Page 74 of The Wiener Across the Way

We hit a little traffic when we got into Denver, so I played with the radio stations as we sat in some bumper-to-bumper traffic right near the stadium downtown. It was good market research to find the ones that played my music, so I could also see who else was getting airtime.

I found some kind of top forties station that was playing a remix of one of my newer tracks. The song faded and the DJ came on. “That was Kelsey Best’s most recent number one single, ‘Blow Me Down’. You lucky ducks who were at the Aspen music festival last week are probably the last ones to ever get to hear it live now that she’s cancelled her tour. We’re wishing her a healthy recovery, but word on the street is that record label Big Marine is claiming breach of contract.”

My mouth literally fell open and a tinny ringing whooshed through my ears. But it didn’t cover the sound of the DJ continuing on. “There’s still no news out of Best’s camp, but in an interview with The Celeb Scoop, former boyfriend Jake Jay said quote ‘I never would have told Kelsey she had to give up her career for me.’ referring to the rumors that her new beau, Denver’s own Declan Kingman, is bullying Best into these decisions to withdraw from public life after her health scare.”

“That’s fucking bullshit.” Declan pulled the SUV onto the shoulder and zipped up the side of the highway until we made it to the next exit. He pulled off and pulled the car into the closest parking lot, which was a small strip mall that reminded me a lot of the one where my parents had their shop.

He screeched to a stop and threw the car into park and killed the engine, which also cut off the radio. Then he turned to me.“Kels? Are you okay? You haven’t said anything. Talk to me, please.”

I hadn’t said anything because I was just trying not to throw up. Concerts cancelled, breach of contract, give up her career, withdraw from public life. Those phrases just swirled in my mind like a tornado. The only thing tethering me so I didn’t get whipped away into the storm of what-the-fuckery was Declan.

I swallowed twice, three times, and when I was sure I wasn’t going to spew all over him, I took his hand and squeezed hard. “I don’t know what the hell is going on, but the one thing I do know is that you are not some bully. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

He let out a long, pent up breath that I think he’d been holding since we’d stopped. “Thank fuck. I know I’ve got a shitty reputation, but I never cared. I’m sorry it’s hurting you right now.”

“It’s not. Jake is being the gaslighting dick very few people know he is. When this is over, I’ll make sure people do know.” Add another new song to my to-be-written list. “Let’s ignore that part right now. I need to get a hold of Skeeter and Penelope to find out what’s really happening.”

The lights of a cell phone shop glowed in the parking lot in front of us. Perfect. First, new phones so we could reconnect. Then a smack in the face from the real world.

MZ. BESTIES’ BESTIE POSTS

FACESPACE GROUP POST, COPIED TO INSTASNAP, AND FLIPFLOP.

Hey Besties,

No, I don’t know what’s going on either.

I know a lot of you are feeling mad, or sad, or betrayed, or a whole lot of other unhappy emotions about the concerts being cancelled and Kelsey’s radio silence about what’s going on.

I have a lot of mixed emotions about it too. It’s like I’ve lost my job.

But I have to believe in our girl. I have to believe that she’s doing everything in her power to make this right for us all. She’s never let us down before, and I have to believe that she isn’t going to now.

Something big is definitely happening behind the scenes that we aren’t privy too. I know, I know, I’m usually your source for all things Kelsey, but even my insider connections are cut off right now. No one has heard from her, and while that scares me,I one hundo believe that the King’s Man is taking care of her. Don’t believe any of that chatter that he’s a bully and that he’s making her do anything. That’s just jellies looking for clout or views or clicks.

Kelsey is a strong, independent woman who knows her worth. Declan knows her worth too. I’ve seen it.

Be the true Besties I know you are and let’s send out our love to Kelsey. I think her health scare last week really changed something big for her, and she needs our support more now than ever.

XO

Your BFF,

Mz. Besties’ Bestie

KelsCrownJewel: Sending all the love to Kelsey! We trust you, Mz. Besties Bestie, to always keep us updated. Hoping Kelsey is doing okay. #WeBelieveInKelsey

MusicManiaMeg: Totally heartbroken about the concerts but health comes first. Thanks for always giving us the deets, Mz.Besties Bestie! Kelsey’s happiness is all that matters.

Mz. Besties Bestie(replying to MusicManiaMeg): Absolutely, Meg! Kelsey’s well-being is our number one priority. Thanks for the love and support!

DeclanDefenseSquad: Anyone who thinks Declan’s a bully clearly doesn’t know him. He’s Kelsey’s rock! #TeamDeclan

ConcernedCarol: I’m just worried about Kelsey... Declan seems nice, but he’s known for being tough on the field. Hope he’s gentle with our girl.

Mz. Besties Bestie(replying to ConcernedCarol): Hey, Carol, I get your concern. But rest assured, Declan’s on-field persona is totally different from how he is with Kelsey. He’s a total softie around her.

HarmonyHarp: Anyone else feeling anxious about this silence? Kelsey, if you’re reading this, we’re here for you, always!

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