Milo and Ellis have been looking after the soup kitchen for me because I can’t face seeing people who think Mik and I are together when I haven’t seen him since I left him in my living room with Kay and returned to an empty home.
The celebrity news outlets still talk about us, although not as much. They keep recycling the same photos over and over again.
I can’t bear to look at them anymore, so I’ve stopped watching TV.
All I have are questions.
Why didn’t he answer my calls?
Could he be angry because he saw the kiss? Or maybe someone told him. But if he knows, then why doesn’t he want answers?
Why won’t he fight for us?
Daisy is back to her threatening voice messages, but I don’t even care. Never mind performing my own songs. Right now, I don’t even feel like writing them.
Yesterday I made the mistake of turning the TV on to watch the news. Alongside reports of the weather giving us a break in the coming weeks, there was the usual recycling of news about Mik and hisnewman. Although this time, there was a short video of us talking and laughing with Ellis, Milo, Fletcher, and Levi at Bittersweet.
Pain radiated through my core when I saw the way Mik looked at me, even when I wasn’t paying attention. More so, in fact.
My phone dings with a message from Seymour.
He’s in Chester Falls today, so it’s probably something about dinner. I open it, but instead of the usual shopping list or photo of a cute animal they rescued, there’s a video link.
The video starts playing automatically.
I gasp at the footage of Mik with Kay in a farmers’ market. A news broadcaster says they’re somewhere in Vermont. My initial feeling is panic because, for all my confusing feelings about what happened, I love Kay, so seeing her exposed in the exact way Mik fought so hard to prevent breaks my heart.
“The short clip was released by Hall of Fame’s manager, Daisy Stephens. While the location is not specified, we’re led to believe it’s somewhere in Vermont where the band usually spends their downtime between tours,” the reporter says.
They return to the clip, which then cuts to Mik facing the camera with Kay at his side.
“There’s been a lot of speculation about my daughter. Like any parent, I want to protect my child from the dangers of the world. It’s not easy for any parent, but there’s an added layer when you’re in the spotlight.” Mik looks at Kay before turning back to the camera. “Her name is Kayleigh, and she’s the best surprise that’s ever happened to me. I will keep all details pertaining to her private, and I hope the media can understand and respect my decision. The reason we’re doing this is to stop the rumor mill from continuing the crazy theories I’ve read about on the internet and on the news. As you can see, there’s really nothing to see here. Kayleigh will tell you we live the most boring life ever.”
I chuckle when Kay fiercely nods at the camera.
“We understand the fans’ curiosity and accept there will be times when the cameras will follow us. It comes with the job, and I’m grateful for all the fans of the band that have followed us throughout the years and helped us do our dream job. If I can ask for one thing, that would be for the media to respect our privacy. If anyone is interested in knowing what kind of lettuce I use in our salad, please comment on any of our many social media posts. There’s really no need to take photos of us at the grocery store…wherever we may be.”
He looks at Kay and smiles. She smiles back, and then the image cuts to the news studio before the video stops.
My chest feels like a heavy weight is pushing it down.
God, I’m happy that Mik is finally free to live his life with Kay, hopefully on his terms, but what about me?
Seymour told me weeks ago to remember to put myself first. How can I do that when I feel so broken and alone?
Stan stands and runs to the door before there’s a knock. When I open it, I’m surprised to see Ellis.
“Ellis, come on in. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, all good. Before you ask, last night’s dinner went well, but it’s not what I’m here for.”
“Okay, what are you here for then?”
“To pick you up.” He raises his hand before I can say anything. “Milo asked me to get you so we can grab a drink at The Academy together. He says he misses you, and look, you know I’ll do anything for that man, so don’t make me break my word, or I’ll unleash my sister on you.”
“Fine, fine. Let me change quickly.”
I run up the stairs to my bedroom. As much as I don’t feel like socializing right now, I need to get out of the house. That counts as putting myself first, right?
