Page 81 of Pretty Wild

“Why? Because in this town, we protect our own,” Hallie insists.

My mouth falls open as I gape up at her. “But…I’m not from here.”

She tsks. “What does that matter? You’re with Marcus and you’ve made friends. That counts for something here, Ryan.”

“I’m not with Marcus,” I insist, shaking my head.

“Semantics. But youdohave friends here,” Jillian states with conviction. “This town is something special and they recognizethat in you too. We know you came here for a reason, and they won’t be the ones who out you.”

“No, I did that all on my own,” I grumble, wishing I had a tall caramel iced latte right about now.

“It happens. What we need to do now is get you out of here and to the cabin. From what we’ve all gathered, no one knows where you’re staying, and the ones who do won’t say a word.”

I sigh and shake my head. “I hate this. I brought this on Pine Village.”

“We can handle a bunch of early-twenties girls,” Hallie says.

“Besides, I bet they don’t hang around for long without any place close to stay. The nearest hotel is probably in St. Paul,” Jillian adds, referring to the city thirty minutes away.

“Yeah,” I agree, but my heart tells me that’s probably not the case. Fans are resilient and determined. So are the photogs. “The paparazzi is probably already here, and they’re ruthless. They won’t leave until they find me.”

“Well, they won’t hear it from any of us. I’ll make sure of it,” Hallie says.

I sigh, realizing my time in Pine Village is probably up. I can’t stay, letting the paparazzi wreak havoc on this lovely small town. They’re used to an onslaught of people during tourist season, but they’re not ready for the rudeness of California paparazzi. The pushing, shoving, trespassing, do what it takes at all costs to get your shot. I can’t do that to this place.

“I’ll be right back,” Jillian says, slipping out the office door and closing it behind her.

“There’s more,” Hallie says the moment we’re alone.

My shoulders sag. “What? More?”

She nods. “It’s all over the news today. Your dad fired Vaughn.”

“What!” I holler, unable to stop that one word from flying from my mouth.

“Yep,” she says. “He released a statement that said the production company and Vaughn Cramer amicably parted ways. They’re actively searching for a replacement and don’t see the start of filming to be delayed by this turn of events.”

“I told him not to,” I say.

“Well, being fired is the least of what he deserves,” Hallie replies decisively.

I can’t help but smile. “You’re not the first person to tell me that.” I exhale deeply. “I wonder why he didn’t tell me he was going to do that,” I say, yet instantly knowing the reason. He probably did try calling me, but I had my phone off.

The door opens again, and Jillian slips back inside. “Here,” she says, handing me a large, iced drink. “Large caramel iced latte, with skim milk and sugar-free caramel.”

I take a sip and sigh in sweet relief. “Thank you so much,” I say, pulling some cash from my bag.

Jilian waves off the money. “Please,” she says, shaking her head. “After the morning you’ve had, I think you’ve earned a free coffee.”

“Well, thank you,” I say, taking another sip.

“Oh, and I called you a ride. This way, in case someone spots you, you’ll have security.”

My ears perk up. “Security?”

There’s another knock at the door, and when it opens, TD is standing there. “Hey, ladies.” He levels his gaze at me and adds, “I hear you’re causing all sorts of trouble.”

A small smile stretches across my lips. “Apparently.”

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