Mom comes over and sits down on the edge of the bed. “Nothing’s broken that can’t be mended.” She gives me a loving smile. “You took the first step by coming clean publicly about your identity and admitting that you were wrong about Seth.”
“It would’ve been better if I could’ve told everyone the truth about what really happened with Max and the band.” I wanted to, but it’s not my story to tell. For some reason I don’t understand, Axel was trying to give Max the benefit of the doubt, and I can’t hurt Axel even more by telling the world what really happened. So, I left that part out and put the focus on me.
I went back to the beginning and talked about my crush, the humiliation, and the anger of getting stood up for the dance. I followed this up with an explanation of how I vowed then and there to get even with Axel Cox. I admitted that I used my position atThe Seefor revenge and felt justified in my actions until I got to know Axel and realized that he’s not the villain I thought him to be. I spoke of our experience at the soup kitchen, leaving out the part about his uncle Dex, of course.
I included an apology and even wrote that I fell in love with Axel and will always regret losing him. It was the hardest piece I’ve ever written. I talked about how kind and generous Axel is—how he’s spending his Christmas Eve performing at the benefit to help those in need.
A part of me hoped that Axel might reach out after reading the article, but he hasn’t. I can’t blame him. Still, my heart aches.
Zoe released a video exposing me as a reporter. Bianca told her everything. Zoe’s video went live a couple of hours after my article was released. No surprise, she painted me as the heartless villain and her and Axel as the unfortunate victims. She even had the nerve to give a tearful plea to Axel, begging him to come back to her.
My only consolation is that my article came out first.
I’m not sure how Harmony will react to my article. I’ve never been as vulnerable or real. But, as she pointed out, remaining anonymous is part of my contract. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, I don’t know what will happen.
However, I don’t regret writing the article. And I don’t regret falling in love with Axel. I will forever cherish the time we spent together. And now I can hold my head up and look myself in the mirror. No more lies for this girl.
Mom gives me a searching look. “Are you sure you don’t want to come to the benefit tonight? I hate for you to be here alone on Christmas Eve.”
“I’ll be fine.” There’s no way I can go and face Axel. I guess he’s having to perform solo after all. Or maybe he’ll get someone else to fill in. The longing for him is so strong that it permeates my entire body. I hope with everything in me that he won’t go back to Zoe.
“Well, thanks to your article, every last ticket is sold.”
“Really?”
“Yep, you made quite the impact. People have been talking about your article all day long at the music hall as we set everything up for tonight.” Her expression turns wistful. “I sure would’ve loved to see you perform on stage with Seth.”
Tears press against my eyes. “I would’ve loved it too. We were great together.”
She smiles. “Of course you were. You’re my daughter.”
“Thanks.” A tear escapes and dribbles down my cheek. “I just wish he could forgive me.”
“Maybe he will in time.”
“Yeah,” I sigh. “Maybe.”
She takes in a breath, “I’d better get dressed and head to the music hall.”
“I love you.” Mom, Dad, and even Bryce took the news about my double life much better than I thought. While they didn’t appreciate me not being forthcoming about what I was actually doing for my career, they’re proud of my accomplishments. Err … at least proud that I’m a notable writer. Mom suggested that I take a more positive angle for my stories moving forward.
“Love you too. See you later tonight.”
“I hope all goes well.” I mean that. I hope Axel delivers an outstanding performance.
“Me too.” She gets up and leaves the room, leaving me to my gloomy thoughts.
After everyone’s gone, I wander down to the kitchen to make something to eat. I pull out a frozen pizza and preheat the oven.
When the doorbell rings, I go still as a statue. It’s probably someone for Mom or Dad. I’m not in the mood to talk to anyone. The doorbell rings again, followed by pounding. “Seriously?” I stalk into the foyer and look through the peephole. Shock blitzes through me when I see Cassie. She peers in through the sidelight and beats on the glass. “I know you’re there. I saw you.”
I throw open the door. “What do you want?”
She wrinkles her nose. “You look like death warmed over.”
“Well, that’s how I feel.”
She eyes me in disgust. “How long has it been since you’ve showered?”
