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“You know darn well I had no cluethiswas what you meant. It’s my fault for not reading the contract, but I’d mentioned many times about how I wasn’t going to approve certain scenes, and you never said a word. You knew I had no idea they had the rights to use all that footage.” Hot tears burned her eyes. “Did you know about this when we were up in the tree together?”
He scuffed a boot in the sand. “Yeah, but that wasn’t the time to—”
“So, everything they filmed before you climbed the tree, you knew they were going to air? Me blowing that stupid whistle, the conversation about Bear. All of it and everything else from the beginning of this whole fiasco to the end?”
“I mean, I have no idea what they’ll choose.” He took a step toward her.
She backed up.
What bullshit. They both knew what the producers would show. To think she’d trusted him and believed she was in love with him. “Then you knew before you had sex with me, and youkept something this important a secret?” Her pulse raced, and her face turned hot.
“Yes, but we hadn’t had time to talk about it yet.”
She fisted a hand on her hip. “We sure talked that night, at length. It could have come up before or after sex,certainlybefore.”
He opened his mouth, then shut it.
“You had to know this would destroy my influencer status and all those plans I had to make things work if I stayed here.” Her voice hitched. “And you still said nothing. I must have sounded like an absolute fool. Was your family business in such dire straits that you felt like you had to string me along so the show kept filming? Never mind. Don’t even answer. To think I…I…can’t even.”
Her chest crushed as the hope she’d had for a possible life with him crumbled. It wasn’t just Hollywood people who didn’t tell her the truth. Maybe no one ever would. She’d let her guard down and believed in him, thinking he was different. The real deal. Not another user.
“No. It’s not like that.” He shook his head.
She brushed past him, needing to get away. “Don’t follow me. You’re not who I thought you were. If I can’t trust you, we have nothing.”
When she reached her tent, she zipped herself inside and pressed her hands to her eyes. Tears leaked through her fingers. How could she have been so blind? He’d used her, just like everyone else.
A text sounded from Sydney. She’d scheduled flights for six in the morning. Of course, the cheapest travel was early, but it worked for Crystal. She’d be out of camp by three. Even Zach, the early riser, wouldn’t be up and about at that time.
She checked her calendar. Crap. The rental lease on her penthouse didn’t expire for three weeks. She’d have to find aplace to stay. Time to phone a friend, or rather text one. Jenna would worry if she saw Crystal’s tear-stained face or heard her strained voice.
She sent a text.Done filming early. My place is rented until the end of the month. Can I crash at yours?
Sure. The spare room is free. You have the key. If I’m not here, let yourself in. When?
Tomorrow, if that’s okay?
Yup. Everything all right?
Nothing was all right, but Crystal would have a chance to talk in person later.Yeah. Thanks a million.
Can’t wait to see you.
The ache in Crystal’s heart softened. Jenna was a real friend. She was there for Crystal no matter what.
She hated to leave without saying goodbye to Erin. She’d been so kind. But she was Zach’s mother, and Crystal wouldn’t ever see him again. Maybe at some point she’d send Erin a note and thank her for the support.
Angie was a different story. Crystal’s stomach twisted into a huge knot. What the heck could she do for that kid? An answer came to mind.
Crystal sighed, picked up her phone, and dialed Sydney’s number.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Zach rested his head against a tree, forcing himself not to follow Crystal. It took every ounce of his energy.
She was right. He’d known the show was going to air her humiliating scenes, and she had no idea. Every time he’d tried to tell her, they’d been interrupted or were dealing with something more important. As in life-threatening.
His gut had lurched when she’d asked if he’d thought to tell her before they’d had sex. They’d talked, and he’d had the opportunity. Emotion had overcome him. A rare occurrence. They’d been discussing heavy subjects before things had just…happened. It had been spontaneous and incredible. When he’d realized she was a virgin, it wasn’t exactly the opportune moment to discuss the contract.
