Lucy
How do you know?
Bex
Because any man would be a fool not to want something with you. You’re smart and fun and gorgeous, and you’ve got this big, big heart just waiting to love and be loved.
Philly
Bex, that’s so beautiful!
Bex
Tell me you’re not crying, Phil.
Philly
I could tell you that, but it wouldn’t be true.
Cassie
We’re happy for you, Lu. Go get your man!
Lucy
Love you all!
I click out of our message and am about to stow my phone in my purse and finally leave my warm vehicle when my phone rings. It’s Cassie.
“Hey, Cass. Everything okay?” I’m immediately on edge. We rarely talk on the phone. Plus, we were just texting, so this feels significant.
“Everything’s fine,” Cassie assures me. “Sorry, I don’t want to keep you from your party, but I wanted you to know, as your agent, that there are articles circulating about you.”
“Wait.” I frown. “About Ava Reese? Or about Lucy Dupree?”
“About Lucy Dupree.”
My skin prickles uncomfortably, and not from the cold. Dread pools in my stomach. “How do you know? What have you seen?”
“I have alerts set up for all my clients’ names, so I get notified when any news is published about y’all.” Cassie says it like it’s no big deal, but it’s another reminder that she’s the best at her job,and I’m so dang grateful to have her as my agent. “For you, I get alerted for both your pen name and your real name. In this case, Lucy Dupree pinged. It’s super minor—nothing to make a big deal of—but I know how much you value your privacy, and I want you to have all the information so you can decide how you want to go public with TJ …ifthat’s what you decide to do.”
I blow out a long breath. “I’m overwhelmed,” I admit.
“Hey, it’s okay, Lu. As I said, this isn’t a big deal; it’s just a whiff of news. I’m going to send you the article so you can see for yourself, and then you can decide how you want to go forward, okay? I’m here for whatever you need.”
I nod, and when I realize Cassie can’t see me because we’re on a stupid phone call, I say, “Thanks, Cass. You’re the best.”
“Everything’s going to be okay, Lu. Better than okay. Don’t let this change your feelings where TJ is concerned. I can tell you like him.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Only because he’s gotten you out of your room more in the past three weeks than anyone’s been able to do in the past nine months.”
I consider this. TJ has made me feel both alive and taken care of. I’ve felt safe with him and his grandparents in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. I’ve cherished the time I’ve gotten to spend with them. I love being in a bubble with TJ and his people. I only hope we can keep it that way for a while longer.
“Thanks for telling me about this, Cass. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“Okay. Love you, Lu. Have fun tonight.”
