Page 109 of The Twisted Beats

My phone is ringing somewhere on my bed. I paw around until I find it and answer without looking to see who it is.

“Hello.”

“Livianna, it’s Mom. Are you okay?” Her concern is unmistakable.

“Yes. I’m sleeping. Why?”

“Your publicist just called. It sounds like last night was a disaster.”

It all comes rushing back.

My heart rate spikes and I sit up. “Why would you say that?”

“She said the tabloids are getting ready to run a few stories.” She takes in a ragged breath. “None of them put you or Cash in a good light.”

A pit in my stomach opens up and swallows me whole. “What are they saying?”

“That it looks like there’s trouble in paradise for the two young love birds once again. First it was a love triangle with a guy on your show. Now it’s a love triangle with a girl you got fired.”

I close my eyes and let my head fall back. “Let me guess. Zara Blackthorn.”

“Yes. They have pictures of her and Cash together. I haven’t seen them, but?—”

“From last night?”

“I assume so.”

“They’ve been together before. Maybe they’re old photos.”

“Livianna, they have images of you being denied access to the concert. More with Zara inside standing in the front row.”

“So what? That means nothing.”

“I guess Cash is kneeling down, singing to her. Theirhands are locked together. Then you’re photographed riding around in a golf cart with some guy. You two are laughing.”

“Yeah, I always try to be nice to people who are trying to help.” I want to spit just saying those words.

“But there’s more.”

“There always is.” I clench down on my teeth. “What else?”

“Supposedly, you’re holding the guy’s hand as he walks you into your hotel. There’s a picture of you kissing him on the cheek as you’re opening the door to your suite.” She sniffles. “Livianna, what did you do?”

Did that even happen? I don’t remember doing it, if it did.

“Not what the tabloids are suggesting.” My pulse kicks up, and like a wildfire, my chest sets ablaze. “Have you talked to anyone else about the stories?”

“No. Why?”

“The pictures of Callum and Zara. Who supplied them? Who sent in the ones of me?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes. I want to know who I can trust and who’s after me. Someone wants to see me go down.”

She releases a heavy sigh. “I don’t know, but I’ll try to find out.”

“Thanks, Mom.” My eyes burn with tears, but I’m not about to break because of some stupid gossip and Zara Blackthorn.