Page 62 of The Hearts We've Broken
“Depends on what part you’re calling bullshit.”
“That girl you’re with in the photo. She’s the one who works at Rudy’s.” His words came out more matter of fact than questioning.
I nodded.
Leroy pouted, seemingly in approval, as he nodded. “I like ’er. Don’t fuck that up.”
I chuckled, ready to brush him off, but he continued.
“I see you bringin’ in those women all the time, and I gotta say, I think that whole skirt chaser thing you got goin’ on is a big ol’ steaming pile of horse shit.”
“I—”
“Y’wanna know what I think?” He paused as he stood, his rickety knees shaking as he pointed a gnarled finger at me. “I think you just want someone to love you. And you’re lookin’ for it in all the wrong places, boy.” Without giving me a second glance, he went back to flipping through the tabloid, leaving me utterly speechless.
I went into my trailer and immediately dialed my agent’s number. He picked up on the second ring.
“This is Travis.”
“Have you seen the magazine article that came out about me and Juniper?” I demanded.
“I have.”
Annoyance prickled at my skin. “And? What are we going to do about it?”
“We’ll stay on top of it, I promise. Just keep laying low, and it should blow over. It wouldn’t hurt to spend more time with the girl. I know it looks bad, but if people continue to see you together, they might accept it and back off.”
My brows furrowed. Was he implying that he didn’t believe it was real, either?
“We’ll handle it, Mikey. I’ve gotta go, but we’ll talk soon, okay?”
My phone beeped in my ear as the call ended, and I huffed out a deep breath.
“Where’s your girlyfriend?” Jake asked me as he took a seat at the dining table in Ellison and Colter’s place.
Shrugging, I pulled out a chair for myself.
“What, you win the bet then drop her already?” Colter laughed.
“No.” I glared at him. “We’re in a relationship, not attached at the hip. We can spend time without each other.”
“Yeah, Colt. It’s actually healthy not to spend every waking hour with your significant other.” Reid nudged him in the ribs.
“Yeah, yeah. Can’t blame a man for being obsessed with his wife.” Colter gazed longingly at Ellison, who was across the room.
“Give him a break, guys. It’s only been a few days since we got back. I’d need a break from Mikey, too, if I had to spend six weeks with him,” Ellison teased, sticking out her tongue when I rolled my eyes.
“You should bring her over for dinner again. A bit of a redo of the first time.” Colter scratched the back of his head.
Ellison nodded, her smile beaming. “That’s a great idea! Next week?”
“Yeah, that sounds great, Ellie,” Reid agreed, followed by Hayden and Jake nodding their approval.
“Maybe we can have a potluck-style dinner?” Hayden suggested. “I always feel bad that you’re the only one who cooks.”
“I’ll have to see what she’s doing, but I’m sure that’ll be fine.” I was all for the idea of spending more time with Juniper, especially after my conversation with Travis. I just didn’t know how she felt about spending time with me outside our agreed upon timeframe.
“Hey, next time Isa’s in town, you guys should host. Give Ellison a break,” Jake added.
