Page 84 of The Twisted Beats

“Last night was different.”

“So you weren’t bothered that he was singing to a bunch of women who scream out how much they love him while he performs?”

“No. I was proud of him. I wasn’t even thinking about the people in the crowd.” My eyes swell with tears. “I didn’t doanything to lead Sebastian on. Why won’t you and Callum believe me?”

My dad’s stance softens. “What’s this about Cash?”

“He’s not speaking to me.” I spin off my stool and storm toward the back staircase. “I didn’t do anything wrong last night, but I should’ve since everyone believes I did.”

“Livianna…”

I run up the stairs and slam my door shut, locking it behind me. I want to scream because I’m so frustrated, but I end up crying on my bed.

After the concert, Callum came backstage only to tell me his uncle was taking me home. He said he was too mad to talk and needed some time to cool off.

He refused to listen to me. Instead, he cracked open a beer and found a space on the couch between two chicks that somehow made it backstage.

I was so furious, I stomped out of there, telling Callum to fuck off on the way out. Bren came home later and told me Callum left a few minutes after I did, but I don’t care. His attitude ruined the night.

I haven’t tried to call him or text him. He should be the one coming to me.

To avoid thinking about it, I practice my lines for my next episode. I dive into my character and forget everything that happened last night.

A few hours pass and there’s a knock on my door. I get up and answer it. My mom stands on the other side with her head tilted and a warm, understanding smile flowing my way.

“Can I come in?”

“Mom, they don’t believe me.” I fall into her arms and let my tears spring free.

She hugs me tight, takes my hand, and leads me to the chenille cream-colored trundle bed that sits in front of my window.

She cuddles with me once we’re seated. “Honey, I’m surethat’s not true. Cash is just a jealous boy whose feelings got hurt.”

“But Dad thinks I did it on purpose.”

“He doesn’t. I spoke with him and he feels awful that he doubted you.” My mom squeezes me. “Your dad has a hard time understanding you. He gets how Cash thinks because he was a hotheaded boy when he was young, too.”

“That’s not fair.” I pull out of her arms and wipe my tears away. “I’m his daughter and he always takes Callum’s side.”

“It might seem that way, but I assure you that’s not true.” She gives me a mischievous smirk. “I’m not proud of it, but I did a few manipulative things to mess with him when we first started dating just so he would prove he cared about me.”

I huff a quiet laugh. “So you traumatized him and now I’m paying for it.”

“Something like that, but he feels bad and promises he’ll listen to your side of the story before he jumps to conclusions.” She rubs my knee. “Can you forgive him?”

“Of course. He’s my daddy and I’ll always be his little girl.” I glance out the window. “What should I do about the tabloid stories?”

“Let them run the course and don’t respond or feed anything to reporters that can fuel the fire.”

“What about my director? He’s going to be furious.”

“I spoke to the studio and explained you’re an overworked teenager who made a mistake. They’ll plan on writing you up, and you’ll need to work to make up the lost time, so don’t pull anything like that again.”

“That’s all they plan on doing?”

“Yes. I had to bribe them and offered to host the wrap party for the cast and crew here at the house once filming is completed. It helped your cause.”

“Thanks, Mom.” With an emptiness in my chest, I get up and pick up my cell phone from my bed. “I won’t let you down. Besides, I don’t have anyone to skip work for anymore.”