Nick ushers me inside, his hand protective on my lower back.
Autumn practically drags us to the living room. “You both look shell-shocked. Zane, look who showed up!”
“Speak of the devils. You know you’re everywhere right now? All the social media sites, TMZ. Even the local news is giving updates.” He slides his laptop off the counter and moves toward us.
Hockey’s Playboy Returns with Small-Town Girlfriend
Secret Love Nest Exposed: Banks and Barista’s Hidden Romance
Is Julie Pregnant? Close Sources Say Yes!
Hockey Star Dates a Barista to Repair His Reputation
“We were supposed to get married.” Ex Speaks Out!
I lean forwardand click the link about Craig. He gave them photos of when we were together—some of which were intimate, showing us lying in bed together.
Nick’s jaw clenches as he reads it with me.
The article quotes Craig as saying he’s concerned for my well-being, and he hopes I know he’ll be there when this ends. He told the world I am a sweet girl and would never date a man like Nick. He’s calling it a midlife crisis and that I’m being brainwashed.
“That manipulative bastard.” I growl.
“There’s more,” Zane says quietly, swiping to another page. “It looks like he’s been posting old photos of you. Leaving captions like you were recently together.”
I see pictures from years ago but cropped and filtered to look current. We look happy and in love.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” I say.
Autumn immediately goes into mama-bear mode. “Okay, everyone, stop. Zane, close the laptop. Nick, sit down. You’re pacing like a caged animal. Jules, breathe.”
She disappears into the kitchen and returns with tea and fat slices of pumpkin bread. It makes me smile, per usual.
“This is my fault,” Nick says, not touching anything. “I should have listened to Asher. Should have done the interview, controlled the narrative?—”
I move next to him on the couch. “This isn’t your fault.”
“Isn’t it? Your life was normal before?—”
“My life wasboringas hell before.” I take his hand. “And Craig was still a manipulative ass. This just gave him an excuse to show it.”
Autumn sits across from us. “The question is, how did they know you were coming back today? You didn’t tell anyone, right?”
“Just you guys and my parents,” I say.
“And Asher,” Nick adds. “But he wouldn’t?—”
“Someone’s been watching you,” Zane interrupts, pulling up security footage on his phone.
Nick’s phone rings, and he shows Zane the screen.
“Put him on speaker,” Zane says.
“Warning: he’s going to be an utter asshole,” Nick warns.
“This is an absolute shitstorm,” Asher barks. “This is exactly what I warned you about!”
“Nice to hear from you too,” Nick says dryly.
