Page 62 of Under Ground

She seems to hesitate again before responding. “Alex also told Reece that you two broke up because of what happened. Are you okay?”

I sigh. “Maybe I will be in time. I don’t know.”

“It’s a shame you’re all the way over there. It’d be so much easier if you were closer.”

Running my hand through my hair, I lie back on the couch. “I wish I was too. I love your cooking videos. They came right as Casey started eating more solids, and she just loves your mac and cheese.”

Delaney laughs. “I officially love you now. When I meet people, usually the first thing they say is which of Josh’s movies they like. I mean, who cares about his career—what about me?”

I snort and then cover my nose with my hand with embarrassment.

“Oh, I think you’d fit in well here, Lana. But you have to do what’s best for you and Casey. Just again know that I’m here if you need me.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I was a single mum. When I fell pregnant with my eldest, my mum threw me out, but I had my bestie, Pania, and her family. They took me in. Sounds like you’re doing a hell of a job on your own.”

I well up again. “I appreciate that. And I had no idea.”

“It’s not really public knowledge. I’m not ashamed of it, but I know what it’s like to be left out in the cold. So, I really do mean it when I say I’m here for anything you need. I was lucky that Josh had been living in this world for a while before I joined him. He knew how to take care of us.” She pauses. “I think Alex really loves you, but he’s still working out how this life works for him, let alone bringing a family into it.”

“How do you handle the fans?”

She snorts. “They can be so invasive. Josh thinks I’m crazy for doing it, but I do monitor some of the more extreme fans for myself. Some of them think our marriage is fake and he’s in some secret relationship with Gabby Reynolds.”

My eyebrows rise. “No way.”

“Some of them even requested copies of our marriage certificate.”

“How do you cope with that?”

Delaney chuckles. “Good friends and wine. I cope by keeping an eye on it because I think I’d be more crazy if I couldn’t see. All I’m worried about is keeping my kids safe.”

I blink back tears. “I was so scared,” I whisper.

“I bet you were. I’m so glad you’re both okay.”

“Thank you.”

“And don’t think I’m pushing you to get back together with Alex, either. I haven’t even met the guy. You have to do what’s best for you and your girl. If anyone understands that, it’s me.”

I swallow hard.

“So, if you need a friend, or just someone to talk to, I’m here. I’ll text you all my contact details.”

“Thank you.”

I sit in the quiet for a while after the call’s finished. Part of me still can’t believe that Delaney Carter took the time out to call me and talk. She must have a million other things to do with her day. And she’s so funny, and down to earth, and …

If we ever meet, I have to stop fangirling over her.

Alex reassured me that we wouldn’t get this kind of attention, but it wasn’t him downplaying the situation. It was his inexperience that caused him to promise things he couldn’t predict.

And now, the opposite has happened.

Delaney’s right. This won’t necessarily go away just because I made the break.

So, what the hell do I do?

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