Page 20 of Pretty Wild

“Oh, they are. One entertainment show says they heard you went into rehab after what happened at the end of your show,” she says, making my stomach drop to my feet.

“I heard you were spotted in Paris with some prince of some small country no one can pronounce,” Blair adds.

I sigh, grateful to be taking a social media hiatus. The last thing I need is to read the rumors and lies being said about me. Not that it would be any different than any other time, but still. Not now, when I’m still reeling from Vaughn’s very public betrayal. “I’m sure it’ll all die down soon.”

Fat chance of that happening. I don’t know why, but the paparazzi love me. I’m the Hollywood Princess, as I’m often referred to. The daughter of one of the industry’s biggest movie producers and a former beauty queen turned philanthropist. I was practically born royalty.

“So, you’re here, hiding out?”

“What made you choose Pine Village?”

“Did you really not know what the big surprise was they were promoting for your season finale?”

“Okay, stop,” Ellie says, holding up both hands. “Let’s all take a deep breath. I’m sure Jade, or Ryan, has her reasons for doing and saying what she has. Let’s not completely overwhelm her in the first couple of minutes. I promised her a great time, just hanging out with my friends, and that’s what we’re gonna give her. If she wants to tell us more, so be it, but we will not push her,” Ellie says, giving Hallie a pointed look. Turning to me, she adds, “If you don’t want to stay, I would completely understand. My friends are good people, and if you do want to stay, we willrespect your privacy. No one here will say a word about your presence.”

My heartbeat starts to settle for the first time since Hallie outed me in front of everyone. “Thank you,” I reply, still feeling a bit overwhelmed.

“Come on, let’s take this food outside,” Blair announces. Turning to me, she adds, “I hope you’ll stay, and yes, Ellie’s right. We won’t say a word about you. No photos or anything,” she insists.

I nod, appreciating the hospitality and understanding.

Grabbing the fruit bowl, I follow behind the others outside and to the picnic area. There are tables and chairs set up as they begin preparing to serve the food. I set my bowl next to the pasta salad and step back, watching the dynamics. I have friends—dozens and dozens of them—but this feels different. These women are close. You can feel their love and bond, and even though I talk to my friends, I realize I may not know them as well as I should.

Sure, I know Calista doesn’t like lobster and that Sasha cheats on her boyfriend with her tennis instructor, but how well do I really know them? Deep down, you know? Their fears and worries and biggest regrets.

Just watching the women together for a short time feels different than anything I’ve experienced, and I don’t know why. I don’t know these women from Eve, but it’s just a vibe I pick up on, like a sixth sense flowing from the group.

“So, what do you think? Are you going to take off?” Ellie asks as she approaches.

I should. These four women know who I am. All it would take is one person telling another for it to slowly work its way to social media. From there, there’s no stopping it. It would hit every phone, every computer screen, every TV in America in a matter of seconds. The town would be swarmed, like bees tohoney. That’s not me being arrogant. It’s a fact. I’ve dealt with life under the microscope since birth, and I know how it goes. I’d have no privacy, which is exactly what I wanted when I chose this place as the spot to hide away for a little while.

“I’d completely understand if you do, and I still promise we won’t speak of it.”

I nod in appreciation and know what I want to do. “I’d like to stay, if it’s all the same.”

“Absolutely!” Ellie proclaims, clearly very excited about it. “You’ll have fun, I promise.” She threads her arm through mine once more. “Come on, let’s go grab a drink.” Before we can take two steps, she stops. “Oh, what name do you want us to use? If you’d prefer to go by Jade, that’s fine.”

A part of me wants them to call me by my real name, but I can’t take the chance of someone overhearing them use it and out me. “Umm, you can call me Ryan when it’s just us, but maybe Jade when we’re in public?” I suggest, feeling relieved by her understanding and compassion.

“We can do that, Well, Ryan, it looks like the food is ready. How about we grab us a plate and get to know each other.” She turns to the others. “Ryan is going to stay and eat with us. She agreed we can call her Ryan when it’s just us, but to keep her privacy, we’ll call her Jade in public. Don’t make this awkward,” she insists, her narrowed eyes leveling on Hallie.

She gapes at Ellie. “I would never.” To me she says, “Come on, Ryan. Let’s eat!”

7

MARCUS

I’m way late when arriving to the cookout, thanks to a tow call following an accident, but if I know Logan, there’s still plenty of food available for the latecomers. He’s a whiz on the grill and always makes a variety of delicious food. Buddy and I, that’s what I named the dog I’m now caring for, hit up the small bakery on Main Street for their selection of cookies. I got lucky there was anything left at this point in the day, especially since she was closing, so I grabbed all four varieties she had available.

I slow the tow truck down and park along the roadway. There’s enough grass between the trees and the road to comfortably park, which is what a lot of people do during the busy summer months. Logan’s cabin is across from the lake with lots of trees, paths, and access to everything the Bluff has to offer.

Climbing from my truck, I slip the leash onto Buddy’s collar and help him from the truck. He instantly starts to sniff around but doesn’t venture too far away from me. Grabbing the bag of cookies, I follow the sound of laughter to Logan’s property. The guys are standing off to the side, throwing bags, but as I walkpast the line of vehicles filling the driveway, I stop beside the one on the outside. I know this SUV, but what I can’t understand is why it’s here.

My eyes immediately scan the small crowd, looking for the driver of said SUV. It only takes me a second to spot her, sitting over by the fire with the group of women. They’re animatedly chatting, about what, I’m not sure. As far as I know, Ryan didn’t know anyone in town, so why is she sitting with the women like they’ve been friends forever?

“Hey, Marcus, quit gawking and come play. You and Gabe got winner,” TD hollers.

I turn my attention to the guys, who are all standing there, watching me and smiling. I move in their direction, Buddy happily trotting beside me, and refuse to acknowledge their smirks. “I see you noticed our guest,” Logan says, a cat that ate the canary grin on his smug face. “Holy shit, is that a dog?”

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