Page 48 of The Bitter Words

“But—”

“No. You’ve pulled it off countless times. Maybe you didn’t realize you had, but you have. Just remember that and quit doing the things you don’t wanna do.” He lights his weed and inhales.

I consider what he said. He’s not wrong about me getting what I want with my parents. I do know how to do that buthaven’t tried in a while for fear they’d make me stop seeing Callum.

Bren’s other point slaps me in the face.

I shrink a little. “I only give men a peek at my chest because it makes me feel in control.”

He tries to hand me the joint, but I wave it off.

He releases his drag from his lungs. “I don’t know how Cash deals with knowing you do that.”

“Why do you say that?”

“He’s the most jealous asshole I’ve ever met. When we were on the road, he would get all pissy just knowing you had a kissing scene you were shooting. Honestly, I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten into more fights because of you.”

“Imagine how I feel. You guys have girls coming on to you all the time. You’ve shared women, for fuck’s sake. If he can’t handle guys finding me attractive, that’s on him and I won’t let you try to make me feel guilty for that.”

“That’s not what I was doing. I was only trying to get you to understand you have more power than you realize.”

“But I’m not going around and fucking them.”

“I know that, Livianna. And for the record, he hasn’t been with anyone since you. Now chill out and take another drag.” Bren shoves the joint in my face. “You’re more fun when you’re laughing.”

I take it from him and do another hit. He’s right once again.

Being high definitely makes me more relaxed. We finish smoking and I let my thoughts flow.

I peek around me to make sure no one else can hear what I’m about to say.

Paranoia much, Livianna?

I erase the thought and tap Bren’s leg. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“That depends. What have you done this time?”

“Nothing. I swear.”

He studies me with half-opened bloodshot eyes. “Then tell me.”

“I’m thinking about quitting the show.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’ve been getting more involved in designing The Ember line and it makes me feel…inspired.”

“Why?”

“It’s not about the brand itself. It’s about creating. Fashion is interesting to me. I think I’d be good at it.”

“You dress like you’re coming off the page of a magazine, so maybe it’s a good fit.”

“How do you think Mom and Dad would feel?”

He stands and strolls out of the room.

I get up and rush to his side. “Bren, I asked you a question. Why are you walking away?”