“What?” My stomach drops out. “Are you sure?”
She nods slowly. “Yes. There are dozens of photos. It’s true.”
There’s a sharp twist in my chest.
Except…
It makes sense.
Johnny and I haven’t been able to spend much time together over the last few months, and whenever we are together it feels more like a production than a date. My security team is always hovering nearby, and there are photo shoots and PR activities toattend to. Since I’m a major celebrity, his agent pushes hard for the optics to help boost his career.
I should have known it would never work. None of my relationships ever go anywhere. My crazy life isn’t compatible with romance. I’ve proven it over and over again.
Somehow I thought it would be different this time. Johnny could relate to the demands of my job. He had a similar energy and work ethic, but honestly, we were complete opposites in every other way. He didn’t even like dancing and he never understood my music, and I didn’t know the first thing about hockey. Still, he was fun to be around, and it was nice to spend the night in a handsome man’s arms, even if it was only a few times.
Actually, over the past few months, I haven’t seen him at all. He reached out once or twice, but I barely had time to breathe let alone meet up for a date. I’m not even sure I got back to him the last time he called, I was so exhausted.
“Maybe it’s my fault. I haven’t had time for him.” I’m shaking my head.
Melody takes both of my hands in hers. “No, hun. This wasn’t your fault. From the pictures, it looks like he’s been dating Claire for a long time. Since before this whole thing with you started.”
What?
But then, why would he date me at all?
“I’m afraid his entire relationship with you may have been for PR purposes.” She winces as she says it, like she knows it’s a blow.
I’m reeling. “What do you mean? The whole thing was fake?” My stomach is in knots. “He was just using me?”
She nods slowly.
How could I have been so clueless?
I shake my head to push the emotion away. “All right. What’s the situation? Is someone threatening to take the photos to the press?”
Her expression is tender, and she squeezes my hands. “No, hun. The photos are already out. They’re all over the internet.”
Oh.
Everything is moving in slow motion. It’s already done. Now every one of my fans is going to know what a fool I was, falling for a trick like that.
Or worse… They’ll think I was in on it. That it was all a pack of lies.
Melody pulls me into a hug, but I can’t bring my arms up. I’m frozen, wondering what I am going to tell the world. That I was so clueless I didn’t even know I was part of a fake publicityromance?
A rushing sound fills my ears, and my eyes sting.
“I can’t do this,” I whisper.
“It’s gonna be OK.” She rubs a hand over my back, but I can’t relax.
“No. Everyone’s gonna think I lied to them.” It feels like the room is spinning around me.
“You didn’t, though. You’re a good, honest person, Harp. This doesn’t change anything about you.”
“I don’t even know who I am anymore.” My voice sounds flat to my own ears.
She shakes her head, but she looks like she’s about to cry herself. “I’m so sorry this happened to you, Harp. It’s not right, what he did.”
