by L. P. Dover
“Hey,” I answered.
“Hey. I wanted to call earlier, but I thought I’d wait for things to die down. What’s going on with the show and with Callie?” Madison asked.
“I figured you’d be upset about what they said about me and you.”
She snorted. “Please. We both know it’s not true.”
I pulled up to the hotel and got out. “Callie doesn’t. She’s not talking to me right now. No matter what I tell her, she doesn’t believe me.”
“Anything I can do?”
“Nope. I’m on my own in this. I plan on getting her back.”
“You’ve always gotten what you wanted, Dallas Easton. It’s in your blood. I just don’t see how that’s going to happen with you doing the show.”
The hotel lobby was busy with people roaming around everywhere. I went straight to the elevators and pressed the button. “You’ll just have to see. Make sure to watch it.” We hung up and I rode the elevator up to Ty’s floor. I knocked on his door and he opened it, dressed in gray pants and a white T-shirt, his hair still damp from the shower.
“You’re early.”
I shrugged. “Had nothing else to do. Everyone hates me.”
He dismissed the comment with a wave. “They’ll get over it. You’re about to be on TV. Your fans still love you.” I walked into his room. “Have you told your friends and family?”
“Didn’t have to. The tabloids did it for me.”
“You might want to pretend to be somewhat excited about the show,” he grumbled, running a towel through his hair. “Wasn’t it you who said, and I quote, ‘Think of all the hot girls I get to fuck’?”
It seemed like forever since I said those words. It was right after I signed the contract to be on the show. “I don’t want that anymore.”
“Seriously?” He stared at me like I’d lost my mind. “Take a look.” Reaching into his briefcase, he pulled out a file and handed it to me. “You can’t tell me these women aren’t sexy. I’d give anything to be in your place right now.”
“Maybe you should be on the show. You’re rich and single.” Thanks to me. I looked through the photos of the women I’d be meeting in just two days.
Ty chuckled and disappeared into the bedroom. “Believe me, if I was the kind of guy the show wanted, I’d do it in a heartbeat. There’s no better way of getting over a girl by fucking another. You’ll forget about what’s-her-name soon.” He chuckled again. “And Madison, too. I didn’t realize you two were seeing each other again.”
Clenching my teeth, I stood and walked over to the window overlooking downtown Charlotte. “We’re not,” I snapped. “It’s just some bullshit the tabloids made up to get sales.”
“Obviously, your girl couldn’t handle being with someone like you. Lies are going to be spoken and exploited about you while you’re in the spotlight. It’s the way it is.”
I didn’t even bother with a reply. He closed the bedroom door and I could hear him fumbling around in his suitcase. The man was worse than a fucking female so I sat down on the couch. It’d take him at least thirty minutes just to comb his hair. Closing my eyes, I leaned my head back on the couch. His phone vibrated on the coffee table and I tried to ignore it, only it kept vibrating.
I picked it up, fully planning on giving it to Ty, when I looked down at the screen. Rage bubbled through me as I saw messages from Georgie Hilliard, a man I completely despised. My hands shook as I clicked on the texts and read them all.
Ty: I have a story about Dallas Easton. Want it?
Georgie: Hell yeah. We need some good dirt.
Ty: That’s exactly what you’ll get. Can you meet me in the hotel lobby at 9?
Georgie: I’ll be there.
Georgie Hilliard was the owner of Celebrity Gossip magazine and the same prick who wrote the garbage in the tabloid. The new text messages only confirmed it.
Georgie: Thanks for everything. We’ve had record sales this weekend. You’ll have your share of the money in your account tomorrow.
Blood rushed to my face and I felt like I was on fire. Gritting my teeth, I stormed through the bedroom door. Ty’s eyes widened in shock and he ducked when I threw the phone at the mirror, shattering it.
“Son of a bitch!” I shouted, grabbing Ty by the shirt. Adrenaline coursed through my veins and all I wanted to do was snap him in half. “You are the one who fed Celebrity Gossip the story.”
