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She glances up at me, eyes narrowed. “Are you sure you’ve never been professionally trained?”

“Sorry to disappoint. I guess some of us are just born with a natural talent to be in the spotlight.” I pull her into my lap, wrapping my arms around her back. “But I’m sure helping with all the performances over the years at all my mother’s parties didn’t hurt. If you think I’m good, you should see Guy when he’s forced to improvise. Dude was born to be an entertainer.”

She shakes her head with a giggle. “I have no doubt. I guess I could make a few calls. Not sure anyone will answer now that I’m going down with the ship.”

“Hey, I told you, whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it.” I tilt her chin up to look at me. “If you want me to buy the whole goddamn franchise, just say the word. There’s no expense that’s too much for you, baby.”

“Now you’re just being cocky.” She rolls her eyes and shoves me in the chest, but I catch her hand and pull her closer.

“Maybe. But that doesn’t make it any less true.” I scoop her up in my arms and carry her to the bathroom, where I already have her bubble bath waiting.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Kira

Press Release:

Following her string of controversial viral videos, an announcement was made earlier this morning that Kira Blakely will no longer be playing the role of Demonatrix, devastating millions of fans worldwide.

The decision is said to be mutual between all parties, but speculation around the recent news of her divorce from Augustus Wilde suggests there’s likely more to the story that we may never know.

When asked about his reaction to hearing the news, costar and ex-husband, Augustus Wilde, told reporters, “I think it was a hard decision to make, but ultimately the right one for all parties involved. I wish her only the best in her future endeavors and hope everyone can give her the space to move on. I know I’m still healing from our amicable split, but I think right now, what we both need is a little grace and understanding.”

I open my computer and click on the link, feeling a mixture of joy and sadness for my final call with Marguerite. It’s been a week since Roman’s apology video, which spread faster than either of us imagined.

The community was shaken by the cancellation of the festival, and even more shocked to hear about his resignation from his family’s company. But all it took was one—vigorously long—Town Meeting for Roman to ease everyone’s worries.

He clarified that he was going to take some time off while things cooled down, and his resignation from his role as CEO, which Leo would be taking back over as soon as he and Ivy returned from Transylvania next month. He would ease back into his former position as the Chief Marketing Officer, which he can’t wait to get back to.

Once brought in on the plan, everyone seemed satisfied and committed to helping in any way they could.

We still had some stragglers arrive on festival day, but thanks to everyone’s commitment to keeping things quiet, they eventually got bored and gave up the hunt. That’s the thing about this town. They’ll fight to protect their community—which I still can’t believe I’m a part of.

I’ve felt so lonely for so long, and not only do I have my sister and her kids, but a whole community full of people supporting me. Not to mention two pretty amazing girlfriends.

None of which would be possible without Marguerite’s program.

Marguerite’s wide smile falls when she sees me. “Oh, dear,” she gasps. “What happened to you?”

The bruise on my cheek has faded to a yellowish green, and my busted lip is nearly healed. Roman still hasn’t left my side. Even now, he’s taking a work call in the kitchen, because he can’t manage being more than a room away from me.

Similarly, Tilly sits at my feet, her ears relaxed against her head and resting. And I thought she was a Velcro dog before. I can’t even go to the bathroom by myself these days. I have a sneaking suspicion they’re in on it together. I caught Roman giving her an extra scoop of peanut butter after she barked at a delivery person when he thought I wasn’t looking. I don’t know what I’m going to do with them.

I wave her off. “Oh, it’s nothing. It looks worse than it is.” Marguerite peers over her glasses at me, and seeing she isn’t going to leave it alone, I add, “There was an altercation with my ex. He was trying to force me on a plane, and we tripped down the stairs.” I tap my finger to my cheek. “Then my dog attacked him, and I’m pretty sure Roman blackmailed him to keep quiet.” I shrug. “Like I said, no big deal.”

Marguerite just stares at me, then finally says, “Sounds hot.”

I snort a laugh, loving how easy it is to talk to this woman. “I know, right? I feel like a princess or something.”

“You are the prize, my dear. Don’t ever forget it.” She studies me, her smile turning from amused to tender. “I’m so proud of the progress you’ve made. You’ve quickly become my star pupil.”

“Thanks, Marge.” I hold my hand over my heart, feeling her words sink in. I may not have a mother to look up to, but the universe sure outdid herself by giving me this incredible lady. And thanks to the things Marguerite has taught me, I now see my mother’s actions for what they are: a desperate woman’s attempt to hold on to control.

Sure, she was out of line, going along with Augustus and Claire’s plan. But she believed she was doing the right thing for me. In her own fucked up way, her intentions were to protect me from ruining the only thing that felt certain to her.

It speaks more about her own limiting beliefs and values than how she feels about me.

My mother has a lot of growing and healing to do, and I hope she finds her way through it… But unfortunately her for her, I won’t be around to witness it. For too long, I’ve put everyone else before myself. That ends now. I’m choosing me, and I won’t hold space in life for people who have hurt me. There are some wounds that an apology can’t heal.