“Yes! Yeah, I am. Sorry, I just… I mean, Remi and I are getting along, really. I swear, I’ve never seen him act suspicious. I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but one thing I’m sure of, he’d never cheat on you. Not ever.”
I pause, heart twisting, because I believe that completely.
“Oh Seb, what do I do? I can’t go through this again. I can’t lose Remi.”
“I know, Mads… but it’s his decision. I don’t think there’s much I can say or do.”
Guilt coils in my chest like a slow, suffocating knot. She’s still hurting from what happened between us, and now, if Remi’s truly walked away too, how could I possibly throw my own truth into the mix?
“I’m sorry for dumping all this on you,” she says, her voice quieter now. “I just thought… maybe you’d have some insight, since you’re living with him. But I guess you two aren’t that close yet.”
I don’t know how to respond. She’s wrong, but I can’t say that. I won’t betray Remi’s trust, and if this is some awful misunderstanding, the last thing I want is to add fuel to the fire.
“Just… please don’t tell anyone about this. Especially Anne. You know how protective she is. I don’t want drama. I still think there’s a chance I can change his mind.”
“Of course,” I say gently. “I won’t say a word.”
She exhales, a little shakily, but the edge has gone from her voice. “Thanks. And Seb? If you could maybe… just keep an eye on things?”
I pause. The thought of spying on Remi makes my stomach twist.
“Maddie… I don’t think I can do that. He’s become a friend. It wouldn’t feel right.”
There’s a beat of silence. Then she sighs softly.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t have asked.
She sounds disappointed, and it stings, but I can’t help it. I can’t lie to her. And I won’t betray Remi. Besides, deep down, I know there’s no ‘other woman’ to uncover.
“Maddie, I promise, Remi’s spent nearly all his free time with me since I arrived. He’s helped me settle in, introduced me toeveryone, and even cooked for me. He hasn’t had time for a fling, and he’s never once acted like he wanted one.”
There’s a pause. Then, in a voice so soft I almost miss it, she says, “He… he never told me he loved me.”
I blink. “What?”
“In four years… he never said it.”
“And you?”
“I tried. Hinted at it. But he never picked up on it. Eventually, I stopped. I figured maybe actions spoke louder than words.”
Oh, Maddie. Stubborn, proud Maddie. Why didn’t you just tell him?
“Look,” I say gently, “none of that changes what’s happening now. But you two need to talk. Properly. Clear the air. Please.”
Just then, my phone buzzes again, May. Of course.
“Mads, I’m sorry, May’s calling. If I leave her hanging, she’ll probably have my concert cancelled and my wardrobe restyled in revenge."
She lets out a shaky laugh. “Oh God, Seb! I didn’t mean to keep you. Go, go. We’ll talk soon, yeah?”
“I promise. I love you, Mads.”
“Love you too, Seb. And thank you… for everything.”
I end the call and brace myself for the inevitable storm.
May is already fuming when I answer, my ever-demanding, sharp-as-nails agent. She’s been managing my career since I was a child, and she knows exactly which buttons to press to get a reaction.
