Page 106 of My Rock Star Neighbor
Hayden enters, clearly delighted with my downfall.He suggests I be put on probation, but the phone keeps ringing for the managing editor with congratulations about my big scoop.Another editor pops her head in to say it’s the most-clicked article and seems to be especially hot because I previously ran thatMeet the City Agenciesseries.People are shocked that the miniaturist is corrupt.
“We’ll discuss internally what the repercussions will be.Without this article, we would have dismissed you.”Shane waves me out.
Those words hit me physically.
If I hadn’t signed that contract, I’d be basking in the glow of success while seated next to him, taking those calls.But instead, I’ve been dismissed from his office—and possibly from this job.
Should I stay to make the case for myself?Isn’t my article enough to show I’m a good reporter, that they should promote me?This is my personal life and should have no impact on my career.Hayden shuts the door as I hesitate outside on the threshold.
I’m not going to beg in front of Hayden.Shane is smart.He’ll make the right decision.And if not, I’ll find a paper that knows my worth.
Chapter thirty-three
Nick
MusEnisbackto“Maddie and I should break up” to get rid of this problem.Five suits are sitting across the table from me in some sort of power play.It doesn’t impress me.It makes me feel better that they seemed to think that they neededfiveof them to persuade me.I’ve dealt with adversity before and come through it.This will blow over.It’s YouTube woman getting her petty revenge.Try performing in a New York City subway station and making five dollars after three hours.Try looking in a biker bar for a father who doesn’t want you.Maddie is the one for me, and I’m not giving her up.
“I’m not breaking up with Maddie,” I say.“She’s my girlfriend.”
“It’s either her or your record contract.The label will exercise the morality clause.”
“I thought any publicity was good publicity,” I say.
“You’re just starting, and this type of publicity—that you lied to your fans—is not good publicity.The label tried the ‘I always liked her’ story, but it doesn’t seem to be swaying fans, so they’d prefer you break up.Be apologetic and say you’ve realized it’s best for both of your careers.The fans are out in full force atThe Intelligencer.It can’t be good for her career, especially with signs calling her a ‘report-liar.’”
I gulp.Signs are calling her a report-liar?
On her big day.
These aren’t my fans, though.How could my fans want love to fail?And be so vindictive towards someone I love?
I love.
I love Maddie.
And dating me is destroying her career.
“Give me twenty-four hours to see if I can change the narrative,” I say.
I leave the studio and make my way toThe Intelligencerto wade into a group of fans.There area lotof “Report-liar” signs.I really hope Maddie doesn’t see these, but I’m sure she’s already aware of it.
“Hello,” I say to one group of women holding up a bunch of these signs.I want to tell them that I don’t want them as fans if they can hold up such cruel signs, but that’s not going to help.
Their eyes widen in shock as they realize it’s me.I can feel the energy that pulses through the crowd as they realize I’m here, and they press forward.I stand with my feet planted.
“Nick Devlin?”one asks in disbelief.
“In the flesh,” I say.“Here to ask you to forgive me but also to ask you to let me date Maddie in peace.She really makes me happy.”
“But you lied to us about dating.”
“I didn’t lie about my feelings for her,” I say.“Those only got stronger the more time we spent together.Why are you so upset about the fake-dating contract when now we’re dating for real?”
“How can I trust you?How can I believe in the words that you write?”a female fan asks me.
“If my words resonate with you, it’s because of your own lived experience, so that’s your truth,” I say.
They lower their signs.
