My phone buzzed on the nightstand. Holding my breath, I reached for it. What new hell would be waiting this morning? But it wasn’t tabloids—it was my friends.
Seraphina
Have you seen the comments this morning? People are starting to question the narrative. This is good.
Esme
How are you holding up? Do you need anything? I can bring coffee. Or wine. Or both.
Delphine
I’m ready to drive to the studio and slash some tires. Just say the word.
Gillian
Alex wants to help. He has connections—lawyers, PR people, whatever you need.
Seraphina
I’m drafting a statement for you. For when you’re ready to tell your side. No pressure.
Lila
I’m okay. Vance is here. We’re going to see his lawyer this morning. Vance sent him my contract. He’s also looking into Kenzie, Beau, and Carol—to see if there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
Esme
Good. I’ll come by and get the girls. We can go to the beach. Only five more days until school starts.
I looked at Vance. “Esme’s offering to take the girls to the beach.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” he said. “Give us space to deal with this.”
Lila
That would be amazing. Can you pick them up around ten?
Esme
Absolutely.
Seraphina
Also, I can help with lawyer fees if you need it. I know how expensive this stuff gets.
My throat tightened.
Lila
Thank you, but Vance is helping with all of that.
Gillian
Okay, but seriously, if you need ANYTHING—money, childcare, a place to hide out—we’re here.
Delphine
Or if you need someone to punch Beau in the face. I volunteer.
