River Wild’s Beau Steps Out Amid Rumors of Band Breakup
River Wild and flame Jem Anderson have been romantically linked since they attended a movie premiere together in February, and by all appearances things were going well. At the Flat Tires’ last LA concert, fans spotted Anderson in the crowd, sitting with the families of Eric Warner and Ward Glass.
Now, Wild is widely believed to be the artist behind viral TikTok hit “All that Glitters,” spurring rumors of an upcoming split from the rest of the band. One might expect Anderson to be glued to his side at such a time. Instead, photos have surfaced of Wild’s man getting cozy with the country-club set. Anderson was in attendance as influencer Dana Haight and budding tech mogul Andrew Wentworth tied the knot at a swanky golf course in South Carolina. Does this herald the end of more than Wild’s business relationship?
River’s stomach dropped between his knees. “Ah, fuck.”
Ward must’ve been reading too, because he put his phone down and rubbed his temples. “You don’t think Jem…?”
Spilled about the Flat Tires’ expiration date? Seven weeks ago River never would’ve believed it. Threedaysago he wouldn’t have believed it.
But he was looking at evidence that Jem hadliedto him before. What else could he have lied about?
River had been so sure that this time, his judgment of character was sound. Jem was the real deal, funny and causticand hot and sweet. Honest to a fault. He wouldn’t hurt River like that. But who else could’ve done it? Amanda wouldn’t; she was too professional. Someone in Eric or Ward’s family? Even less likely than Jem.
“I don’t know,” River said. His palms were damp.
A second later, his phone vibrated with an incoming call from Amanda. Then Ward’s went too.
Ward held up his phone. “Ted.”
The Flat Tires’ manager. Great.
River pinched the bridge of his nose and tried to breathe as though his heart weren’t breaking. “Guess we’d better answer.”
Chapter Sixteen
Ain’t No Sunshine
Jem hadn’theard from River in two days.
Not to be dramatic about it or anything, except Jem had been spending a lot of time with River and River was nothing if not dramatic. River had also texted, called, or video chatted him pretty regularly for seven entire weeks. The sudden radio silence made Jem itchy.
He was supposed to be back in LA late last night. Now it was almost one and Jem still hadn’t heard from him. Which maybe wouldn’t have been weird if River’s body wasn’t probably still on Eastern Standard Time, where it was closer to four.
Jem had spent the entire morning deep-cleaning his apartment—not because it needed it but becausehedid—and was contemplating going down to detail the Subaru (which also didn’t need it) when his phone rang.
Thank God.
Except the call ID didn’t show as River. It was Amanda.
Oh fuck, did something happen? Did the plane crash? Had River had some kind of medical emergency? Did—
Yeah, he should answer the phone.
“Amanda, hi! Is he okay?”
“Mr. Anderson,” she said coolly.
Jem took that as a big no.
“You may be aware of some rumors circulating about the Flat Tires.”
Forgetcool, that was downright frosty. “Uh,” said Jem, scrambling for his bearings. “May I? What rumors?”
There was just a slight pause, a moment where he thought Amanda might clarify. Instead she said, “Should we discover that you’ve violated your nondisclosure agreement, please know that we will be enforcing the full terms of your contract.”
So they thought Jem had said something he shouldn’t have, and what, now they were going to sue for the retainer back? “Do I need to call my lawyer?” That seemed like a yes. Which was not the greatest timing, since Ivy was currently doing her best impression of the Goodyear Blimp. But honestly, fuck it. He didn’t care about the money. “Amanda, I swear I didn’t do anything. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Can you just—is River okay?” God, that sounded desperate. “I haven’t heard from him.”
