Page 107 of Between the Lines

These men with all their questions about clothes. It feels like the only thing they want to talk about. “Yes,” I say. “I have something to wear. What is this gala exactly?”

“Titan Media’s annual event. Actors, news personalities, and reality stars will all be there. Awards are given out, people network,” Eric says.

My hands tighten around the thick plastic frame of my computer. “Stars will be there?” I repeat woodenly.

Aiden lifts one shoulder in a shrug. “‘Stars’ in the loosest possible definition of the word. The higher profile actors don’t come to this event. You’ll mostly see tons of industry people, newscasters who are full of themselves, and vapid reality personalities hungry for anyone to cast them in the next embarrassing show.” His voice is dismissive.

His words land right beneath my breastbone, so sharp it feels more like a knife than a punch.

Of course he feels that way.

Many people do. He just profits from that kind of entertainment—here in his fancy office, with his pedigree, elite schooling, and historic family business. But the actual shows are beneath him.

The people are beneath him.

“Those shows make the company a lot of money,” Eric says. His eyes stay focused on his tablet screen. “The stars are assets.”

Aiden looks at his assistant for a long moment. So do I. But Eric is the picture of competent ease. No smile on his face, but no scowl, either.

“Yes. I suppose that’s true,” Aiden says.

I take a deep breath. This is what I can never forget. The kind of man Aiden is. The same type I’m always drawn to. One who will burn me in the end—too hard, too fast, too consuming. And, definitely, not someone I can open up to or be vulnerable with.

Not like that happens often anyway.

I learned early on what comes about when you give someone everything. They take it and leave, or worse, laugh at the offer. And you get nothing back.

“You’ll come tonight?” Aiden asks.

I give him my professional smile. The one I’ve used too often in the past.Armor.“I’ll come.”

As soon as I’m back in the little conference room I’ve been using, the panic rises. Every image I see online from past events draws out additional horror. There are people I recognize. Famous reality stars, producers, industry people. In one picture from a few years ago, I see Blake.

I hadn’t realized this gala would be…thatkind of event. I had thought it would be attended by boring investors. A dry shindig, much like the last one I accompanied Aiden to when my zipper broke.

I can’t go.

I haven’t liked crowds for years. Avoided them as much as I could. And when I couldn’t, I wore a cap pulled low on my head.

But tonight wouldn’t be safe for me.

I wait until Aiden is at lunch with his sister. Then I quietly pack up my things as if I’m heading out to grab a bite toeat myself. Cough a few times as I walk through the office hallways, and then slip out of the giant building that Titan Media considers its own.

I get back to the house around the time Aiden should be back in the office after having lunch with Mandy. I shoot off an email to Eric, and then one to Aiden.

I’m so sorry, I’ve come down with a migraine. I don’t feel great. Will just work on the book at home. Please cancel my car for tonight.

To Aiden, I add something extra.

Good luck tonight!

He replies within a few minutes.

Do you have everything you need?

It should be easier. Telling this little white lie, just like the others I’ve said so many times before to hide the year of my life thatThe Gamblehad consumed. Glossing over it, avoiding it.

But it’s not easy, lying to Aiden.

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