Chapter XXXVII
Demi
“Am I being foolish?” Laila asked.
I tried to give her my full attention, but my eyes kept flicking around the lobby. Cameras were everywhere, and I knew they were catching every glance.
It wasn’t just nerves. I was waiting. Watching. Hoping someone would appear.
Meanwhile, I kept finding myself giving free therapy sessions to anyone who sat near me. I felt like Lucy from the old Charlie Brown cartoons, sitting in her booth with the “Psychiatric Help 5￠” sign. Maybe I should have charged a nickel too.
Truth was, I needed therapy myself.
I had two weeks before the full moon, and things weren’t going as well as I’d planned.
Ratings were up, sure. And even though I’d cried during Jonas’s serenade, people still thought there was something between me and Roman.
Apparently, during our last interview, people had gotten the vibe that we were just having a spat and that Roman loathed Jonas.
To be fair, Roman did seem to flinch each time he said Jonas’s name.
People were smarter than I gave them credit for.
Now, the internet was buzzing with hashtags and memes. Free Romi! It was a cute couple name.
Roman and I weren’t exactly mad at each other—we were just ignoring each other. It wasn’t what I wanted, but I also didn’t want to keep torturing him and making him think he was being dishonorable.
All this meant was that I had to up my game. My game that would hopefully kill two birds with one stone . . . or hatch two couples from one secret plot. If Cassie and Jonas would quit being so stubborn, that is.
I’d thought that by now my game would have already started. I kept waiting for someone, anyone, to rush through the lobby doors to let me know it had.
In the meantime, I scooted closer to Laila on the couch, keeping my view of the entrance clear.
“I don’t think you’re a fool to want to give Carter another chance,” I said, forcing my voice steady. “Yes, he’s made some questionable dating decisions. But he never cheated on you. And the reason he broke up with you is—well, for one, he’s an idiot.”
Laila grinned, her shoulders relaxing.
“But honestly,” I continued, “it was because he was in a bad spot. His basketball career was ending, not on a high note, and his past made him question if he was even worthy of you. Obviously, the answer is no.”
I nudged her playfully. “With that said, I think he’d really like the chance to try to be. And I don’t think you’d be here if you didn’t believe he was worth the risk.”
She nibbled her lower lip. “I just don’t want to give him the power to hurt me again.”
I took her hand. “Then don’t. Go into it this time knowing that if he walks away again, you’ll be better for it. And don’t forget that you don’t have to stay if you feel like it’s not working.”
She thought about it, her features softening into a smile. “I like that. How do you always know the right things to say?”
“My father likes to think of himself as a relationship expert.” I laughed, though it was true. Eros was the ultimate relationship guru.
Well—until he sent his daughter on a quest with her soulmate, who didn’t even recognize that that’s what she was.
Had he known all along that Roman and I were meant to be together? If so, he could’ve sent a memo instead of orchestrating this nonsense.
Honestly, what was the point of it?
Unless, of course, he knew that sending us here is what it would take for us to lay our hearts on the line.
Ugh. Maybe my father knew what he was doing after all.
“You must be really close to him.”
Uh . . . “Yeah,” I lied. I bore some of the blame. And I wondered if I would ever get the chance to truly know my father. I had so many questions for him.
“What would he think about you reconciling with Jonas?”
Holy Hera. I’d figured my fellow castmates would probably all think that was a possibility. Well, until . . .
Brinley burst through the door with Liam trailing behind her before I had to answer.
And I knew just from looking at Brinley and her wide eyes and flushed face that she’d seen what I hoped was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between my ex and Cassie.
Even if they didn’t know it yet. But Jonas knew how to administer a kiss, and I had to think that not even Cassie could be immune to it.
After all, they’d helped me craft this plan. The idea was simple: someone catching Cassie and Jonas mid-kiss would stir delicious drama—perfect for ratings—and, more importantly, prove to Roman that Jonas was never my soulmate.
It was bad enough he was “interviewing” men every day in the forest. Oh yes, I knew all about that, courtesy of Cassie.