He grabbed my wrists and I slammed him against the wall. The breath whooshed out of his lungs and he coughed. “I’m not going to let you screw up your life over a girl,” he spat. “It would’ve been over in a matter of weeks anyway. I know you, Dallas. You get bored too easily.”
Letting him go, I punched him so hard in the jaw I felt it crack. He howled in pain and fell to the floor. I wanted him to suffer, but unfortunately I had to do it the right way. “That’s not me anymore. I’m done here.” Turning on my heel, I marched to the door.
“I’m the one who got you where you are. Without me, you’d be nothing,” he hissed. I glanced at him over my shoulder, watching him wipe the blood from his lip onto his shirt.
It was true, he’d made me a celebrity, but I didn’t give a shit about fame anymore. It wasn’t important like it used to be. “Without me, you are nothing. You’re fired. I’ll have my lawyer contact yours.” With those words, I walked out and never looked back.
Chapter 32
Callie
“Are you sure you’re okay, sweetheart?” my mom cried. With my parents being across the world, I didn’t think the news of Dallas and me would’ve traveled that far.
“Yes, I’m fine, Mom.” It was a lie, but I didn’t want to ruin her trip. The popcorn finished popping and I dumped it all in a huge bowl, adding extra cheese powder to it. Now that I was back home from Nags Head, I didn’t want to do anything but sit on the couch.
“I hate that your father and I aren’t there. We’ll be in town in a few weeks and I’ll make it up to you.”
I shoved a handful of popcorn into my mouth. “No worries. I can’t wait to see you and Dad.” The front door opened and I heard Hannah as she talked to Corey.
“Same to you, honey. I love you. Tell your brothers I love them, too.”
“Will do.” I hung up and joined Corey and Hannah in the living room. She still had on her pink scrubs and I couldn’t help but feel terrible for taking an extra day off of work.
She must not have liked what she saw because her smile faded. “Geez, Callie, you look horrible.”
I stuffed another handful of popcorn into my mouth. My hair hadn’t been brushed so I had it in a messy ponytail, and my clothes were wrinkled. I’d spent the whole day wondering if Justin was in jail for assaulting Dallas. I hadn’t heard a word about how hockey practice went so there was no telling if they’d gotten into a fight or not. “Thanks,” I replied sarcastically. “I didn’t feel like doing anything today. How was work? I didn’t put you in a bind, did I?”
Shaking her head, she sat down on the couch beside Corey. “Nah, we were good. But Dr. Young did want me to ask if you wanted to work some extra hours tomorrow night.” She held up her hands. “It’s okay if you don’t. Everyone knows what you’re going through.” Corey put his arm around her and she snuggled into his side. My stomach clenched with jealousy. I was happy for them, but I missed having what they had.
Sighing, I sat down in the recliner beside them, resting the bowl of popcorn on my stomach. “I can do that. I need to make up time anyway.”
“It doesn’t look like the reporters are waiting at the end of the street anymore,” Corey added. “Earlier I went to the grocery store and they weren’t there.”
Hannah nodded. “They weren’t there a few minutes ago, either.”
I blew out a relieved breath. “Thank God. I dreaded them following me to work in the morning. It’s so embarrassing.” Grabbing the remote control off the side table, I turned on the TV and went straight to Netflix. I wasn’t about to watch regular cable TV. Every damn chann
el played the Rich and Single commercial.
“Have you talked to Justin?” Corey asked.
My stomach clenched. “Not yet. It’s getting late and he’s not home. I keep waiting for someone to call and say there’s been a huge fight.”
“Me, too,” he agreed.
The sound of the garage door opening vibrated through the room, my pulse spiking as each second I had to wait tested my patience. The kitchen door opened and I watched Justin walk in, his face and body intact. It didn’t look like he’d been in a brawl. Dallas was bigger and stronger than him. I was scared of what would happen to Justin if they did fight.
Justin walked into the room and tossed his bag onto the floor, huffing as he sat down on the other brown leather recliner. “Today was a fucking nightmare.”
