Page 19 of Pumpkins & Promises
I lean against the wall, suddenly exhausted. "Can we talk about this later? I’ll call you in the morning."
"The timing is perfect, Wesley. Strike while the iron's hot. Maybe get some photos from tonight? The whole family gathering, very Norman Rockwell. Your followers are eating up this wholesome narrative."
"I said I'd call you back."
"Just think about it. This could set you up for years. And Emily's getting something out of it too. I checked Highland Hollow's social media, and their followers have tripled since your post went viral."
My blood goes cold. "What?"
"Smart girl. She knows how to capitalize on an opportunity. Very savvy business move."
"She's not—" I start, then stop. Is she?
"Wesley? You there?"
"Yeah, I'm here."
"Look, I'm not judging. It's smart. She helps your image, you help her platform. Just make sure you're both on the same page about expectations."
I'm about to respond when I turn and see Emily standing in the doorway, her face pale.
"How long have you been standing there?" I ask, ending the call.
"Long enough." Her voice is quiet, controlled. "Your agent thinks I'm playing some kind of game?"
"Emily, it's not?—"
"He said I planned this. That I understand 'the game.'" She steps closer, and I can see the hurt and anger warring in her eyes. "Is that what you think too?"
"No, of course not?—"
"Then why didn't you correct him?"
I open my mouth, but no words come. Because for a moment there, listening to Oscar talk about Emily's tripled followers and strategic photo timing, I had wondered. And Emily can see it on my face.
"Wesley," she breathes. "You do think that. You think I'm using you."
"Emily—"
"All those comments about me being your 'comeback muse' and helping your image. You think I orchestrated this somehow." Her laugh is bitter. "You think I'm just like your ex."
"That's not?—"
"Isn't it?" Emily's voice rises slightly, then she glances toward the dining room and lowers it again. "You've been weird all day, Wesley. Distant. And now I know why. You think last night was part of my master plan to get famous."
"You have to admit, the timing?—"
"The timing of what? Of me falling for you? Of me stupidly thinking that kiss meant something real?"
The pain in her voice cuts through me like a knife. "Emily, please?—"
"No." She shakes her head, taking a step back. "I heard what he said about me 'getting something out of this.' About my followers tripling. As if I even knew that was happening."
"I didn't tell him?—"
"You didn't have to! You've been thinking it yourself." Tears are starting to gather in her eyes, but her voice stays steady. "You know what's funny? I was actually starting to believe this was real. I thought maybe we'd found something worth fighting for."
"We did. We have."
