Page 123 of You and Me, For Real
I shield my eyes.
Winston slides up next to my other side, the two men sandwiching me under their protective wings.
“Move!” Winston shouts.
“Out of the way!” Luke roars over the crowd in a commanding voice I’ve never heard him use before.
The mass of people doesn’t subside until we’re right in front of the limo.
Winston opens the door. “In you go, miss.”
I slip into the limo. The door shuts behind me. The noise of the paparazzi mutes by a fraction. Luke continues to shout at thecrowd to back off as Winston races around the limo and opens the driver’s door.
I collapse onto my side and curl into a ball. My chest shudders with big, gasping breaths. My head pounds, my weeping uncontrollable. Holding my knees, I rock back and forth, wishing I could blink and this nightmare would just go away.
But it doesn’t.
Because this is my reality.
The world knows who I am. And once again, the world gets a front-row seat to me being painted as theotherwoman. I am not the villain.
I am the victim.
My chest aches like it’s been ripped open, my heart pulled out and splayed against the concrete for all to observe.
Winston comes through the intercom, soft and hesitant. “Ma’am, where to? Still the Reynolds residence?” The limo privacy screen remains closed, thank goodness. I don’t need any more witnesses to my sobbing.
I try to steady my voice. “That’ll be fine, Winston. Thank you.”
I can’t stay at Wren’s anymore. It’s too close to Griffin. I need time away. Space to think. Clear my head. I’ll go collect my things and the dogs.
The puppies!
They’re at Griffin’s. I’ll have to use the code he gave me to get in. I just hope I can get in and out before he gets home.
I’m back in the same position I was a month ago—homeless. I snatch my phone off the seat and open my contacts to call the only other person I know who might take me in besides Lynn.
As the phone rings, I fight the urge to hang up.
“Hello?”
“Cecily, I need your help.”
36
GRIFFIN
Istand in the dark, empty hallway, feeling like a piece of my heart has walked out of the building. I pace back and forth, waiting for Luke’s return. It’s not long before I hear a barrage of shouts outside. I rush to the door and open it, peering out. Flashes of light spark through the bushes like white fireworks exploding outside the gardens.
Paparazzi.
I should’ve known they’d be waiting outside.
I push through the doors and race down the steps. My only goal is Ashton and getting her to safety. As soon as I exit the gate, a horde of paps engulfs me.
“Did you plan to fall in love with Ms. Reid?”
“Did you always know Ms. Reid was actually Ms. Blake?”
