Page 136 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
The open-plan space is empty.
Until, someone steps into view.
“Oh, hi,” Jenna says with a friendly wave. “They took Wyatt to the hotel’s gym to meet his physical therapist. Portia’s gone to her suite to freshen up, and she told me to take you down to the day spa.”
It takes me aback. “Excuse me?”
Jenny giggles, fixing her oversized glasses. “Yeah, as a thank you. She meant it when she said how grateful she is that you’ve been by Wyatt’s side. I’ve organized her regular treatments for you downstairs at the spa.”
“Oh, that’s really nice of you, and her, but it’s really not necessary.”
Jenna clasps her hands in front. “Well, I won’t force you, but the offer still stands.”
There’s something different about Jenna. She’s not pushy and in a rush like the other Circle 8 team members. I’m reminded of her sweet and apologetic reaction at the mention of Devon.
I glance around the room, and whisper, “So, iseveryonegone?”
Jenna nods. “Mm-hmm. Umm, if you want me to leave too, I can...”
“No,” I blurt. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you.”
“Me?” She smiles kindly. “Why’s that?”
I edge toward her and whisper, “Devon.”
Jenna recoils, frowning with a mixture of embarrassment and shame. “I shouldn’t have said... Especially in front of Wyatt. It was so stupid.”
“No, it wasn’t,” I rush. “I’m with you. I can’t believe Devon would hurt Wyatt.”
Her eyes grow larger behind her frames. “You do?”
I nod, gesturing for her to follow me to the couch. When we sit, I continue in a hushed tone. “They looked so close. Like best friends.”
“They were,” Jenna whispers back. “We all were.”
“So, you and Devon were close too?”
She nods. “That’s what I was going to say earlier, before everyone freaked out. Devon and I would always hang out whenever Wyatt and Portia were working together. We’d always comment on their friendship-that-could-be-more status.”
I recoil, yet have to ask, “Were Wyatt and Portia ever more than...?”
She shakes her head. “Not more than I saw on set.”
“And you were overseas with Portia when Wyatt’s accident happened?”
“Mm-hmm. We were devastated. I can’t believe they never gave Portia anytime off to see him.”
“She wanted to come back?”
“Desperately. They didn’t even tell her the status of his medical condition.”
“Why not?”
Jenna’s hands ball into fists and she grunts in frustration. “Becauseof how high Wyatt was trending when his condition was kept a secret. They didn’t tell Portia, Simon, or any of the talent, what was wrong with Wyatt. That way, when they were in interviews and asked about Wyatt, they’re answers were vague and it kept the mystery going online.”
My jaw drops. “They really did that?”
Jenna rolls her eyes. “It’s nothing new with Circle 8. Manipulating the talent is what keeps the cogs in motion. Heck, Simon was in town and ready to visit Wyatt. Portia texted him to ask how it went, and Simon told her his visit was canceled at the last minute.”
