She laughed and leaned back against the cushions. “You’re just mad because my guy can actually take me out on dates.”
“I’m not mad,” I stated.
“Good because you know I’ll be calling you after every time we go out.”
I nodded and gave her a small smile.
“What’s that look for?” she asked.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Do you not like Donnie or something?”
“I don’t know anything about him,” I explained. “I’m just being cautiously optimistic about your situation.”
“Is that your polite way of saying you don’t trust him?”
“I don’t distrust him,” I corrected. “I just worry he might have some red flags.”
“Hey.” She pointed a finger at me. “Owning a strip club does not automatically make someone sketchy.”
“I know,” I agreed. “And you’ve told me he’s good to you. I’m just saying I reserve the right to worry. It’s kind of my job as your best friend.”
Her expression softened. “And I love you for that.”
I picked up my phone and sighed again.
“You’re really missing them, huh?” she asked, this time with genuine concern.
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I knew this part would be hard. I just didn’t realize how much it would hurt to say goodbye every time. With how busy my schedule is, I thought time would fly by between visits. So far, it’s been the opposite.”
Before I put the phone down again, it buzzed in my hand. I fumbled to check the screen, and my stomach dropped when I read the headline on my lock screen.
VIDEO SURFACES OF FAYE DONNELLEY IN AN INTIMATE MOMENT WITH CRUSHERS OUTFIELDER! IS SHE CHEATING ON JASE MATTHEWSON WITH HIS STEPBROTHER?
“Oh my god,” I breathed.
“What’s going on?” Morgan asked.
I angled the phone so she could see, and my fingers shook as I tapped the video link.
There I was, standing against the wall, waiting.
Dylan coming out and talking to me.
The hug.
His hand brushing my hair back.
None of it was overtly sexual or inappropriate. Yet it was enough to make it seem as if something was going on.
But the truth was more complex than what they had caught on camera.
I scrolled down further to read the comments. They were a hundred times worse than the video itself.
I feel so bad for Jase. I bet I could cheer him up.
She always seemed messy.
