Shayne’s head whipped to Marley. “You saw him?And you didn’t tell me?”
Serena frowned. “Who are you all talking about, anyway?”
“Shayne’s ex,” Reena explained. “We don’t say his name.”
“I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d freak out,” Marley said to Shayne. “Which is what you’re doing now.”
“I am not freaking out. And we’re not going there, Marley. No way, no how. He’s off-limits.”
Serena was on her phone. “Anderson Lin?”
“Don’t say it!” Reena said.
Shayne waved his hand. “It’s fine. She’s America’s sweetheart. She gets amnesty.”
“We’re in Canada,” Nadim clarified.
Marley looked back at Shayne. “C’mon, Shayne. Youknowhe’d do this.” She paused for a moment. “And I trust him.”
Marley was tired of keeping it all in. It was time to tell her own story.
Shayne exhaled. “Okay, fine. I’ll call him. But only because it’s for you, Marl.”
They spent the rest of Marley’s foobiversary party planning their own little PR stunt.
Later, after everyone had left, Marley cornered Shayne in the kitchen while he was putting away the leftovers. He’d called Anderson, and although Marley didn’t hear the conversation, Shayne said Anderson was completely on board and would speak to his producers in the morning.
“Thanks for doing that, Shayne.”
Shayne only shrugged as he spooned rice and peas into a large container.
“You don’t have to come with me when we do the segment.”
“I know.”
Marley paused. “Shayne, are we okay? I mean, you get why I didn’t tell you I saw Anderson, right?”
“Yeah.” He still didn’t look at Marley.
“Then…” She sighed. “Why don’t we talk anymore?”
Shayne put the spoon down and looked at Marley. “We’re talking now, aren’t we?”
“Yeah, but it feels like we’re… surface level. For a while, actually. We don’t go deep anymore. I don’t even know why Anderson dumped you.”
Shayne looked at Marley for several long moments. Then shook his head. “Actually, I ghosted him.” He exhaled. “I’m not proud of it.”
Marley’s eyes widened. “What? Why?”
“Honestly?” he said. “I was scared. He was getting the job onThe Confab, and amazing things were happening, and I was scared we would just… fizzle. I thought I wouldn’t be as important to him anymore.”
Marley tilted her head. It was just like Shayne, actually. He talked the talk, but he had an insecurity deep inside. A part of him was always afraid that he cared more about someone than they cared in return.
“I wish you’d told me that then,” she said.
“You had your own problems, Marl. Ones I had no idea how to help you through.”
Marley shifted so she could bump hips with him. She wanted to hug him but wasn’t ready yet. “Youhavehelped me, Shayne. Look at this whole party! You’re my best friend. Don’t keep me out of your life. You’re never going to be a burden on me. I know I’ve been in my own head for a while. I’m sorry if I haven’t been there for you.”
