Page 90 of My Real Love Affair

Because Melody had looked at me like maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t quite ready to give up either. I headed into the building, my mind already racing ahead to the interview.

“Austin!” Stacy appeared in the doorway, all energy and warmth. “Thanks so much for coming. I’m so excited for this conversation.”

“Thanks for having me.” I stood, shaking her hand. “Your podcast is great. I’ve been listening.”

Just a little white lie.

“Oh, you have?” She looked genuinely pleased. “That’s wonderful. Come on, let’s get you set up.”

The studio was intimate. Stacy got me situated, did a quick sound check, and then we were recording.

“So, Austin Bancroft,” she began, her voice taking on that podcast-host smoothness. “Thank you for being here today. I have to say, when your team reached out and agreed to the interview, I was intrigued. You’re not exactly known for sitting down for these kinds of conversations. I think we’ve tried to get you and several of your brothers for years.”

“I’m trying to change that. Be more intentional about how I use my platform.”

Platform. Not a word I knew until Melody came into my life. And since I had learned a bit more about social media, I realized I had one.

“And what a platform it is. Millions of followers. Access to spaces most people only dream of. And recently, you’ve been using that platform in interesting ways. Talk to me about that.”

We dove into the conversation. I repeated all the canned nonsense I had been practicing. It was all bullshit, but whatever.

Then Stacy shifted, and I recognized the tone change.Here it comes.

“So,” she said, leaning forward conspiratorially. “Your followers want to know—are you single?”

My guard went up immediately. “That’s?—”

“Come on. They’re dying to know. Is Austin Bancroft back on the market?”

“I’m single,” I said carefully. “But I’m not dating. I’ve got some work to do on myself first.”

“Work to do on yourself,” she repeated. “Is this about Melody Stephens?”

“Next question.”

“I just had Melody in here, actually. About an hour ago. She said you two are done. That it was fun while it lasted, but it’s over.” Stacy was eyeing me like a predator eyeing its steak dinner. “How does that make you feel?”

“I think Melody’s private life is her business. Not mine. And definitely not podcast content.”

“But you two were so public. People are invested in your story.”

“There is no story. We dated. It ended. That’s it.” The words tasted bitter, but I kept my tone neutral. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Just one more question.” She leaned in closer. “Tell us the truth, Austin. Did Melody really have no idea her photos were being edited? Or was that just damage control?”

The question hit me like a slap.

“What?” I stared at her.

“I mean, she’s a professional. She must have known the brand would touch up the images. That’s standard practice. So did she really not know, or is that just the story you all agreed on to save her reputation?”

My blood was boiling now. “Are you seriously suggesting she wanted to edit her pictures to make herself look like all the other models on magazines? Honestly, did you meet her? Have you looked at her content? If you had, you would know she isn’t about that.”

“I’m just asking what everyone’s wondering. She’s been in this business long enough to know how it works. The innocent act is a little too perfect.”

I was on my feet before I consciously decided to move. “Stop. Just stop.”

Stacy blinked, clearly not expecting this reaction. “We’re just talking.”