Page 143 of Beautiful Storm

Easton: Did you know that the more people read and share gossip articles from piece of shit online magazines the more they produce them? So here’s an idea… ignore it

That’s probably the most Easton has ever written in our message chain, so I give him a thumbs-up. But unfortunately, I have to know. Especially if it involves Amelia.

Luke: Send it to me

Easton: It’s better if you don’t know

Reed: So, you’ve seen it. You read that piece of shit online gossip magazine?

Easton: (Middle finger emoji)

While Easton and Reed are arguing over text messages, Dylan sends me the link, and the second I open it, I groan.

Is San Francisco Storm’s star tight end cheating on the mother of his child? We speak to three women who say that he is.

“Motherfucker.”I bite my tongue and shake my head as that term takes on a new meaning. “God-fucking-dammit,”I say instead and instantly feel better.About that anyway.

How are we supposed to stay stress-free with shit like that going on?

Dylan: I’m sorry, man

Luke: Not your fault. Thank you for letting me know

Dylan: At least you didn’t do anything wrong. You and Amelia weren’t together

Fuck. They believe I did it?I shouldn’t have to justify myself, and Easton knows how I feel, but for some fucked-up reason, I don’t want him to think badly of me, more than he already does.

Luke: They’re lying. I don’t have to read the article to tell you that

Reed: Good to know

It is good to know. The problem is, who outside of my friends is ever going to believe me?

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Amelia

I love him. I really freaking love him. And while it snuck up on me, I’ve never been happier.

“That’s it. That shot is perfect. Who knew I’d be saying that about a football series? But God, this is all stunning photography. I can’t wait for the world to see it.”

Adrian smiles proudly, making me turn to compliment him directly. “I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done to help me these last couple of weeks.”

“You make it easy.” He laughs before his face drops. “I mean, this job is not at all easy. But I find it easy working with you. Sorry, for you.”

“With me,” I confirm. “You’re going to have to own this role when you take over while I’m on leave.”

“What?”

“I’ve spoken to Tom and Jim, and I mentioned that you could cover my workload. It would be short-term at this stage but the business is growing, so who knows what the future will bring.”

“Wait. They actually said yes? They’re promoting me rather than finding someone on their own?”

“Yep. Apparently, they trust me. A woman. Who would have thought it?”

Adrian laughs. “You know it’s only Jake that thinks that way, right? We all respect you.”

“I know, and I appreciate it. I wouldn’t have stayed if I hadn’t felt welcome. Although I have been told that I’m stubborn as hell, so who knows, maybe I would have stayed to spite you all.”

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