“I don’t care to read the list. I have my own.”
“Fuck. Already?”
“It only has one item in the Could Be A Problem column.”
“What is it?”
“Your quads.”
His lips twitch. “That really is a problem because I can’t do anything about them.”
I cock my head. “I don’t know about that. Surely, if one were to stop putting on hot-quad shorts to take part in leg day, the problem would eventually disappear.”
He lets his smile out to play. “How boring would life be without hot quads though, Maddie?”
I return his smile and realize the tight feeling in my chest has disappeared. “I think you should go out and find us something to eat for dinner while I take a shower.”
“What do you feel like eating?”
“Anything except spicy food. Surprise me.”
He appears to like that suggestion and a few minutes later, I’m alone in the hotel room. After I gather my thoughts, I grab my phone and send Tucker a text.
Me: I’m not marrying you, Tucker, and I’m not going on tour with you.
He comes straight back to me.
Tucker: You’re making a mistake here.
Me: You wanted to sleep with other women. Well, the world is wide open for you now.
Tucker: The world never shut down for me, babe.
I stare at that last text for a long time and know deep in my soul that Tucker never loved me. He used me for his career. That’s all I was to him.
Tears spill down my cheeks. Not because I’m broken up over our relationship ending. I’m not. I’m hurt that he used me in this way and I’m upset that it’s taken me so long to see it.
I feel stupid.
I let two men run my life without question.
Well, never again.
I’d rather start fresh and see if any fans stick around. And if not, I’d rather have no career than no self-respect.
With more boldness than I’m actually feeling, I tap out a reply to Tucker.
Me: We’re done.
His text comes back a minute later.
Tucker: Good fucking luck to you then. Make sure your shit is out of my place tomorrow.
10
@thetea_gasp
MFW I read @tuckerbrandt’s latest Insta post. Holy sheesh! The. Tea. rn. We are shook. It appears the magical love story between him and @madelinemontana wasn’t so magical after all. He’s come out with a statement about his runaway bride and it’s not pretty, girlfriend. The marriage is OFF. He said he can’t marry someone who doesn’t love him like he loves her. Be still our broken hearts. He'll be going on tour without her. He’s announced that @teebird will be his tour partner now. Which, I mean, she’s cool, but she doesn’t inspire my cowgirl era like our Maddie does. And speaking of our girl, where is she??? I’m not buying into any of this until I hear from her. I know all the Tucker stans have their pitchforks out for Maddie, but I’ve got TFW something just doesn’t feel right. I’m going in search of more tea.