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Thorne might think he has genuine feelings for me, but I knew better. After the convenience of our relationship fades and there’s nothing left to gain, he’d realize he never really cared.
I was right to protect my heart. Because as soon as Thorne got the green light on his film, he’d forget all about me and whatever heartache he thought he felt.
So I said, “Sadly, I don’t think I am.”
Chapter 28
THORNE
Mondaycamewithbittersweetnews. Trainer called. The producers were no longer thinking of replacing me, and with the addition of Davis, we were set to start filming at the end of the week. Apparently, Hollywood’s faith in me had been restored. More than that, my popularity had soared to new heights. I’d gained hundreds of thousands of comments on social media from fans expressing their sympathy at the news Scarlett and I had broken up. Entertainment news outlets and magazines were clamoring to get a statement. In such a short time, I’d completely reversed course from the Hollywood wild child.
I should be happy, elated. It was everything I’d wanted and more.
Though I’d been confident this plan with Scarlett would help boost my image, I never imagined it would have this big of an impact, which only served as a reminder of how amazing she was. And without her, I suddenly felt lost. Empty. Nothing made sense.
My victory felt like a loss because I didn’t have her to celebrate with. And no matter how many times I’d tried calling her, she refused to answer.
I leaned forward on the couch in my hotel room, bowing my head into my hands while I mulled over the same torturous thoughts. There must be some way to make her see reason. I had no idea what it meant that she'd given up so easily, but I knew what we felt was real. And, okay, maybe I hadn’t helped matters when I threatened her with the contract or downplayed the fire and our role in it, but I would never leave her family in the lurch. I hated what happened, and the timing of it couldn’t have been worse. If only she’d given me a chance to explain, she would’ve known I was going to make it right. The fact that she hadn’t made me wonder if this was about more than the fire.
My phone buzzed, and I picked it up, expecting to see Trainer’s name on the screen. So when I noticed a text from an unknown number I frowned.
Unknown:Hey, it’s Penelope. I have one question for you, and I better get a straight answer.
She must’ve gotten my number from Scarlett.
Me:How is she?
Penelope:Terrible. She told me everything . . .
Me:What do you mean everything?
Penelope:I know about you arrangement and the contract.
I scrubbed a hand over my face.
Okay, so she knew the truth. This should bother me, but surprisingly, it didn’t. The truth made it easier.
Me:Did she tell you she broke up with me? How I fought with her about it and wanted to stay together?
Penelope:Yeah, but stubborn and scared and won’t listen to reason, which is why I’m texting you, because I know my best friend better than she knows herself, and she’s fallen for you. Hard.
She’s fallen for you.They were the words I’d been waiting to hear. Only I wish they’d come from Scarlett’s lips.
My phone dinged again, and I glanced down.
Penelope:The question is, what are you going to do about it?
I let her words sink in.
What was I going to do about it?
For the first time in my life I had someone I could trust. Someone I could tell all my secrets to and share my fears with. Someone who understood me and saw beyond the celebrity to the man underneath.
Now was not the time for passivity. It was the time to fight.
I sprang into action and dialed Trainer’s number. When he picked up, I didn’t waste any time as I blurted, “Tell me you have some good news.”
“My sources say the insurance company is reluctant to pay it.”
