Page 87 of Beyond the Fame

“Alright, everyone. Let’s get started,” I say immediately. I can’t hear any more excuses from him.

“Come on, Jenny.”

“Don’t.” It’s all I say. It's enough to shut him up. “Every time I give you my trust, you rip it away.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“I can’t keep doing it, Mylan.”

“I know.”

The look of pure regret on his face almost breaks me. “Please go find your mark.”

He nods and drops his shoulders, defeated.

He turns away and I add, “I’m glad you’re finally going to the year-long treatment.”

I can’t say anything else because Rebecca is right. I want to push him away so badly. I don’t, because I’m hanging on to a thin string of hope that this year-long treatment is exactly what he needs.

Chapter 22 – Jensen

Present Day

She left.

She said she was leaving.

Still, a part of me hoped she stayed.

I didn’t beg her like my heart wanted me to do. I couldn't risk her changing her mind, because this book she’s writing is coming from a part of herself that she’s kept hidden. Tyler’s Team was a tribute to her brother. It was her way of grieving for him. This new book is her way of finally moving on and finding herself. She's letting her imagination run free again.

If I would have told her I loved her, because I do so fucking much, then would she have said it back? Would her love have been enough for her to come with me? Even if it was, I would have never let her put her life on pause to choose me.

I could always break my contract. But then what? Would I follow her around the country on her book tour?

She's right. We'll cross paths again. We can wait.

I can wait for her.

I returned to L.A. late and pass out. My back and neck are killing me from sleeping on the hotel’s couch. I thought I’d wake up before she left, that I’d hear her getting ready. Then I would have… what?

Maybe I would have begged her to let me fuck her one last time. Maybe I would have been angry and pushed her away further because that’s what I do. I let myself fall in love when my gut told me I didn’t deserve it.

When I wake this morning, I grab my phone off the bedside table. My stomach drops because I don’t have any missed calls or unread texts from her. Of course, I don’t.

Instead, I have some from my best friend.

Mylan: Hey. I heard

Mylan: You good? Need to talk?

Mylan: Lana and my joint charity event is tomorrow night. I know you RSVP’d but if you don’t want to come, then I can come by today

Mylan: Let me know

They already found out? That was fast. Did Rebecca text Lana to tell her? Is she okay? I should call her.

Setting my phone down and rubbing my palms over my face, I realize that the only time I’ve ever called or texted Rebecca Taylor was over four years ago to discuss changes to the Tyler’s Team script. She may not even have the same number. We were together 24/7 this past week and I didn’t even think to ask her if it was still the same.

---