Page 134 of Broken Lines

“Ohwow, it’s beautiful!”

“Yeah, I’m…” I swallow as my core tightens. “I’m definitely going back. I loved it.”

“I bet!” She grins at me. “Oh! By the way, since June is your roommate and all…I’ve been trying to reach out to her about this story I’ve been dying to write.”

I hold back the smile, remembering my friend’s reluctance to have anything to do with Becca’s story.

“Would you ask her if she got my emails? And voicemails? I think I texted a couple times, too.”

And would you take a hint?

“I’ll totally ask her. I’m sure she’s just been busy. She plays out like four times a week.”

“Cool, thanks Mel—”

“MELODY!”

I jolt, whirling as Chuck’s office door yanks open and he sticks his head out of it. His eyes bulge and then narrow when he sees me.

“You’re still here!”

I pale. “I’m so sorry, I was just—”

“Shut up, you’re not in trouble. Get your ass in here, though.”

I tremble, my feet tripping over themselves as I rush to his office and follow him inside.

“Shut the door.”

I close it and turn to see him pacing the room.

“Your mom might’ve just given you a second shot.”

“She what?”

“You know she’s going to be on the Late Show tomorrow, yeah?’

My jaw sets.

“Yes, I do.”

“And you know that tapestonight?”

“I didn’t know that, but…okay?”

Chuck grins. “I’ve got a source on the set crew. You know, to pick up info before shit goes live to anyone else. That sort of thing.”

I nod uneasily.

“Mel, your mom is taping that show right now, and my guy says she’s spilling a fuckin’treasure troveof stuff.”

“How does that—”

“A lot of stuff aboutyou, actually.”

I stiffen, blinking rapidly as my pulse kicks up a notch.

“I don’t get what you mean.”

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