“No, but they made it look like I was.”
“I don’t understand.”
“On the last few episodes of the season, Ava made it sound like she and I were dating. She started talking about me, making up all these stories about us going out. Then the producers got footage of me at school and at parties and the way they edited it, it looked like Ava and I were dating. It’s just fucked-up Hollywood shit. Those reality shows are anything but reality.”
“They did that without your consent? Why didn’t you do something about it?”
“I was only in a couple episodes so my dad didn’t want to make a big deal about it. If we sued Ava’s family or the production company, it’d be bad publicity for the Kensington name and my dad didn’t want that. Plus Katherine actually liked my brief celebrity status. It got her invited to more social events.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about this?”
“There’s nothing to tell. It’s just Ava making up lies. I was never even on the show.”
“Well, apparently the fans are hoping you and Ava get back together during the reunion episodes that come out in March.”
“Yeah. So the fans will be disappointed.”
“Doesn’t it bother you that a national magazine is making it sound like you two are a couple? Because it bothers me.”
“Just ignore it. Why are you getting all upset about this? It’s a gossip magazine. They make up shit like that all the time to get people to buy the magazine.”
“I know, but I don’t like them saying that stuff about you.”
“Then stop reading it.”
“Did you know they were doing this reunion show?”
I’d heard rumors about it, but I didn’t think they’d involve me again. I thought Ava would find a new guy. But if she’s already making up stories about her and me, then this is just the beginning. She’ll do whatever she has to do to make sure people watch the show. If that means making up more shit up about me, she’ll do it.”
“Then do something. Call her and tell her to find some other fake boyfriend.”
“That would only make it worse. You know that. She loves pissing me off. It’s better to just ignore whatever she’s doing.”
“It’s not just Ava. You have all these people talking about you on the Internet. Teen girls downloading photos of you.”
“Nobody’s doing that, Jade.”
“They are, too. Girls are talking about you online. Saying how hot you are.”
“Whatever. Just stop reading that stuff, okay?” He gets up, dragging me off the bed. “Let’s go back to the house. We don’t want Frank and Ryan to think we’re doing anything here at the hotel.”
“Did you see their faces when we left?” I pick up my clothes and start dressing. “They totally knew what we were doing. I’m so embarrassed. I don’t know if I can go back there.”
“If you act normal, they won’t even think about it.”
“Hey, Ryan has to work tonight, but I was going to make dinner for the three of us. Can we stop at the grocery store on the way over there?”
“Sure. What are you making?” Garret is shirtless and just now putting his jeans on. I’m already fully dressed. I don’t know what takes him so long.
“I was thinking of making chili and cornbread. It’s one of Frank’s favorite meals.”
Garret finally puts his shirt on and I go over and button it up to speed things along.
He leans down and kisses me. “Can I help?”
“Of course you can help.” I grab his coat from the chair as he puts his shoes on. “You forgot to get your suitcase from the car. You want to go get it before we leave?”
“I didn’t forget it.” He takes his coat from me and kisses my cheek. “You just distracted me. I’ll get it later.”
