Page 71 of Catalyst

“It’s only a matter of time before they start talking about your relationship with him. When they do, it’s going to get ugly for you. Do you even like him enough to deal with that?”

I take a sip of my wine to keep from yelling at Steph. I understand what she’s saying, even if it’s not the kindest way to say it. “I didn’t start dating Adam because he’s a celebrity, Steph. He’s a great man, no matter what they print.”

“I’m not saying he isn’t as amazing as he seems. I just don’t want you to get into a situation where they print something shitty about you because you’re together. You’re not used to that type of attention. It would be a lot for you.”

I roll my lips between my teeth. Maybe I’m feeling a little extra sensitive, given what Adam said to me, but that stung a little.

“I appreciate your concern, Steph. I really do. But I’m a big girl. I can handle the consequences of dating a man who lives in the public eye.”

“Of course.” She reaches out to grab my hand. “I’m sorry I made it sound like I didn’t believe you can handle it. You’re stronger than most, after everything you’ve been through.”

I squeeze the fingers wrapped around mine in thanks. I have no desire to talk about everything I’ve been through.

“How are the wedding plans coming?” I ask, changing the subject. She dives into all the stress Mom has created for her. Nothing is perfect for our mother, which means the flowers Steph loves, she hates. The music Steph has dreamed about dancing to, Mom has vetoed. Basically, nothing Steph wants has been approved by Mom, and I hate that she isn’t getting the wedding she’s always dreamed about.

The cynic in me wants to tell her this is what she gets for sticking around for their money. And I hate that I think this way.

“I still want you to come, you know,” Steph says.

“And I would love to be there. Maybe I’ll sneak into the back of the ceremony and watch you say I do.”

“That would be amazing, Ellie.” Stephanie’s grin lights up the whole room, and I hate that our parents are keeping me from being a part of her big day. We both know I won’t be able to sneak into the ceremony, no matter how much we both want it, but we can still pretend.

“I should probably go,” Steph says, standing up from the couch. “I’m really glad we got to talk. And if there’s anything I can do to help you, please call me. I know we’ve never been as close as normal sisters, but I still want the best for you.”

“I appreciate you checking on me, Steph.” I give her a hug, soaking in the feeling of normalcy.

“Just one last thing… I’m not going to try to dissuade you from dating Adam. I just want you to be careful. Okay?”

“Okay.” I open the door for her and watch as she gets into her car. I head back into my living room once she’s gone and plop down on the couch. What a strange day. No, what a strange weekend. I run my hands up and down my face as if that will help clear the crazy.

“What is my life anymore? Everyone’s been switched by body doubles, and no one is acting the way they normally do. Next, my mother will call with an apology.”

My phone beeps on the coffee table, and I freeze. No fucking way. Not possible. I swear, if that’s my mom, I’m going to go buy a lottery ticket or something.

I pick it up and find myself staring, not at a text from my mother, but at a text from the same unknown number as before.

Unknown

Enjoying those consequences? This is only the beginning.

And now my BINGO card is officially complete.

CHAPTER33

Adam

The dim lightsguide my path toward my office; the silence is almost deafening this morning. Instead of relishing in the quiet, it’s making me uneasy.

I unlock the door to my office and immediately miss the smell of Ellie’s perfume. I had a feeling she wouldn’t be in this morning. I just wasn’t prepared for the gut punch I would experience at being correct.

God, I fucked up on Friday.

The thought of what I said makes me want to throw up every time I think about it. How she didn’t punch me right in the face, I’ll never know.

I’m hoping she’ll come in this morning so I can apologize. She hasn’t asked for the day off yet, although there’s still plenty of time for her to call in.

I wanted to apologize over the weekend, but I couldn’t ever gather the courage to see her. I wanted to do it in person, not over the phone, and the idea of knocking on her door without having a clue about how she was feeling felt daunting.

---