Page 47 of Shatter

"Are you okay?" I ask, my chest heaving.

Glassy chocolate eyes find mine. He nods.

"I'm assuming that was your mom?"

He nods again, his hands dropping to my thighs.

"They want to know where you are..." he says, and my stomach sinks. I know I can't hide forever, but I'm not ready to face them yet. I'm not ready for their control and hatred. No. I won't go back to them. I'm going to make a life for myself. I'm just not sure how yet.

But I know what I have to do first.

"I'd like to make a statement today, if that's okay."

"You don't need my permission, Mel. It's your career."

I nod. "I'm going to go shower and put some makeup on, and then would you mind recording me?" I look around his apartment. There's one wall to the side of the tall windows that has a single painting hanging on it. "Would you mind taking that painting down? We could use that wall as a background?"

He shakes his head 'no' before walking to the painting and removing it. Just like I asked.

I hold onto the feeling of warmth and freedom and contentment as I go through my routine of showering, blowdrying, curling my hair, and putting on my makeup. Today I have to maintain the Melody Snow brand. If I suddenly recorded a video of myself with different hair or different makeup, the public would speculate about my mental health. I can experiment tomorrow.

The entire time, I mentally prepare for what I'm going to say.

When I'm finished, I hand my phone to Harrison and pull one of his kitchen stools in front of the wall and prop my butt up on it.

"Can you make sure to get me in frame, tits up?"

He moves closer without question.

I take a deep breath in and out before nodding at him. He nods in reply, letting me know he's recording.

"While I appreciate the statement made by my family and agent," Always leading with humility and gratitude. "... I think, unless you're in my shoes, you can't possibly know what I'm going through. I love Parker. With all my heart. He's my best friend." Shit, I'm tearing up. I didn't think I'd be emotional about this. "But maybe we were always better off as friends. I'm not sad or heartbroken. These aren't 'trying times' for me. People grow and evolve, and I couldn't be happier for Parker and his partner." Don't want to mention him by name in case he wants to remain anonymous. "Love is love, and I'll never stand in the way of two people who love each other. So, if you'd like to do something productive with this story, I'd like to encourage you to donate to LGBTQ non-profits wherever you live."

My smile widens. Maybe some good will come out of all of this drama

"In the meantime, I am taking some time away from the public to rest and recharge. But you'll be seeing more of me soon." I smile up at Harrison, proud of myself. I know it's a small thing, and it'll likely be forgotten with the next news cycle, but it's the first public announcement I've made fully with my own voice. I nod, and he stops the recording.

Giddy, I leap off of the stool and grab my phone from his hands, plopping down on the couch and tucking my legs underneath me. I play the video back to make sure it looks good. And it does. But at the end, when I look up at Harrison, there's so much warmth there, it's a little shocking. I hadn't realized I'd been tense until I look at him and watch my shoulders drop. I almost look like I have hearts in my eyes.

It's dangerous.

I should cut the end off.

People will wonder who I'm smiling at like that.

But the danger is exciting.

It's a microscopic 'fuck you' to my mom and agent. They're going to hate it.

My grin turns wicked.

Before I post it, though, I shoot Parker a text.

Me: Just a head-up, I'm going to post this in a few minutes. Wanted to make sure it was okay with you before I do. If you want, I can take out any mention of you and Marco

The bubbles pop up and excitement bubbles in my belly.

Parky: Gurl