I barely have time to hide my expression before Keith turns to introduce me.“This is Amelia.She writes for the newspaper.”
My stomach drops as I’ve been outed.I ignore my insides and keep my expression neutral as I wait for him to smirk and make some comment about the turkeys, or worse, pretend not to know me at all.
But Adrian’s gaze sharpens, the humor draining from his face.His jaw tightens.“You wrote that article about me?”
There’s no point pretending I don’t know what he means.The entire town read it… probably at least twice.And here he is, standing in the middle of a street party thrown in his honor, with townsfolk acting like he’s their new favorite person.I square my shoulders, meeting his stare.“Yeah.The town deserved to know the truth.”
Okay, so there’s a disconnect.A big one.
I wrote a piece that I thought was giving the people a heads-up.But from the looks of things, the smiling faces, and the chatter, either they didn’t care, or they read it and still decided to roll out the red carpet.Am I the only one not rooting for him?
Did the article do nothing… or just make me look bitter?
My throat tightens.“I stand by what I wrote.”
His jaw works, like he’s holding something back.Then he lets it slip.“Funny.You didn’t even talk to me.But sure, publish your assumptions and call it truth.”
That’s not the reaction I was expecting.Where’s the defensiveness or sarcasm?Not disappointment lacing his words.Guilt prickles beneath my skin, and I struggle to find my voice.
“If you’re going to tear someone apart,” he adds, “at least get the whole story next time.”
The air between us grows heavy.Keith clears his throat, patting Adrian on the back.“Let’s not get into that tonight.We’re here to welcome you.”
I force a tight smile, but my pulse pounds in my ears.
Adrian doesn’t respond.He just walks away, his broad shoulders stiff, and Keith gives me a look that’s part disappointment, part warning, before following Adrian.
My stomach twists, but I push it down.He’ll get over it.He’s a grown man.A smart one,supposedly.If he can’t handle a little accountability, that’s not my problem.
Still, the guilt eats at me.Because, damn it… I told myself not to care, but Adrian’s words don’t sit right in my chest.Should I have added his side of the story to the article?
I shake it off and head toward the table.If I’m going to deal with this mess, I need fuel.Something heavy enough to silence my thoughts.
Lunastops me before I can get there.“I think your mom needs to go home.She’s looking a little tired.Do you want me to take her?”
I smile.“That would be great, but let me get her something to eat first.”
“How’s it going tonight?”she asks, falling into step beside me.“Did you get any good shots?Talk to Adrian?”
I swallow hard, my eyes flicking to where he stands with Keith, looking like he’s ready to bolt.“Oh, we talked.”
“Did you get an interview?”
Working on another piece about him was what Luna asked for.Swallowing hard, I tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.“Not exactly.”
She hums.“Well, there’s still time.”
Glancing at Adrian again, I watch the way his jaw tics, his hands clenching at his sides.I wouldn’t count on it.
But even as I say it, I know deep down… I need to hear his side of the story.
Chapter 5
Adrian
“Areyouokay?”Keith’svoice is low beside me.
“Yeah,” I say, but my mind betrays me, and my gaze drifts back to Amelia.
