Page 67 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

Teague stands by her, laughing as they watch footage from the scene they just filmed of Drake and Renna in the bathroom. I’ve never been more grateful that Teague is married and not a romantic option for Jenna. His good-boy charm would completely outshine me if he were available. That type of thing, along with goodness and wholesomeness, is probably right up her alley.

I turn to Dallas. “What do you know about Jenna’s past relationships?”

He doesn’t even look up from his phone. “What do you mean?”

“Like, who has she dated in the past?”

“I don’t know. Did you Google it?”

“No.”

Dallas’s eyes finally lift. “Why not?”

“Because Google is not the most reliable source when it comes to celebrities' dating history. Take me, for example.”

“Why do you want to know?”

I can’t tell him it’s because I want to see how far away from Jenna’s type I am.

“I don’t know. Just curious.” I tack on a shrug for added indifference. “I thought you might know since you work in publicity.”

“I honestly haven’t paid attention.” His gaze goes back to his phone, and mine goes back to Jenna.

We sit silently for a few minutes while I watch her until, finally, I say, “Hey, Dallas?”

“Yeah?”

“I was thinking I might consider donating to a charity or something.”

“That’s a great idea.” All his focus is on me now. “We could get pictures of you donating a check or playing with sick kids. You’d look like you have a heart of gold.”

I don’t want to look like I have a heart of gold. I actually want to have a heart of gold. There’s a big difference. Something I’m learning the hard way.

“This isn’t a publicity stunt. I don’t want anyone to know about it.”

“Why do it, then?”

“Because I want to help troubled teens whose parents are in custody battles.”

“I can get you lined up with a charity more important than that.”

That’s always been the problem. Nobody looks after these kinds of kids—kids like me. There’s always someone or something else that’s a worthier cause. But not to me.

I shake my head. “I don’t want something more important. I’m passionate about the custody battle thing.”

Dallas’s brows drop. “Custody battles?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll see what I can find out.”

“Thanks.”

I’m taking a page from Jenna’s book and looking outward instead of inward. And, who knows? Maybe I can help a kid whose life is messed up because they’re caught in a custody battle and don’t know where to turn or who to trust. Just one person who cared about me when I was a teenager would’ve made a big difference.

“But I still think we should use the charity as a way to add credibility to your rising image.”

“Not this time.”

---