Page 62 of Delicate Storm

I can’t argue that everything they wrote is garbage because I remember that party and Ididdisappear for hours with two guys. But the rest? Lies. For one, both guys were single at the time. Actually, one of them—the pirate—wasmyboyfriend. Not the crying fairy’s. And the superhero still hasn’t had a girlfriend to this day.

Pirate—a.k.a. Christian—had split from his college sweetheart months earlier but like with me, he held off making it public. Was she a fairy? Maybe. But that part of the letter is still bullshit.

The entire story is bullshit. Or at least, the reasons behind it are.

At the moment, Christian’s parents haven’t released enough to justify me panicking and telling them what I know. I still haven’tdecided what I’m going to do with the information I have, but I can’t stay quiet.

Christian’s father and uncle are stealing from their clients. And I know this because I overheard a conversation between his mom and his auntie. If the truth comes out, my ex’s family is ruined. It will destroy their business and life as they know it.

But I don’t have any proof. Yet. Though I do have someone working on it.

The thing is, I assumed they’d leave me alone once I left New York. I assumed wrong.

But for now, the threat of people thinking I had a threesome is nothing compared to what Christian will go through if this all comes to light. And even though we’re not together anymore—and he’s a dick—I can’t do that to him until I know with absolute certainty that I’m right.

Shaking off my thoughts, I push my personal life out of my head,like always, and flick back and forth through my folder, trying to decide on an idea for the charity event—a ball, a celebrity tennis match, a silent auction, anotso silent auction where the players are the prize, a garden party.Ugh. Nothing is jumping out at me, and if I can’t think of anything soon, the board will decide for me and I’ll have to roll with it. No matter how boring it is. I’m about to throw something—namely this ideas folder that has no freaking ideas—at the wall in front of me when a ringing saves me from my madness.

Oh bless you, sweet calling soul. I rush across the room to grab my phone from the charger and freeze when I see the ID.

Goddammit.Why did I have to think of Christian and his goddamn family? I could ignore the call, but he’s likely to fly over here for a visit if it’s something important, and nobody wants that.

“Christian,” I answer plainly.

“Paige. What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Excuse me?”

“The magazine,” he exclaims. “You’re naked.”

A laugh bursts out of me, and I have to bite my cheek to calm down. “I’m not naked, Christian. I’m clearly wearing clothes.”

“Yes, but they’re see-through.”

“They are? Shit. No one told me that. Oh God. Oh God. Whatever will I do.” While my words scream panic, my lackluster tone says otherwise, and judging by the scoff, Christian is not impressed.

“Cut the crap, Paige. You’re practically naked inSilver and Stripesmagazine. And—”

“Since when do you read fashion magazines?”

“I don’t. But—”

“Okay, since when do you care about that stuff?”

“I don’t, but—”

“What the hell is the problem?”

“You werenakedin a very popularbusinessand fashion magazine and you mentioned my name in the accompanying article. It caused a lot of issues for me. Not to mention it gives my parents more ammunition for their stupid vendetta against you. Are things that bad that—”

“Stop. Before you say something that makes me fly home to mess up your pretty little face. WhatIdo withmybody is up to me. And I barely mentioned you. It was a throwaway comment. Your parents aside, I don’t see how that could have caused you any—”

“I’m engaged.”

“You’re what?” I pause, my mouth hanging open. Does time run slower in San Francisco? I could have sworn I’d only been here a couple of months.

Christian sighs. “I didn’t want you to find out like this. I was going to talk to you in person, but we’ve run out of time. I know our relationship was an unconventional one, but according tothe people…we were together a long time, so I’m aware we might have an image issue and—”

“Wait,” I cut him off, and while I’d really love to address his “to the people” statement, that’s not important right now. What’s more important is… “My image will befine; everyone will just assume you cheated.”

---