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Iris, who’s standing in the corner to let Maddox and me have the guest chairs, adds, “Yes, this has been a smooth operation. The public has responded so well to everything.”
Smith clasps his hands together. “Did you like the party?”
I nod. “It was more fun than I thought.” Minus the one hiccup with Maddox’s mom.
“Good. Now it’s time to break up,” Smith says.
I don’t sit. “What?” I say, somehow stunned by this, even though I shouldn’t be. That was the plan all along. “I mean, are we sure?”
Smith says, “Yup. The ratings have taken a dip, so we need to pivot. Next week, you’ll have been together six weeks. That’s like ten years for celebrity relationships. And it’s as long as we’re gonna be able to milk this. The only thing fans like more than a hookup is a breakup.”
Maddox swipes a hand over his mouth, hanging his head.
“By next week, we’ll have ridden this out as far as we’re going to be able to before fans stop caring.” Iris nods. “So the breakup will be perfectly timed before the season finale airs.”
“It’ll get us all back in the news cycle again.” Smith swivels in his chair.
Iris clicks her tablet. “I’ve noticed that the splits are usually the ones that get good but short press.” She holds up a finger. “Oh, and we need to announce on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the best times for this news to hit and linger. By the weekend, everyone will have moved on.”
Smith points at Maddox. “Don’t tell your agent.”
Maddox rolls his eyes. “I’m not telling Ursula, jeez. I know you’re scared of her, but she’s not that bad.”
Come on, Maddox.Jump in. Tell them we’re not breaking up! Tell them that what we have now is real.
“If you say so.” Smith moves his point to Iris. “Any announcement later this month will be too close to the Emmys. We don’t wanna mess up any press with that.”
Iris scribbles on her tablet. “I’ll draft a release stating you two are consciously uncoupling and plan to remain close friends.”
And there it is—we’ve reached knee-deep Y’allywood bullshit. I wish Skye was here right now, because I’m not represented. She left with Kathryn. But do I need to be? I mean, I know everything they’re saying is the next logical step in the plan. However, I’m not feeling logical. I don’t want to break up.
I thought Maddox didn’t either.
He and Ireallyneed to discuss this, but now is not the time or place for him and me to discuss our relationship nor hash out what we should do moving forward as a real couple.
We’ll talk the verysecondthis damn meeting is over.
22
The Catch
When Iris and Smith leave, I ask Maddox to stay behind. When we’re alone, I fold my arms and say, “What is happening?”
The door, left cracked open, swings wide, and we find ourselves standing face to face with not only Jemma but her phone.
I glance at Maddox, confusion on his face before the realization hits. “Jemma. What are you doing?”
Oh. Shit.My stomach plummets. It’s clear she recorded our conversation.
We’re so, so screwed.
“Hey, there.” Jemma stands there looking beyond smug.
The color drains from Maddox’s face, and I’m sure mine does too.
We should’ve been more careful knowing she’s been snooping around. Except she wasn’t even at the party! She holds her phone in the air, flashing us a million-watt smile.
I dying to reach and grab it, but I’m frozen.
