive was I for waking up so happy this morning? For believing that life had changed for the better in these last few weeks. I feel like a fool, a dumb, heartbroken fool.
I knew I was pushing it when I said those things to Roman by the fountain, but he’d been equally hurtful to me. That he was so spiteful makes me wonder if I ever really knew him at all.
My phone vibrates, and I look down, ready to toss it if Roman’s stupid enough to send a text.
Jill
I’m so sorry. He’s on my shit list too. I can pick you up from the airport if you need?
Sniffling, I wipe my tears with theback of my hand. My face is raw from how many times I’ve needed to wipe at it. Maybe I should let it stay wet at this point.
I’m glad Jill broke the ice and sent a message first. I wasn’t sure how to approach this with her, and after what Roman did, I was worried I’d lose Jill too. I can’t lose them both, especially not like this.
My phone vibrates again, and when I look down, it’s Anita calling me for the seventh time. Knowing she’ll keep going if I don’t pick up, I concede and lift the phone to my ear.
“Clover?” she practically shouts.
“Yeah.”
“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you for hours.”
I’m aware.“I needed some time to process.”
“I haven’t heard anything official from the Starlight team, so there’s a chance we can salvage this... I don’t know what you did but I can get a team on damage control, I can–”
“Stop.”
“What?”
“I didn’t do anything, Anita.”
“Clover, I don’t think you realize how much–”
“This conversation is over. And so is our working relationship.” I hang up before she has a chance to respond.
Fuck that. A wobbly smile graces my lips. How’s that for a small action? From this day forward, I’m only surrounding myself with people who deserve my time and attention.
It just burns that I so badly want Roman to be one of them.
Chapter Sixty-Four
CLOVER
Jill keeps her word and picks me up at LAX bright and early the next morning. Pulling me into the world’s tightest hug, she doesn’t ask questions. I count my lucky stars as I squeeze her back. I may not have my man anymore, but I’ve got my friend.
When we’re safely locked in the car, I look to the back and notice a suitcase and Smokey in her carrier. Before I have a chance to ask, Jill speaks up.
“I don’t want to be presumptuous, but I figured there was areallygood chance you wouldn’t want to go back to Roman’s place.”
I hold back tears. “Correct.”
Smokey meows in agreement.
“There’s always your place, but I don’t know how safe that is, especially with renewed paparazzi interest...”
Sighing as I rub my eyes, I try to massage away the headache blooming behind them. The headlines last night and this morning were wild
Mid-shoot Meltdown! Clover Daly and Roman Everett caught in nuclear argument at photoshoot.
