Page 40 of Cross the Line
I glance up. He shrugs like this is the most natural conversation in the world—maybe it is. He touched on it at the hospital.
“The guy was blown away by how normal it was to navigate. He said it felteasierthan the cheating scandals and high-profile divorces.”
“Okay…?”
“This ridiculous article came at a good time. Maybe a crossroads for you, and you get to choose which path to follow.”
We’re not a path to manage.Jayden, Finley, and I aren’t a strategy or a brand pivot.We’re us.
“First of all,” Lex says, “we address the article. We’ll prepare a statement and record it, so you can personally deliver it on your social platforms.”
“Didn’t you say it’s fake news?” I glance down the aisle to the entertainment couch where Jayden and Finley are asleep—her head on his shoulder, his head on hers—Christina using Fin’s thigh as a pillow. They look peaceful, perfect. A knot forms in my chest at the idea of making any statement that throws shadow over us.
It feels like I’d be retreating on all the steps I’ve made. Like Connie keeps telling me:Don’t let the bastards grind you down. I’ve allowed it for too long, and I’m not willing to do it anymore. Not in the name of God. Not because I’m scared. Not because of shame.
“Eli, you can’t stay silent and wait for the wave to pull back, because it’ll drag you down, and you will drown,” Lex says, hands steepled.
Glancing at Taylor beside me, I look to him for advice. Lex is paid to look after the best interests of my career, but Taylor is the only true father figure I’ve had. He cares about me.
“I stand by what I’ve always told you, Son—you are your own person, and this is your life. Do not let anything, especially not fear, or anyone dictate it for you.” He leans to the side, peering down the aisle, lips puckering like he’s choosing words carefully. Then he settles back and pins me with a steady gaze. “Life can be one of two things. A maze or a labyrinth. You can get lost in all the different paths taking you in every direction and hit dead end after dead end. Live frustrated, in fear, and alone. Or… you can keep going forward, follow your path, and find yourself, your happiness… your people.”
His eyes flick toward Jayden and Finley. Loud and clear. No judgment.
“It’s your choice, Eli.”
I nod, let it sink in.
Seven years ago, my choice was stolen from me, and I’ve never taken it back. I caged myself so no one else would. Maybe it’s time to unlock the door. Maybe this is the momentIshow up forme.
I inhale. “I can’t make that statement.”
Fuck.My heart stops. Then restarts with a steadier, quiet surety I’ve never held.
It’s going to be okay, even if it hurts first.
“What statementdoyou want to make?” Lex asks, swirling his coffee, eyes narrowing—not hostile, just calculating.
The first time I met Lex Zimmerman, I knew the deal. He was a ruthless, no-bullshit man. There was no expensive booze, no flashy lunch—just a simple meeting in his boardroom where he told me what he’d do for me, how he’d do it, and gave me a list of rules I’d follow if I wanted him. He’s never let me down. He shows up beyond the contract, and I owe him clarity in return.
“Can I have a moment?” I stand when he nods. “I need to talk to Jayden and Finley.”
“Sure.”
He opens his laptop. I shove past the noise in my skull and drift to the couch.
I brush my thumb along Jayden’s lightly stubbled jaw. “Hey, Sunshine.”
A shiver ripples down my spine when he smiles against my skin.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” he mumbles, sleep-rough, his palm flattening on my stomach. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”
“You should be resting every chance you get.” I take his hand. “I need to talk to you.”
“Fuck, what’s happened? What’s wrong?” The instant worry sharpens his features.
“Nothing’s wrong, JJ.” Maybe not strictly true, but I feel oddly at peace with myself in spite of all the chaos around us. I know what I have to do right now, which is more than I’ve been sure of in years. “I just need to talk to you and Fin. You first.”
His fingers curl around mine as he gently shifts Finley’s head to the cushion. He eases up, and I guide him toward the small lounge by the bathroom and luggage alcove. The angle gives us privacy without a door.
