Page 74 of The Final Draft

“Jules, Cole’s in trouble!”

Fuck.

CHAPTER

FORTY-NINE

HARPER

It’s been two days since I’ve talked to Julian. I’ve texted him a few times to say hi, and he sends short, quick replies. Today, no response. I have a bad feeling about this. I called him a few hours ago, and he didn’t answer. Sure, he could be at some business lunch, but he usually texts. A lot. I don’t want to be that needy girl, but I want to make sure he’s okay. Active imagination and idle time are not a good combination.

I call Lawson, and after our usual catch up, I try to act casual when I ask if Chance is around.

“Yeah, why?” His voice carries a hint of suspicion.

“I wanted to ask a quick question, that’s all. He’s Julian’s best friend, and I figured he could help me with Christmas present ideas.” He grunts acceptance and yells for Chance across the dressing room. They’re getting ready for a game in Colorado.

I hate lying to Lawson, but I don’t want him to worry. Although he pretends to be fine with Julian, he’s carefully observing to make sure I’m treated well. Despite his pretenseof not being overprotective, he does it from a distance. Doesn’t mean he’s not monitoring everything.

“Hey Harps, how are you?” Chance’s jovial voice puts me on high alert. If something was wrong with Julian, he wouldn’t be so chipper.

“I’m um, I’m okay. I know it’s silly, but I was wondering if you’ve heard from Julian today.”

“Yeah, a little bit ago. He was getting his hair cut for some red-carpet thing that Maddie roped him into and didn’t have time to talk. You know I don’t keep up with his circle. Whenever he’s in LA, he always gets wrapped up and forgets us little people.” I bristle at Chance’s joke. Julian talked to Chance. He’s fine. He’s just not talking to me. And he’s with Madelyn Reynolds. Okay then.

"Well, we're a bunch of missed connections," I chuckle, a hint of sadness in my voice. “And I'm glad to know he's okay.” I plaster a fake smile across my face, a thin mask over the upset that’s churning inside. “Hey, get a goal tonight. Or two.”

“When I score, I’ll dedicate it to you, Harps. See you soon.” He disconnects our call, and I let the tears fall while I google red-carpet events happening in Los Angeles tonight.

One event is live-streaming and I’ll get it ready to watch. I’m curled up on the couch with Noodle while I watch beautiful people walk this red carpet, the women in glamorous dresses, the men in designer suits. It’s the premiere of a music video with a charity concert afterward. I don’t understand why Julian would be there, but I’m watching intently. Maybe Chance was wrong. This is the only red carpet I could find in LA tonight, so I wait nervously to see if my boyfriend is in attendance.

The paparazzi go crazy, yelling at the A-list movie star, Madelyn Reynolds, and my heart sinks. Maddie. In her form-fitting sequined cocktail dress, she’s absolutely stunning, a vision of elegance beside a man I assume is her fiancé. Sheglances down the carpet, her eyes falling on Julian, who has a stunning blonde draped alluringly over his arm.

The camera focuses on Madelyn as she stops in front of a reporter, their conversation drowning out the shouts of her name by the adoring crowd and reporters. She explains she's there to support her fiancé, Fredrick, her voice soft but firm with quiet pride.

“Fredrick, we’re all anxiously awaiting the announcement of the next bachelor. Any hints?” The reporter puts the microphone in his face, and the camera zooms in, hoping for the scoop.

“Why don’t you talk to Julian Decker and see what he has to say?” Fredrick winks at the camera and steps away. The reporter calls Julian over. The blonde looks familiar, but I’m too fixated on Julian. His easy smile. His perfectly tailored suit. His arm around the blonde.

“Julian, care to comment on the rumor you’re going to be the next bachelor?”

He chuckles before he responds. “I’m in a relationship, so no, not interested.” The blonde snuggles in closer to Julian. Is he implying he’s in a relationship with her?

The reporter shifts her attention to the mystery girl with Julian.

“Kelsey, what’s it like opening for country-music royalty?” Kelsey? I rack my brain to place her. Is she the girl who wonAmerica’s Next Country Star? Maybe. I only saw clips on TikTok, so I can’t be sure.

She leans in and gives Julian a kiss on the cheek, a touch of lipstick remaining as a reminder. I’m pretty sure she was going for the lips, but he seemed to turn his head, so she missed. Given Julian's composure and acceptance of the circumstances, it's impossible to say for sure what's going on.

“Amazing. Everything is amazing right now,” she coos. Julian smiles at the camera, holds his hand out, and guides her down the red carpet.

Anger radiates through my body as my call goes straight to his voicemail. I’m confused. Pissed. I don’t control my tone when leaving a message.

“What the fuck did I just watch, Julian? You know what? Don’t bother answering.”

CHAPTER

FIFTY

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