Page 53 of Discover Me
I close the app before I can read more, my stomach churning. They don't know this is supposed to be fake. Don't know we're being manipulated by Tom's timeline and contractual obligations. To them, we're just another celebrity couple burning bright and fast.
A knock sounds at my door and I call out for them to come in. Jamie walks in carrying two mugs of coffee, his expression sympathetic.
"Saw you were awake." He hands me one of the mugs, the warmth seeping into my palm. "Figured you could use this."
"Thanks." I take a sip, the familiar bitter taste grounding me. "When did you get here?"
"About an hour ago. Let myself in with the key you gave me." Jamie sits on the edge of my bed, his own coffee cradled in both hands. "Wanted to check on you. Make sure you were settling back in okay."
We sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes, just existing together the way we have for years. Jamie's been my constant through everything—my dad's death, the fall, the hospital stays, all of it. Having him here makes this house feel less empty, less wrong.
"Remember when we were kids and we'd camp out in your backyard?" Jamie says suddenly, a nostalgic smile on his face. "Your dad would set up that old tent and we'd stay up all night telling stupid ghost stories."
"And eating way too much candy." I smile at the memory. "He'd pretend to be asleep so we'd think we were getting away with something, but he was totally awake the whole time making sure we were safe."
"He was a good dad." Jamie's voice is soft. "Would have been proud of how you handled everything this past month. The fall, the recovery, all this craziness with Kellan."
"I don't know about that." I stare into my coffee. "Pretty sure he'd tell me I was being an idiot for getting involved in a fake relationship with a rockstar."
"Maybe. But he'd also understand why you did it. The medical bills, the pressure, needing something good in your life." Jamie shifts to face me more fully. "Speaking of which, they're reopening the case."
I look up sharply. "What do you mean?"
"You really need to get on social media more often, damn." Jamie pulls out his phone, scrolling through something. "Seems your fake boyfriend or whatever he is now called DetectiveMorrison and had a few choice words about the investigation. Made some noise about eyewitness testimony and sloppy police work."
"How the fuck do you know that?" My heart pounds harder. Kellan actually did it. Actually called Morrison like he said he would.
"I've got eyes and ears everywhere, you know that." Jamie grins. "Small town, everyone knows everyone's business. Plus Morrison's wife goes to the same gym as my mom. Word travels fast."
He scrolls through his phone a bit more. "Morrison said he'd look into it properly this time. And then someone else came forward last night saying she heard shouting but she was inside the building watching it happen. Couldn't get outside fast enough to help but she saw Derek and Colt shaking the ladder. Your rockstar boyfriend saves the day!"
Relief floods through me so intense it makes my eyes water. "They're actually going to investigate properly? Not just write it off as an unfortunate accident?"
"Looks like it." Jamie sets his phone down. "Derek and Colt are probably shitting themselves right now. Assault charges stick a lot harder than fleeing the scene."
I laugh, the sound slightly hysterical. Then I sigh, setting my coffee on the nightstand. "I just want all this to be over with. The case, the fake relationship, Tom's manipulation. I want to spend time with Kellan without cameras and contracts and timelines. I want him to enjoy his music again instead of being miserable at practice. I just want to move on with my life."
"You'll get there." Jamie's expression is understanding. "And then maybe it'll finally be my turn. Find myself a nice Alpha or Beta to settle down with. Live vicariously through your drama until I get my own."
We both laugh at that, the tension easing slightly. Jamie asks about my schedule for the rest of the week and I explain that we have one or two more outings scheduled before the big breakup. Public dates that Tom has planned down to the minute, designed for maximum visibility and eventual heartbreak.
"You're going to let that breakup happen?" Jamie's tone is challenging.
I shake my head. "I don't want it to. But I don't know how to stop it either. Tom found us making out in one of the practice rooms yesterday and kind of blew up at us. Accused us of making it real instead of keeping it professional. That's why I'm here instead of at Kellan's apartment. Tom separated us to prevent things from getting more complicated."
"Too late for that." Jamie snorts. "You're already in deep. Both of you are."
"Yeah." I run my good hand through my hair. "I am."
"Well, make this next date you have with him one to remember." Jamie's voice takes on that plotting tone that usually means he's about to suggest something reckless. "Make Kellan really have to stand up for you or walk away. I don't know Tom or show business, but he sounds a lot like someone who will be very annoying if you don't have Kellan on your side, fully committed and fighting for you."
I raise an eyebrow. "What are you suggesting?"
"Throw on some charm. Make Kellan realize what he'd be losing if you walk away. Show him exactly why you're worth fighting Tom over." Jamie grins. "And don't do anything I wouldn't do."
I snort. "That's not helpful advice. You'd do just about everything."
"Exactly." Jamie's grin widens. "Which means you have a lot of room to work with."
