Page 84 of Say You Remember Me
“It’s blowing up,” Bronwyn confirmed. “And people in the comments are talking about how you introduced her as your fiancée just earlier that day after your keynote. They’re running with it, Ian.”
“This is—” I blew out a breath as I ran a hand over my face. “This was not supposed to happen.”
“No kidding,” Bronwyn said. “Ian, did you really get engaged to your assistant? Because I’m pretty sure I saw a ring on her hand when I zoomed in on one of the photos someone shared.”
“It’s…complicated,” I said, sighing as I glanced toward the gas station. Through the window, I could see Maddie browsing the shelves, completely oblivious. “I accidentally introduced her as my fiancée to get Margot off my back, and we just rolled with it for the summit. It wasn’t supposed to be a big deal.”
But of course it was a big deal. Because even if I seemed to forget it most of the time, there were other people out there in the world who liked to talk about me and whatever new trouble I’d gotten myself into.
And they all think I got Maddie pregnant!
This was not good.
“Well, it’s a big deal now,” Bronwyn said. “Which is why we need to decide how to handle this. Do you want me to release a statement?”
“I don’t know.” I hesitated, watching Maddie pick up a burrito and read the label. “This affects Maddie, too. I should probably talk to her first.”
“Fine, but do it quickly,” Bronwyn urged. “The sooner we address this, the better.”
“I will,” I promised. “But right now, her dad’s in surgery after a heart attack. I’m not exactly sure she can handle this on top of everything else.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Bronwyn’s tone softened immediately. “Okay, handle her situation first. But don’t wait too long, Ian. This is already spiraling.”
“I’ll let you know.”
We ended our call, and I slid my phone into my pocket, my chest tightening as Maddie walked back toward the car with burritos and coffee for both of us.
“Everything okay?” She glanced at me, her brows knitting together slightly.
“Yeah,” I lied, forcing a smile. “Just work stuff. Let’s get back on the road.”
She nodded, climbing into the car without another word. As I started the engine, I couldn’t help but wonder how I was going to break this news to her. Because while I didn’t care about the rumors for myself, I hated the idea of Maddie’s name being dragged into this mess.
She didn’t deserve that—not after everything she was already dealing with.
As I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, her face pale and her hands clutching the coffee cup, I made a silent vow. No matter what it took, I was going to fix this.
For her.
29
MADDIE
The hospital parkinglot blurred around me, a sea of concrete and cars that barely registered as I hurried toward the emergency entrance. Ian walked beside me, his steady presence the only thing keeping me grounded in that moment. The automatic doors slid open with a soft whoosh when we reached them, and a rush of cool, sterile air greeted us.
“My dad just had bypass surgery,” I said when I stepped up to the volunteer at the information desk, my stomach twisting. “Which way do I go to see him?”
The man with barely graying brown hair glanced up from the desk. “Just down this hall.” He gestured to the left. “The waiting room’s at the very end on your right.”
“Thanks.”
Ian and I moved down the hall, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the quiet. When we reached a room with green carpet and mauve cushioned chairs, my eyes scanned the space, searching for my siblings. A moment later, I saw Lexi and Easton sitting together with their spouses in the corner.
“Maddie!” Lexi exclaimed, her eyes lighting up when she saw me. She rushed over, throwing her arms around me. “You made it!”
The weight in my chest lightened just a little as I hugged her back, the warmth of her embrace grounding me. “Is Dad okay?”
“He is,” Easton said, stepping up to me next, his voice calm but laced with relief. “They just told us Dad’s out of surgery and in recovery.”