And I couldn’t keep going on dates with Jonas. Every moment with him was awkward, and I could see it wasn’t easy for him either. I didn’t want to hurt him more than I already had. And Titans help me, I couldn’t survive another round of his screeching—sorry, singing.
Brinley barreled toward me in a cute little white tennis outfit, clutching her side like she’d sprinted the whole way, breath uneven.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” she gasped, “but I really need to talk to you, Demi.”
My pulse jumped, though not from surprise. I already knew what she’d seen. It was part of the plan. I just had to pretend it wasn’t—and try to look like an award-winning actress while doing it.
So I widened my eyes, forced a startled smile, and said, “Oh. Okay.”
Inside, I was already savoring the chaos to come. We were about to give Tasha, the semi-evil media specialist, the best day of her life. At least for this season. She and Jazzy were probably still sulking that no one had slapped anyone yet.
Brinley pulled me aside, wrapping me in a hug so tight it felt staged for the cameras. Her breath tickled my ear as she whispered, low and urgent.
“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry to tell you this, but I feel in good conscience I have to. Liam and I were just playing pickleball, and we heard some, uh . . . well . . . groaning from the pool area. You know, the pleasurable kind.”
I had to bite back a giggle. Wow. Jonas and Cassie had really gone for it. This could be good.
“Anyway, we got curious because . . . well . . . it was very . . . intense. And I thought maybe we should remind them they were on camera. But . . .”
I widened my eyes, all innocence. “What is it?”
“Oh, Demi, I’m so sorry. It was Jonas and Cassie.”
“Jonas and Cassie were making out?” I pitched my voice just loud enough for the cameras and mics to catch every syllable.
Brinley hugged me tighter, practically squeezing the air out of me.
“You poor thing, you must be in shock.”
Shocked, yes—but not for the reason she thought. I was shocked by how desperate I’d become to prove to my soulmate that I was willing to lay everything on the line. Shocked by how far I’d go to bring two people I cared about together before I lost the chance.
I might have been the worst goddess of love ever, but I was going out with my boots on.
“I just don’t know what to say.” I cracked my voice unnaturally, like a bad actress in a soap opera. “He was just singing me love songs.”
Brinley patted my back, her pity dripping like honey.
“Well, he’s singing a different tune now. By the looks of it, his hands were in harmony with every part of Cassie’s body.”
I pressed my lips together, fighting a smile.
“I just can’t believe Cassie would do such a thing to you,” Brinley said, shocked.
That was the only part of the plan I hated—throwing Cassie under the bus. But she’d insisted. She wanted to play the vixen, wanted to get dirty. And maybe, judging by the sounds Brinley had heard, she wanted Jonas too.
“To be fair, I did announce to everyone that I thought we should never see each other again.”
“You’re a nicer friend than I am,” Brinley said, still hugging the life out of me. “Do you want to get some ice cream and talk? I’m here for you. Liam is too. Aren’t you, babe?” She nodded toward her other half.
“That’s so sweet of you, but I think I just need to be alone for a while.”
Before I could step away, Laila rushed over and wrapped her arms around me too.
“We’re here for you, girl.”
“Thanks, ladies. You’re the best. I’m just so happy I met you all,” I cried, letting my voice wobble just enough for the cameras.
Inside, I was steady as a stone.
Best actress ever.
Though truly, I was glad I’d met all these ladies. I just hoped I wouldn’t forget who they were in two weeks.
“I’m going to go now.” I pointed toward the doors.
“We’ll check on you later,” Brinley called after me.
I nodded and waved, already imagining the gossip that would set the grapevine on fire.
On the path, I made sure to look properly stunned, knowing the cameras were still on me. I even tilted my face to the clear blue sky, as if asking, Why me?
But what I was really doing was praying.
Please, Great-Grandfather, let this be enough. Can’t you see what I’m willing to do for the boy I used to love? Please—give me the chance to love him again. Let Roman recognize my soul.
And P.S.—I hate quests.