Page 37 of The Fangirl and the Playboy

Will that knowledge change anything for her? Will she see me in a new light? Or will she still be determined to draw the line at friendship as far as I’m concerned?

Whatever she decides, I’ll accept it. As long as she doesn’t try to oust me from her life again, completely.

That, I don’t think I could handle.

ChapterNineteen

Willow

“Stella and I just celebrated our two-year anniversary a couple of months ago.”

I pause with my after-dinner coffee halfway to my mouth. I recognize the voice coming from the television I left on in the living room. I hurry in there, careful not to spill the hot liquid in my mug, and stare wide-eyed at the screen.

I was right. It’s Julia Warner.

“It’s been quite the journey for me, realizing truths about myself so long ago, but being afraid to live those truths. I’ve spent over a decade in hiding, convincing myself I was paying the price of fame. That if I were honest, it would somehow stymie my career. But with the help of those who love me––my family, Stella, my agent, and my best friend who’s helped me more over the years than you could possibly know––I’ve finally found the courage and resolve to be authentically me. To realize there’s nothing to fear.”

I sip my coffee without tasting it as my mind tries to process Julia’s words. She’s been hiding this truth for over a decade? That means…

Gavin was definitely telling the truth when he said their whole relationship was a farce. I mean, Ibelievedhim when he said it, but this interview proves it.

Gavin’s words from our conversation in my office echo through my mind.

“She grabbed me and purposefully kissed me in front of the paparazzi, Willow. She set the whole thing up.”

“She wanted photos of us to be spread around so people would think we were together.”

“I can’t tell you why Julia did it.”

“It’s not my secret to share.”

I look back at the television screen to see Julia, her hand wrapped tightly in her girlfriend’s, speak directly into the camera.

“I know my secret has hurt people in the past, and however unintentional it was, I’m deeply sorry for that pain.”

Oh, God.

Something must’ve happened that day. Something thatdroveJulia to kiss Gavin in front of those photographers.

I slump onto the couch and set my coffee mug on the end table before I spill it, the single sip I took tasting bitter on my tongue. Gavin was being a good friend, protecting Julia by going along with her lie despite how it affected his own life.

But he was going to tell the truth. He came to my window that night, determined to explain, and I refused to listen. I made him leave.

This wasn’t about movie publicity. Gavin didn’t hurt me to further his own career. He was savinghers. At least, that’s what they both assumed at the time. I don’t think it would have affected her as badly as she assumed it would, but we were all dumb teenagers back then, and it probably felt like the end of the world.

No. I shouldn’t take all the blame for this. Gavin could’ve tried again. Called me. Texted. Hell, he could’ve come back for me when their fake relationship was over, and he didn’t.

I slump even further into the couch with a sigh. Blaming Gavin for this doesn’t feel right, either. He was only trying to help a friend. It was just a fucked up situation for all of us. Things went the way they went. We can’t change the past.

I look over at the coffee and frown. I need something else. Something calming. But I’m out of tea, and drinking alcohol will lead to nothing good. Making the decision, I hop up and grab my keys and my phone. Slipping my feet into a pair of flip-flops, I head outside and lock the door behind me.

I’ll just head to Moonstone Mystic and make myself some tea. It’s after-hours, so I’ll have the place to myself.

When I get to the shop, I park in front and climb out of my car. Movement in my peripheral vision catches my attention, and I look over to see Gavin stepping out of the tavern. My green hatchback must catch his eye, because I see his gaze search the area until it lands on me.

He smiles, and lifts his hand in a wave before jogging in my direction.

Well,shit. I guess this is it. Time to really––with finality––clear the air.

---