While many around the world will be devastated to hear Colton might be off the market, at least we can hope for a good breakup song from Harlow once things inevitably go south for the hopeless romantics. Like she sings in her devastating ballad “Through the Wreckage,” “something keeps telling me you’re not the one, but I ignore it again and again.”
Hey, she said it, not us.
NEXT UP: Colton Scott Spotted Getting Cozy with Co-Star Meghan Rhodes
Chapter 5
Back in the apartment, Naomi sits on the L-shaped couch, feet up and laptop open, digging up everything she can on Colton Scott and his relationship with Harlow Hayes. While Naomi was shocked at first by what Amelia said about Colton potentially being the victim, she feels differently now, with her mind battling between disappointment, confusion, and intrigue.
Since Harlow isn’t publicly linked to anyone romantically and she doesn’t seem to have many enemies, it never crossed Naomi’s mind that this could be a straightforward crime of passion. And as horrible as it is to admit, she’s a little disappointed by the prospect. Adding to the disappointment is the fact that Colton Scott is extremely likable. Naomi can’t recall one bad piece of press about him. And that’s saying a lot, since it’s literally her job to stay up-to-date on that sort of gossip. He’s like Ryan Gosling. Everyone loves him.
Everyone except Harlow Hayes, it seems.
Harlow and Colton were last linked in October 2021, before he quickly moved on to Meghan Rhodes, proposing to her that December. Killing Colton would have made more sense in 2021 if it was a jealousy thing, but three years later seems so random. Especially since Harlow has had her share of romances since then as well, linked to Gloss frontman Johnny Holborne, baseball player Tyler Reid, and even comedian Dave Peterson. So why kill an ex after so many years? Especially at the height of her career?
Naomi browses all the articles covering Harlow and Colton’s love affair, ranging from “Harlow and Colton Loved Up in London” to “Harlow’s Heartbreak: Colton Scott Engaged to Co-Star Meghan Rhodes.” From what she’s gathered, Harlow met twenty-five-year-old Colton when she was only nineteen at the premiere of his first blockbuster film,The Fact of the Matter, a romantic comedy featuring one of Hayes’ hit singles. They were inseparable for a year until they started their pattern of breaking up, dating other people, and getting back together again.
Naomi wonders if their tumultuous dating pattern implied a potentially toxic relationship. Goosebumps prickle atop her arms as she recalls lyrics from one of Harlow’s more recent songs.
Who could’ve known then we’d be the other’s demise. Violent ends are all I see for you and me…
Tempted to start writing this up for a rumored-victim article, Naomi dials Joel. He answers after the second ring.
“Hey, how’s it going? All settled into the apartment?”
“Yes, it’s great, thank you again for letting me stay here.” Naomi’s shoulders relax as she glances around the room, feeling more at ease than earlier.
“Anything for my star writer. Can’t wait to hear what you dig up.”
“Actually, the reason I’m calling is because I think I might already have something worth writing about—a possible victim.”
“Really? Wow. That was fast. Who?”
Naomi pauses before answering. “Colton Scott.”
“Oh shit.”
“I have a source in PR who knows people who work with him. And apparently he’s been MIA for a week, which is out of character according to her colleagues. Plus, he owns a place here. Splits time between New York and LA, like you, so…”
Joel exhales loudly. “That is interesting, not gonna lie. Damn. Love that guy’s movies. What’s his connection to Harlow? They dated, right?”
“Yeah, they were on-and-off until a few years ago, but I haven’t been able to find anything connecting them or any rumors since 2021.”
“Huh, okay.”
“Should I write it up?” she asks.
Joel grunts, torn. “You know what… wait. If TMZ hasn’t even reported his death, it makes me wonder if maybe he’s just in rehab or something. I don’t know, don’t want to risk breaking this, of all things, if it’s not legit. Not trying to get on the Scott family’s bad side, especially now that they’re pushing his uncle for majority leader of the Senate—they’ll be real pissed with any tabloid spec.” He exhales, mind made up. “Hold fire for now until you get something a bit more concrete than that. I’ll see if any of my sources can confirm or deny too.”
Naomi agrees to their plan before hanging up, wondering who he’s going to ask. He’s always incredibly tight-lipped about his sources. All she knows is that he once told her he didn’t mix his professional life with his personal life, and didn’t consider any of them “buddies.” Unlike Naomi, who is very friendly with a lot of her sources. Sometimes too friendly…
Naomi’s face flushes as a text from Amelia appears on the top of her phone screen.It’s a date! Ribalta at 8 p.m.
With hopes of squeezing out some information on the arrest, Naomi replies with a thumbs-up before letting her mind drift back to Harlow. Did she privately reconnect with Colton? Did they argue over something from the past and she lashed out, accidentally maiming him? Or was it much more depraved than that? Something premeditated?
Naomi’s imagination runs wild again, filling with images of red, white, and blue. But what she’s picturing is far from the lighthearted nature of Harlow’s album of the same name.
Red: Colton’s blood, caked under Harlow’s long acrylic nails.
