Page 58 of The Friend Situation

“What’s on your mind?”

It’s an open invitation to ask me anything, and she knows that.

“Why haven’t you exposed Lena?” she questions gently, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

A lump rises in my throat, heavy and unyielding. I haven’t shared the intimate details of why I filed for divorce with anyone other than Easton. It’s a chapter of my life shrouded in shadows.

“I’m sorry,” she says, realization dawning in her gaze. “I shouldn’t have asked that. It’s just … I know you’re not the bad guy even though she tries to paint you like you’re a monster.”

Warmth floods my chest at her gentleness—a reminder of the bond we’ve forged in the delicate spaces between ourvulnerabilities. I’m thankful for her presence, for the light she radiates into the shadows of my life. She sees me for who I am, and that’s all that matters.

“Never apologize for speaking freely,” I say, propping my elbow up on the back of the couch and turning my body toward her. “One of my favorite things about you is that you’ll ask me what’s on my mind, even if it’s uncomfortable.”

“Because you can handle the hard questions,” she says with defiance in her eyes.

I nod. “I will share this: I should expose her because she deserves that. However, I’d much rather deny her the dirty attention she craves from me. She’s been starved of my presence, and she knows it. The media is losing interest; it’s been a year since she shared anything new about our past relationship. I’d rather let her unravel by her own doing. Eventually, people will see her for who she is.”

“They already have,” she confirms.

“Exactly. And it’ll be her own words that finally ruin her, not mine. So, in the meantime, I’ll spend the energy I have left to fight her in court.”

“I’m proud of you. Not engaging takes maturity and willpower most don’t have.” She clears her throat. “Can we discuss the cons of our very public friendship?”

I’m happy for the subject change as I glance back at the flames, mesmerized as I play out our potential future together. “You being followed and watched. Rumors about us. Hate from super stans who will never approve of anyone I’m with, even if it’s speculation.”

She sits silent for a few minutes, inhaling deeply. I don’t push her to speak, allowing her time to process what it could mean if we moved forward.

“What if someone finds out about LuxLeaks? You being tied to a gossip blog could hurt your image.”

I laugh, and the sound is light and carefree. “If Lena couldn’tdestroy me, nothing can.”

She tries to hold back a smile.

“And if your identity were ever revealed—which itneverwill be—I’d stand beside you without hesitation. I don’t care what anyone thinks. I’d publicly invest in your site and help with distribution if you’d let me. I believe in what you’re doing, and I say that with my full chest,” I admit.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve your friendship.”

“Mmm. You told the truth.” My voice softens. “You’ve been unapologetically yourself since the day we met. Most people aren’t like you.”

She smiles. “What do you mean?”

“You’re authentically yourself. No matter the company.”

Her brows furrow. “I can’t imagine the type of people you constantly deal with.”

“Don’t pity me,” I tell her, shaking my head. I’m familiar with that look. “I chose this life.”

“Did you?” she honestly questions. “Or were you manufactured to be who you are?”

I smile. “You make me sound like I was harvested in a test tube.”

“Nah, just a little nepo baby.” Carlee licks her lips.

Our smiles pull each other closer, and I realize I never want this night to end.

“That supposed to offend me?”

“No, because it’s the truth.”

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