Page 74 of The Love Syllabus

Suddenly, Serena reappears, eager as ever. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who are we fighting?”

Hudson steps in just in time to answer. “Hopefully, no one—or at least not near any cameras.”

Their eyes lock instantly.

“Hudson Grimes.”He says, surveying all of her perfection.

Serena lifts a brow. “I know who you are.”

She doesn’t even get the chance to introduce herself before he cuts in.

“And you’re the journalist I’ve been hearing so much about. My office has been trying to connect with you for a story.”

Serena tilts her head, studying him like a meal she’s about to devour. “Oh, is that right? Then, you should take me to a room with a lock so I can interview you.”

Hudson grins. “I’d be honored.”

Without another word, they vanish. The girls shuffle off with Vicky, and Vic turns to discuss business with the producer—leaving me alone with Krista.

She seizes the moment to make one last dig.

“I’m sorry again for not realizing who you were.” She tilts her head, scanning me up and down. “You just look so different in your posts. So eye-catching. Must be those filters, huh?”

It takes everything in me not to snap, but by the grace of these cameras, I hold it together. “Let Vic not remembering you after thefirstsmash be a sign. He didn’t want you then, and he doesn’t want you now.”

Krista’s mouth opens and then closes. It opens again, and still, not a damn thing comes out. Her mouth is as empty as her brain. With a frustrated huff, she storms off. Vic, completely unfazed, pulls me in and presses a goodbye kiss on my forehead. The crew melts, letting out a collectiveaww.

When the girls and I leave, we make a quick stop at Izzy’s flower shop, where the girls pick out new arrangements for the house. I spill the tea on that evil Krista Ray, but mostly on my feelings for Vic. I can’t believe how possessive I felt over him, how jealous I get watching another woman want him, touch him, let alone kiss him. I acted as if he’s mine, which he isn’t…I don’t think.

And then, just when I think the day can’t get wilder, Serena strolls into the flower shop with her hair a mess, lipstick smudged, and an unapologetically smug look on her face.

Izzy gasps. “Girl…?”

Serena, satisfied as hell, grins. “Girl.”

We laugh, then head back home, where the warmth of the day settles around us. The girls are still buzzing, talking animatedly about everything from the pretty flowers they picked to Vic’s bossiness on set. But once we get settled, I pull them close and anchor them in a way I hope they’ll always remember.

I remind them of who they are and their worth, which can overpower the ugliness in the world, the people who will try to dim their light, and the Krista’s who will come and go. Most importantly, I remind them of the good people, the ones who love them fiercely, and who see them for the perfect individuals they are. I make sure they know that without a shadow of a doubt they’re amazing, strong, intelligent, beautiful,andloved.

By the time the day finally ends, exhaustion has settled deep in my bones. I ask Ms. Tina to keep an eye on the girls so I can escape to the library, curl up in my reading nook, and—hopefully—get a few hours of sleep with a glass of wine in hand.

But my phone won’t stop buzzing. Over and over.

Annoyed, I finally check it, only to be hit with a flood of texts about articles and social media posts. I frown as I scroll, the headlines flashing like neon signs straight from hell.

Headline #1: A Culinary Match Made in Heaven

Headline #2: Little House on the Prairie Cheating Scandal!

Headline #3: Chef Grimes’ Secret Affair: Who Will He Choose?

And the comments are even worse!

Troll #1: Well, he was too rich for her anyway. #golddigger

Troll #2: Chef McGood Lookin’ and Krisa just fit better.

My stomach turns. The vileness of it all makes me sick. People are picking sides, tearing me apart, dragging my name through the mud like I don’t belong in this story. Like I’m just some random extra in his world.

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