“Aren’t you worried about how this will affect both of your careers?” she asks, without any malicious undertone, simply curiosity. “I know you both have a lot on your plates right now professionally.”
I shrug a shoulder. “We do. But we’re stronger together. And even in those hard days, we’re learning to lean on each other.”
“I love that. Do you find it’s easy to confide in him, given that he’s not ‘from your world?’” she asks, using finger quotes. “Or do you find yourself sugarcoating what it’s like to be one of the most famous pop stars in the world?”
“Hayes is one of the easiest people to talk to,” I acknowledge. “I never have to be anything but myself with him because I know he’s there for all of it—the good, the bad, and everything in between. I can’t imagine being with a man with a kinder, more genuine heart of gold.”
Even as I say it, I know those words to be some of the truest I’ve ever expressed. Though Hayes originally started the sentiment, it’s become something I’ve held close to my heart since. With each minute and hour that passes, they weave themselves further into my very being, and the more I believe them.
“We’re so happy for you here on the show,” Andi says, congratulating me. “And you know your fans are eating up every second of this. We live for the outings and the photos. You’ve got an entire fan base cheering you and Hayes on, both personally and professionally.”
“Thank you,” I acknowledge. “That means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to Hayes, too.”
Andi levels me with a mischievous smile and I brace myself for her next question. She doesn’t disappoint.
“So... can we expect to see Hayes in your next music video?”
When I walkinto the studio following my interview, I expect to find a put off Cal, frustrated with my public announcement of my relationship without any prior approval from him.
What I don’t expect is to walk into his office to see Corey Shrader sitting in one of the chairs right in front of his desk. He has one ankle crossed over his knee and his hands folded right in his lap—the picture of ease.
I stop dead in my tracks the minute I walk through the door, and immediately the hair on the back of my neck stands straight up, aware that I’ve walked right into an ambush. Every cell in my body screams at me to turn around and hightail it out of that office, back down to the lobby where Hayes is waiting for me.
I don’t get the chance.
“Hey, babe.” Corey stands and walks toward me with his arms wide.
I jolt into action, stepping back as he reaches for me to avoid any possible contact with him. The idea of him touching me sends a slither of disgust down my spine. “What are you doing here?”
His arms drop to his side and he slides his hands into his pocket, unfazed by my visceral flinch away from him. “Cal and I were grabbing lunch to discuss business, and he mentioned you were coming in today. Thought I’d stick around to say hello.” Cal is watching this whole interaction from behind his desk.
My spine straightens and I tilt my nose up, eyeing the two of them with suspicion. “That was entirely unnecessary. What kind of business were you discussing?”
Cal opens his mouth to contribute to the conversation when his cellphone starts ringing. He holds it up as evidence. “I gotta take this. You two take your time, work throughwhateverthis is, and play nice.”
“How convenient,” I mutter to myself as Callum steps out of the office, leaving me and Corey alone. “I’m surprised Cal even wants to talk to you after that stunt you pulled at the Hurst Gala. I cannot believe you.”
“Me?” he asks incredulously, and I note he doesn’t deny the accusation. I must’ve been spot on with my suspicions that he was behind the paparazzi scheme. “What aboutyou? You’re riding the coattails of one of your biggest albums yet, but you’re out in public at charity events hanging all over your newest boy toy and going on a livestream gushing about him like he’s the most important thing you’ve got going for you.”
“I was notgushing,” I sneer. “She asked me about Hayes, and I answered honestly. And Hayes is important to me. There’s nothing wrong with making that fact known. You know what? I’m not doing this with you today—or ever. I’ll see myself out.”
I turn on my heel and barge through the office doors, striding directly over to the elevators and pressing the button. While I wait for the elevator, I pull out my phone and type out a quick text to Bethany to email Cal to have him call me. I don’t know what game he’s playing with Corey, or with me for that matter, but I’m not amused. Nor am I surprised when Corey sidles up next to me a few moments later, fully intent on continuing our conversation.
“Come on, babe. Don’t let this football guy cloud your judgment. Maybe we should revisitusagain. Who better to have at your side than someone who’s going through the same thing?”Corey pleads. “You know he doesn’t understand a single thing about our industry.”
“Hayes understands me better than you could possibly imagine. You were never able to understand my struggles because you never had to deal with that before! Your label has a completely different dynamic than mine,” I argue back, getting onto the elevator when the doors open.
He narrows his eyes, but follows me into the elevator. “Hey, it’s not my fault that I’m not looking to start friction with upper management like you are. I keep to myself and get the job done. When they ask me to go on a podcast to talk about my music, that’s what I do. You don’t see me bringing the girls I’m seeing into the conversation.”
Crossing my arms, I glare at him. “See, you’re doing it again. Always dismissing my feelings and writing me off as being the problem. So no, I absolutely will not be revisitingusoryouor anything to do with you ever again.”
“Listen, you have a bad habit of reading more into situations than what’s there. You know Cal is only trying to help you achieve the most out of your career. Can you blame him for being frustrated when you veer off course at every possible chance?” Corey tries to reason with me.
“No, Callum is always andonlyever looking out for himself. He doesn’t care about my career as much as he cares about how I boost him up.” I close my eyes and breath. “You’d know that if you had paid me one ounce of the attention that you always gave to him.”
The elevator dings before Corey can say anything else. I’m quick to step off the car, walking directly over to Hayes, who has stood up from his seat at the sight of me. I tuck myself safely against his side, feeling the immediate comfort of his warmth surround me. He wraps his arm around my back, resting his hand possessively on the front of my hip. His commandingpresence gives me a chance to breathe, knowing he could likely knock Corey on his ass with minimal effort. All I’d have to do is say the word.
“Everything okay?” Hayes asks me, narrowing his eyes at Corey, who is still not catching the hint.