I swallowed hard. “What happened?”
He ran his hands over his face, frustration evident in his tone. “I didn’t kick Dallas’s ass, if that’s what you’re asking. He wasn’t there.” His hands clenched into tight fists. “I wished he was, though.”
“Where was he?” I said. The words were out before I could take them back. As much as I didn’t want to care, I did.
Justin glanced over at me, his expression turning from tense to bleak. “He had to deal with shit for the show. His practice got moved to tonight.”
“And tomorrow it all begins,” I murmured quietly to myself. At least I had work to keep me occupied. The room grew silent and I knew they were all waiting for me to break down. While everyone slept last night, I retreated to the basement and pounded on the punching bag. It helped with the anger, but it did nothing to ease my heart.
The doorbell rang and my head jerked up. For a split second, I’d hoped it’d be Dallas, but Justin had just said his practice got moved to tonight. The only other scenario was the media, most likely a reporter looking for a story.
“I got this,” Justin hissed, storming to the door.
I held my breath, waiting to hear the person speak. It was a female, asking for me, but I couldn’t see who it was. When Justin stepped back and let her in, I froze. Dressed in a T-shirt and yoga pants with her hair pulled into a low ponytail, Madison Bennett walked in, her nervous gaze directed right at me.
Justin came up behind her and shrugged before taking a seat back in his chair. Madison smiled at everyone quickly and then her gaze settled back on me. “I know we haven’t officially met, but I’m Madison Bennett.”
“I know who you are,” I replied blandly.
She winced at my tone. “I was hoping we could talk. Please?”
I passed the bowl of popcorn to Hannah and nodded toward the back door. “We can go out back.” A part of me wanted to hate her, but she looked just as miserable as I did.
Madison followed me out and we sat down on the deck chairs. The sun was still partially out, casting an orange glow through the trees. It still smelled like fresh cut grass from when Corey cut it earlier.
“I can see you’re upset over everything that’s happened. Believe me, I’m in the same boat. You’re not the only one affected by this whole thing.”
“How’s that?” I asked.
With a heavy sigh, she leaned over, resting her elbows on her knees. “I have a life, too, Callie; a man I’m in love with who’s going to see the tabloids. He’s away on an FBI mission and I have no clue if he’s seen them or not.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I never even thought of what it’d done to you.”
She shrugged. “I’m pretty sure Micah will know it’s bullshit, but it still hurts to be dragged into the middle of everything.”
“So basically you’re here to defend Dallas, right?”
“Yes and no,” she replied. “The picture they used of Dallas and me was taken a couple of years ago. I can tell because we’re standing by the car I was driving at that time. I can swear on everything I own that nothing is going on between us. He cares about you.”
By the look in her eyes, I could tell she was speaking the truth. “Even if I believe you, it doesn’t change the fact that he’s doing the TV show. How can he do it when he supposedly cares about me?”
“That’s where things get messy,” she explained. “Dallas didn’t say much about it when I talked to him, so I contacted a girl I know who works at the TV station. Apparently there’s a clause in his contract, stating that if he cancels the show within a certain time frame, they can go after him for legal damages.” Her eyes widened. “I’m talking massive fees here. It could bankrupt him.”
Hearing that just made everything worse. I couldn’t blame him for choosing to save himself instead of breaching the contract to stay with me. Our lives were completely different. I would’ve chosen him over the show, but I didn’t have the money and fame to lose like he did. I was just a nurse with a famous brother.
“What am I supposed to do?” I asked her. “I can’t sit around and watch him with other women until the show’s over.” I shook my head, tears rushing down my cheeks. “I just can’t.”
Reaching over, she squeezed my hands. “Now that is what I can’t help you with. I wish I knew what to tell you. All I know is that he’s worried about you and upset. Might want to talk to him and give him a chance to explain.”
“I’ll think about it.”
She let my hands go and stood. “I’m so sorry about everything, Callie.”
Nodding, I looked up at her. “Me, too.”
