Page 96 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“The band is staying somewhere else because of her?”

I don’t answer, and she nods, drawing her own conclusions. “She must really be special.”

I don’t know how to answer her without giving too much away. When she saw us in Evergreen, we were pretending to date, but now, my feelings are anything but an act. And since I haven’t told Mia how I feel, it’s especially tricky. I don’t want Mia to feel like I’m using her to get back at my ex. But if I tell her now, she won’t believe me. Either way, I’m screwed.

I rub the back of my neck. “Maybe we could talk about why you’re here instead.”

She gives another helpless shrug. “Things have always been complicated between us.”

Not for me, they weren’t. A few months ago, I would have done anything to have her back in my life, but not now.

My eyes skirt over her dark jeans, the leather jacket that’s not nearly warm enough for a New England winter. A strange feeling rises in my chest, like a wall slowly rising. I’ve come a long way since then.

I rub my jaw. “Listen, Ava, this isn’t really the best time.”

“Tomorrow, then?” she asks.

“I don’t know. My schedule is really busy with the concert later this week.”

“At least tell me you saw the article,” she says, fishing through her purse. “Even if you don’t trust me, I still have your best interest in mind.” She pulls out a section fromThe New York Timesand hands it over.

I frown. “What article?”

She points at a headline buried in the entertainment news. “Can Jace Knight Make a Comeback?”

I shove the paper into her hands. “I’m not reading a stranger’s opinion on whether this concert is my comeback. I’m just ready to make music again.”

“It’s not just that, Jace. Somebody leaked info on you.”

I frown, trying to figure out why she’d come all this way to give me bad news.

I scan the article, my eyes catching on one part: “Someone close to the artist who wished to remain anonymous says his new songs don’t have his usual magic touch. ‘It’s a mediocre love ballad,’ the anonymous source states. ‘It’s like Jace Knight is selling out.’”

My heart sinks.Who would even know this?I wanted to save my new music as a surprise for my fans. Now, someone ruined the surprise.

The article ends by saying, “This Christmas concert is the final straw to Jace Knight’s flailing career and will likely end up as a Christmas flop.”

I crumple the paper, trying to block out what I just read. My new song is already getting panned before I’ve even had the chance to play it publicly.

“I’m so sorry, Jace,” she says with a sympathetic look. “It’s unfair they included this person’s opinion before the fans have spoken. Do you know who would leak this?”

“I’ve only played that song for a few people—my band, Allan, and a few of the record executives. They wouldn’t say anything... not when their incomes rely on it.”

“What about her?” Ava murmurs, nodding toward the stairs.

“Mia? She would never...”

“Are you sure? Jace, how well do you know her?” She folds her arms and studies me. “Do you know she wouldn’t do something to hurt you?”

“That’s ironic, coming from you,” I shoot back. “So maybe I’m not the best person to ask.”

Ava’s face flinches. “That wasn’t what I was asking.”

“She wouldn’t do it,” I repeat. Mia and I haven’t always been on good terms, but I can’t imagine her stooping this low.

Ava’s gaze moves to the staircase, where Mia has changed into a grey sweatshirt and jeans. Her backpack is slung over one shoulder, and she’s carrying her suitcase.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

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