Page 33 of Discover Me
I settle onto one of the couches, pulling out my phone to check messages. Jamie texted asking how things are going. My boss at Henderson Construction sent well-wishes and a reminder that my job is waiting when I'm healed. A few other messages from coworkers and neighbors, all supportive and kind.
One of the managers walks in about twenty minutes later, a woman in her forties with sharp eyes and sharper business attire. She introduces herself as Linda, part of the PR team working on Lunar Ransom's image.
"Micah, perfect. I wanted to chat with you about a few things." Linda sits in the chair across from me, pulling out a tablet. "We're working on softening Kellan's image, making him more approachable to mainstream audiences. You're a huge part of that strategy."
I nod, not sure what to say.
"We've compiled a list of things you can try to enhance the relationship narrative," Linda continues, swiping through her tablet. "Social media posts showing domestic moments, candid photos that look unscripted but are actually carefully staged, quotes about how he's changed your life. That sort of thing."
She talks for another ten minutes about optics and brand management and target demographics. I absorb about half of it, the rest washing over me like white noise. This is the business side of what Kellan does, the machinery that turns art into product.
Tom appears in the doorway, his presence immediately making the room feel smaller. Linda glances up and stands, excusing herself quickly. Tom takes her seat, that familiar calculating expression on his face.
"Micah. Settling in okay?" He doesn't wait for an answer. "Just remember this isn't real and not to get attached. This is a business arrangement with a predetermined end date. The pictures we've gotten already are fantastic, by the way. You two have natural chemistry which makes our job much easier."
The words hit me like cold water. Pictures. They've been taking pictures of us.
"The lake yesterday was perfect," Tom continues, scrolling through his phone. "Very romantic, very genuine-looking. The grocery store incident was a bonus, showed how protective Kellan is of you. Even this morning, the kiss outside? A+. Chef’s kiss." He actually makes the gesture. "We have cameras set up around a lot of places."
I realize with dawning horror that I'm being watched. That none of those moments were secret or private. Every time I step out of the apartment, I’m on someone’s camera. All of it captured and catalogued and analyzed for its marketing potential.
"Don't look so shocked." Tom's tone is almost kind, which makes it worse. "It's in the contract you signed. Standard procedure for publicity relationships. How else would we generate content?" He stands, pocketing his phone. "Anyway, Linda will follow up with you later about the photo shoot we're planning. Something outdoors, maybe near that lake since it photographed so well. We'll let you know the details."
Tom leaves and I sit there feeling violated and overwhelmed. Every moment with Kellan, every touch and kiss and laugh, has been observed and evaluated. Nothing was just for us. Nothing was private.
I need to move, need to do something besides sit here spiraling. I stand and start poking around the lounge, opening cabinets in the kitchenette area. Someone's stocked it well, probably for the band's use. Snacks and drinks and—
Tootsie Rolls. A whole bowl of them sitting on the counter.
Excitement rushes through me. I grab a handful and return to the couch, struggling with the wrapper before popping it in my mouth. The familiar chocolate flavor grounds me, reminds me that some things are still simple and good even when everything else feels complicated.
I pull out my phone and scroll through social media, curiosity getting the better of me. Searching my own name feels weird but I do it anyway. The results are overwhelming. Hundreds of posts and comments, all discussing the mysterious Beta dating Kellan Hayes.
"Who is he?"
"He's so normal looking, not what I expected."
"Construction worker? That's actually kind of hot."
"Love that Kellan's dating a working-class Beta instead of some Instagram model."
"He better treat Kellan right or the fans will end him."
The last comment makes my stomach turn. I exit the app and call Jamie instead, needing to hear a familiar voice.
"Hey! How's the rockstar life treating you?" Jamie answers on the second ring, his enthusiasm immediate.
"It's overwhelming." I unwrap another Tootsie Roll. "But interesting. Different."
"I bet. You're living in his place, right? What's his apartment like?" Jamie's tone is curious, not judgmental.
"Nice. Modern. Lots of music equipment everywhere." I graze over the personal touches Kellan added to the place. "I taught him to cook yesterday. It was a group effort."
Jamie laughs. "Domestic already. I love it. When are you coming home?"
"Maybe this weekend?" I hadn't thought about it until now. "I need to grab more clothes and check on the house. Make sure nothing's fallen apart while I've been gone."
"Everything's fine here. I checked on your place yesterday, watered your plants, grabbed your mail." Jamie pauses. "You guys started off strong. Most people don't move in together immediately."
