Page 13 of Not My Fault

Is it possible that Cari is jealous of Emily? Is that why there’s a sudden change in her? We’ve spent months doing the hot and cold dance, with most of it being cold. Until now, it seemed like she was leaning more for Max. Did I only have to take a photo with someone else? She thought she was losing me and now she wants to make sure that isn’t the case. I’m flattered; maybe there is something to this thing with Emily. Nah, I text Cari back saying I can see her later and she responds right away.

SEVEN

Emily

Ever since I got my new tattoo, I’ve started writing in my song book again. It’s like something about that day ignited something inside me. I know it’s probably short-lived until I get another tattoo, but it’s nice to be back to something familiar. I’ve carried my song book with me everywhere I go, just in case a lyric pops into my head. Of course, most of them had to do with being rejected.

Not that Gus rejected me,not really. They were already sort of seeing someone; I understand why they didn’t want to risk ruining it with them to pretend to be with me. But it still hurts. I’m back to square one with no one to help. I thought that photo—and Gus—were the keys to my relationship problems, but I guess I was wrong. Part of me is still holding out hope they’ll call me and say they changed their mind. But it’s highly unlikely.

I have a podcast interview tomorrow, and one of the things I’ll be asked about is that photo. I guess I’ll be forced to tell the truth, that it was just me and my tattoo artist hugging. There’s no secret romance going on, and I’m still as single as usual. I normally like being single, but not when Viv and my team are on my back to commit to someone. I don’t want to missout on furthering my career because I’m being deemed wild or challenging.

“Can we run it one more time?” I ask the backup dancers. They’re back from break with fresh water and smiles. They nod just as Georgie runs toward me.

“G?” She normally knows better than to interrupt rehearsal.

“You got a text!” She pushes the phone toward me.

“I can answer it?—”

She cuts me off. “It’sGus.”

“Shit, sorry guys! I’ll be right back. Give me five!” I take my phone, and Georgie follows me off the stage so I can call Gus back.

Of course they pick up on the first ring, “Hey!” I sound way too chipper.

“Hey, I hope it’s okay I called.”

“Of course, what’s going on?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

“I was thinking about your…offer, and I think I’d like to discuss it further. Maybe talk about specifics before I agree,” they say.

Georgie must hear Gus because her eyes go wide. “Yeah sure, I’m done with rehearsal in like an hour. Can I stop by the studio then?”

“Sure.” Gus is calmer than I am, but that isn’t unlike them.

We say goodbye and Georgie squeals. “This might be happening!”

We get a few looks from nearby stage techs but thankfully this isn’t abnormal behavior for us, so no one thinks twice. I fly through the rest of rehearsal in a daze. I wonder what changed with Gus, and I hope they didn’t get broken up with or anything because of the photo. Gus said it wasn’t serious but I don’t fully understand what that means. Hopefully they’ll be able to explain it tonight. I take the quickest shower in my dressing room and change into something comfortable. It’s easier to hide from themedia when I’m dressed casually and my tattoos are covered. My driver takes me to the studio, and this time, I let them walk me in just in case there’s a crowd again. Since there isn’t, I text Gus, but the second I do, they unlock the door for me.

“Sorry, we had to close early today because we had too many people stopping by in hopes of seeing you. We’re only taking appointments in the meantime,” Gus explains as they walk me toward their room. I pass River working on a client and she smiles.

“No worries, I can always send over some security if you guys need it. I don’t want you to be inconvenienced because of me.”

“We appreciate that.” Gus smiles.

They lead me into an office instead of the room they tattooed me in. They sit behind the desk and gesture for me to take a seat across from them.

“I thought we’d have more privacy in here. River said it’s soundproof for meetings. We think a law firm used to be in this space,” Gus explains.

“Ah. Thank you for that.” I nod.

“So, I want you to give me as much detail about what you’re looking for as you can.”

“Can I ask something first?” They nod, so I continue. “Did something happen with the person you were seeing? I only ask since that seemed to be the reason you were against the idea.”

Gus sighs. “So I guess if this is going to work, we’ll have to be transparent with each other. Basically, I really like this woman. And I’d love nothing more than to be with her exclusively and committed, but she’s hesitant because of her past, so we’ve been taking things slow. She’s seeing someone else and we’re open for now. She’s very hot and cold but for the first time in months, she’s been more hot because of our photo together. She got kind of jealous. So since it’s not real anyway, I was thinking that Icould make her jealous by publicly dating you, putting off her advances until our timeline is up.”

“Wow. I was not expecting that,” I admit. “You know this will have to be a commitment of at least six months minimum?”

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