She turned and walked back inside and I closed my eyes, leaning my head back on the chair. I didn’t know what to do.
Chapter 33
Callie
“I’m so sorry, Callie,” Mary said, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through.”
I hugged her back while everyone else in the hall tried not to watch. I’d never felt more exposed or embarrassed in all my life. “I’m fine. I promise,” I assured her, letting her go.
She nodded. “If you need anything, just let me know.”
Before anyone else could stop me, I hurried to the locker room. I wanted to disappear for the next ten weeks until the show was over. Until then, I had no choice. There was no one in the room so I kicked off my shoes and sat down on the floor by my locker. All I wanted was peace.
Slowly, I breathed in and out, concentrating on my breaths; at least, until the door opened and footsteps pounded my way. Closing my eyes, I clenched my teeth tight. Was it not possible to get a few minutes alone?
“Damn, Callie, you look like you’re about to break,” Hannah murmured, concern etched in her voice.
Opening my eyes, I breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m on the brink. It was a mistake to come in today.” Tears fell down my cheeks. “This morning wasn’t bad being in surgery, but now that I’m out in the open, I can’t ignore everyone staring at me. All I want to do is tell them to fuck off and leave me alone.”
Hannah sat down beside me, bumping me playfully with her shoulder. “Then tell them. Honestly, I thought being here would get your mind off of things.”
“It has when I’m busy, but when break time comes, I can’t stop thinking about everything.” I glanced down at my watch. “The show starts in ten minutes.”
She grabbed my hand. “Come on, let’s get something to eat. We have two more hours and then I’ll take you home. The show will be over and you can relax.”
“I’m glad you’re so optimistic,” I grumbled as she pulled me up. “But thank you for driving me here this morning.”
She winked. “That’s what best friends are for.”
We walked to the break room and I knew we wouldn’t be alone. It was dinnertime and there were already a couple of nurses waiting in line to use the microwave. Dr. Sands sat alone at his table so I joined him while Hannah grabbed our salads out of the refrigerator.
“Working late today?” Dr. Sands asked.
I poured my homemade ranch dressing onto my salad. “Yep. Figured I’d make up the time I lost.”
He nodded, but I could tell he want
ed to say more. “I thought so. You didn’t say much this morning during surgery.”
My eyes burned. “I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
“I know. You don’t have to talk about it.” He slid a bowl of chicken salad my way. “Add this to your salad. My wife made it last night.”
It smelled amazing and my mouth watered just looking at it. “Tell your wife she’s awesome. Thank you.” I scooped a large spoonful of it onto my salad and Hannah did the same.
He smiled. “I will. I also wanted to tell you I talked to Ella’s mother tonight. She’s doing really well. All she talks about is how much she misses you.”
“I miss her, too. It’s not the same here without her.”
“I know,” he said, chuckling. “She has a way of brightening up the room. So full of life.”
More people entered the break room, and luckily we were in the corner and I had my back to the door. That way, no one would see me as soon as they walked in. However, it didn’t stop them from turning on the TV.
“Turn it to channel six. I want to watch Rich and Single,” one of the nurses announced excitedly.
Closing my eyes, I tried to block everything out, but I couldn’t. I heard the music and then the host of the show’s voice as he introduced Dallas. The second Dallas spoke, I jumped to my feet, my chair tipping over onto the floor. The others in the room glanced over their shoulders, and when they realized it was me, the TV shut off immediately.
Hannah grabbed my wrist, but I shook her off. “I’m okay,” I huffed, barreling to the door. Everyone stared at me, their eyes wide in shock. I’d finally reached my breaking point. I snapped a hand toward the TV. “By all means, keep watching the show. Don’t let me stop you.”
Taking off into the hall, I didn’t know where to go. All I knew was that I needed to get away. There was an empty room down the hall and I ran inside, shutting the door behind me. My breaths came out in rapid pants and I collapsed onto the chair beside the bed. It felt like my insides were being ripped out, especially my heart.