Chapter 52
CHAPTER
FIFTY-TWO
JULIAN
“Well, the good news is, your book sales are ten times what they were last week,” Casey Samuels, my editor, says. She’s doing her best to cheer me up, but I’m not sure it’s possible. Am I upset about my unmasking? A little. The response in the last two days has been mostly positive and encouraging. My friends and family are supportive, if not a little angry I didn’t tell them. I’m a fool for doubting their reaction would be anything but positive.
The ongoing group chat is typical Decker chaos wrapped in love and support of one another. I scroll through the chat while Casey keeps talking and encouraging me to own my work. Between the two, my spirits lift.
CHANCE
How do you have time to write books when you spend so much time reading them? Well done, hermano.
ALEXANDER
I shouldn’t be surprised with your Team True Love and all. BTW, Dani loves your books, and she gets pretty worked up after a particularly sexy scene, so thanks.
ASHLEIGH
First, Xander, ewww. I don’t want to hear about that. But mostly, Jules, I adore your books. You know that because you’ve heard me gush about them. I’m not just saying that. When’s the next one coming out?
ALEXANDER
Ash, you know that’s how she got pregnant, right? Don’t tell me I need to have the birds and the bees talk with you.
EMMA
Xander, I can’t think of anything more horrifying. Please stop.
EMMA
Dani, control your husband.
EMMA
Jules, I’m excited to read your next book. I’m kinda thinking a rugby player could be hot.
CHANCE
No way. Hockey players are way hotter. What do you know about rugby, anyway?
TREVOR
Em, does that guy you met online play rugby? If so, you’re done with him.
WAIT?! Emma is online dating. We can’t be okay with that. I give her a question mark reaction. We need to come back to this.
DARCY
Is this why you were taking notes during book club? Were we your beta readers? I’m honored. Will you sign my copy?
I’m not surprised Darcy caught on to my heightened interest. She’s perceptive and insightful.
COLE
You’ve encouraged me to lean into my music because of your own experiences. That’s cool. You’re a decent brother-in-law and even better mentor.
I chuckle at that. I’m a fucking fantastic brother-in-law.
MATT
This explains all that time on your laptop in Mexico, doesn’t it? You sneaky bastard. Well done.
DANI
Sorry, just woke up. What’d I miss?
“So, like I said, own it with pride,” Casey continues. “Don’t hide from it. Own it.”
“You’re right. I will. It’s, well, it’s not about the secret, really. It’s how I was betrayed, that, well, you’re right. Casey, I appreciate you. Thanks for reaching out.” I don’t really want to get into my feelings with Casey, even though I’m sure she’d be up to listening.
“Anytime. I’m so excited I can tell Joey now. He’s going to flip, in a good way, of course.” I can practically see her bouncing with joy. Yeah. This. Casey hasn’t told her husband, the Carolina Reaper’s catcher, because she has professional boundaries. I know with absolute confidence she wasn’t the leak.
“Hey, I’m getting another call. Thanks again and talk soon.” I disconnect and click over.
Maddie dumped Fredrick and moved into her lavish Malibu beach house yesterday. I packed up my hotel room and moved into her guest room. My pity party relocated to Malibu, and now it’s a party of two. They say misery loves company, so we’re putting that to the test.
I’ve decided to stay in LA for a little longer. Honestly, I’ve been operating on autopilot since being destroyed two days ago. Madelyn’s been there for me, despite her own relationship issues. Besides, the California sunshine is nice, and I’m not ready to go back to the cold of New York. Granted, LA’s cold in its own way. Hell, it’s probably the most heartless place I know. Heartless. I feel it.
Am I licking my wounds? Absolutely. Because New York is a reminder of Harper. It’s a city of feeling. Passion. And my current state prefers no feeling at all. Maybe I’ll open a west coast office of the agency since no signs of recovery are in sight.
“Hey, Mads. Are you going to be home tonight?” I push down my sadness and try to make myself sound normal, practically chipper. I’m afraid it falls flat.
“No, and neither are you. We’re hitting Nobu, and I have to go to some club premiere, and you’ll be on my arm. Let’s give them something to talk about.” She knows I’m heartbroken and is trying to cheer me up the only way she knows how. She’s a good friend. Would pictures of us together be a huge middle finger to Fredrick and Harper? Sure. But I don’t want to hurt Harper. I want to try to forget her. Move on. I tried the happily ever after approach, and it didn’t work. Shallow and meaningless are the only relationships I can handle. Romance novels are pure fantasy.
“Not sure I’m up for it,” I tell her while searching the empty refrigerator. Another strike against the LA scene. They don’t really eat at home, if they eat at all.
“Too bad. I need some cheering up, you need some cheering up, so let’s cheer each other up. Come on, be a friend,” she whines.
“Fine,” I mumble. “But I’m not going to enjoy it.”
And I don’t.