She didn’t know if her publisher would allow her to write it as a historical now that she’d lost her following. But maybe a contemporary could work too. Chloe’s heart palpitated in her chest, leaving her breathless. Her gaze flew to Meghan and locked there for a long moment. “I’m think I’m gonna write another book.”
A smile stretched across Meghan’s face. “Well, it’s about time.”
Chapter42
The Malibu mansion was the perfect setting for a private wedding. A couple hundred guests gathered on the pristine property owned by Daisy’s grandfather. The weather had cooperated on this Saturday evening, and the shimmering Pacific Ocean provided a dazzling backdrop for the event. A cellist played from the makeshift stage, the haunting melody drifting on the breeze.
A tuxedo-clad usher led Spencer and Liam to a wide, gently sloped lawn facing the ocean. White chairs had been lined up with military precision, facing a low stone wall and a huge archway, resplendent with flowers and gauzy white fabric.
They took their seats among the elite crowd. This was Liam’s first public event since fake-dategate. Normally he would’ve had a woman on his arm, but he couldn’t stand the thought when his heart still belonged to Chloe. The intoxicating joy she’d initially engendered in him might be gone. But the love was still there, residing in him as a dull, ever-present ache.
Yeah, his mood was a little morose for a wedding.
He turned to Spencer for a distraction. “How’s Gwenn feeling? I expected her to come with you tonight.”
“She was supposed to, but her back’s killing her. Also she claims she doesn’t have a ‘barn-sized dress.’”
“To which you said she’d look amazing in anything she wore.”
“It happens to be true.” Spencer waved at someone on the other side of the aisle. “Any word from your mom?”
“She’s not allowed phone calls just yet.” It had been only four days, but as far as Liam was concerned, no news was good news. “But I’m hopeful.”
“Well, she agreed to go and she hasn’t checked herself out. That’s something. You did the right thing.”
“I hope so. If she gets sober, it’ll all be worth it.”
“I’m proud of you for facing it head-on. Giving your mom an ultimatum couldn’t have been easy, but you did it. How’s it going with Phoebe?”
Liam gave him the side-eye. “She’s pooped in every room in the house.”
“Thank God for hardwood floors.”
Liam scowled. He was tired of cleaning up the messes, but Phoebe was an anxious dog and she was in a new place. At least she’d settled down the past couple of days.
“Listen, are you really doing that interview tomorrow? For what it’s worth, Patty and I still aren’t sure it’s the right move for your career.”
That might very well be true. But the gossip about Chloe and their fake dating had gotten out of hand. The rumors hadn’t faded as he’d hoped. Instead, his fans had turned on Chloe, making her out to be some kind of gold digger who’d taken advantage of him. Liam couldn’t sit by and let people bad-mouth her. The live interview withCelebrity Todaywould allow him to set the record straight. “I’m going through with it.”
“Well, let the record show I’m not in favor.”
“I appreciate your looking out for me, but this is just something I have to do.”
Liam had gotten her into this mess and he would get her out of it—or die trying. Chloe didn’t deserve to be disparaged like this. Even if she had broken his heart.
“Maybe you should’ve invited her tonight,” Spencer said.
“Who?”
Spencer smirked. “Phoebe. Who do you think?”
“In case you forgot, she accused me of betraying her, then blocked my calls.”
“Yeah, I know, but... she’s the one woman who’s gotten under your skin. There must’ve been something there. Something pretty powerful for you to lower your very high walls.”
“I don’t have walls.”
“Please. You’re practically Fort Knox.”
