Yes.
Ethan:
Should we meet tonight instead?
Derek:
Plane lands at eight.
Ethan:
I’ll be waiting.
Derek:
Thanks. I’m going to need your help with this one.
Ethan:
I’ve got your back.
It’s not that I haven’t trusted Ethan before now—he’s worked miracles with Liam’s public image over the years—but it’s becoming very clear to me how hard it’s been to let people in. To actually give them the tools to help me the way they want to. If I had done this from the start, maybe…
There’s no point in getting stuck on what-ifs, though I almost laugh at that thought because it’s so far from the way I used to face problems. After spending so much of my life fighting to maintain control over as much as I can, letting go of some of the responsibility has left me feeling lighter than I ever have.
I don’t have to have all the answers.
I don’t have to be perfect.
But I do need help.
As I mentally sort through all the information Ethan is going to need, my phone buzzes with a text that brings a huge smile to my face, one that likely isn’t going to go away for the rest of the flight.
Donovan:
Even as a teenager I wasn’t big on texting, so consider yourself special.
I would say you’re being ridiculous if you already miss me less than an hour after you last saw me, but it turns out I’m as much of a sucker as you are. I just borrowed Spencer’s laptop and bought Man of the Embers because I miss your dumb face and a movie is the closestI can get. I thought maybe the allure of being Derek Riley’s girlfriend would wear off after getting some distance from you, but it looks like my feelings for you really aren’t the fleeting type. I hate you for pulling me away from my solitude, but I love you more for being a good reason to not go back. It’s time I accept that my past is a part of me. I’ll see you when summer’s over, Superman.
Derek:
Can’t wait for September.
Hollywood Hot Scoop
Derek Riley Seen Solo in the City of Angels!
Ourhometownheroisback! Derek Riley was seen disembarking at Van Nuys Airport Sunday night, and all is right with the world again. While I’m sure you, like me, are glad to have the A-lister back in Hollywood where he belongs, the best news of the weekend is the fact that Derek was very much alone.
That’s right! It seems our favorite California charmer may not be off the market just yet, which means he’s still looking for his forever! Can I get a cheer from my fellow single ladies holding out hope? I may not have a history to match the macho man, but I’m also drama free. That’s exactly what Derek needs right now, and I know I’m not the only one ready and willing to step up to the plate.
Something tells me Derek’s going to be rethinking some priorities after his downward spiral, and we can only hope he starts surrounding himself with people of his own caliber instead of those who have been dragging him down for years. Goodbye washed up athletes and troublemaking musicians, am I right?
With Derek back where he belongs—and away from what would have been inevitable drama—we’re gearing up to keep our Scoopers up to date on all things Derek as he gets ready to begin his press tour forNo Turning Backlater this week, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a moment! XO
June
Chapter Thirty-Six
