Chapter 32 #2
“Well, he’s not allowed to come near me ever again, and the studio cut ties with him and his vendor. He was issued a lot ban, so other studios will realize he’s a predator.”
Callum steps back and stares into my eyes. “I wish you had told me everything before I found out on my own. Maybe there could’ve been a way—”
“I’m not part of the way, Callum. My life has been an open book for the tabloids to write about and make up stories. They don’t get my painful events to spin and make up a narrative that only hurts me more.”
“You’re right. It’s none of their business.”
A searing heat burns inside me just thinking about that night and all that’s happened since. It reminds me of something.
“Callum, I’ve been thinking about the black and white lilies you told me about.”
“Yeah? What about ’em?”
“I think I’m more of a black lily. My insides feel more dark than light.”
He trails his thumb over my jaw, outlining it. “Either way, both are beautiful and make you whole.”
He leans down and kisses me tenderly. Salt from my tears coats our lips and he breaks away.
“Lily, don’t cry.”
“I’m not crying because I’m sad. I’m just proud of you, Callum Mayze.” My heart breaks. “Now go make your dreams come true.”
“You know I’m sabotaging Ur Boyz, right?”
“I do and that’s how I know your dreams of Mayhem will come true soon enough.”
“Thanks for always believing in me.”
“Right back at ya, love.”
We laugh and kiss one last time. His uncle nudges him to get on the bus as Bren pounds on the window from inside.
Callum and I have been saying goodbye for half an hour. No matter how much we try to put it off, it’s time to let him go.
“Lily?”
“What?”
“You’ll always be the only vixen I’ll ever dream about, touch, love, and marry. I’m coming back to you and nothing can stop me.”
I swallow my doubt in his words. “Go on, rockstar. You’ve got a tour to ruin.”
He gives me a tight squeeze, releases me, and climbs onto the bus without looking back. Something tells me he wouldn’t get on if he did. And if I had known what the next six months were going to be like, I never would’ve let him go.
Each day the emptiness grows. It’s been three months since Callum left. We try to connect, but he performs at night and I work from morning until his band has to be at the venue.
We’re reduced to quick FaceTime chats that only consist of saying I love you and miss you. We don’t even have time for a quick rundown of what’s taking place in each other’s lives. We text, but nothing relevant is discussed.
The distance between us can’t be denied. Because of that, the tabloids are going wild with false stories about how we’re broken up. I have a few days off in my upcoming schedule.
We’ve arranged for me to fly out and meet up with them for the weekend. It’s my only relief.
I wake up to a message from him.
Callum: I did something last night. The media is taking it out of context, but believe me, it’s all a lie. Call me when you get a chance. I’ll explain everything.
My stomach knots. I open my laptop and go to one of the gossip pages. I want to be prepared for anything Callum needs to tell me. Even if it’s coming from the gossip columnists, at least I won’t be blindsided.
Front and center is a picture of a shining-eyed Callum with his arm around a very tattooed woman with blue hair. She appears older than him, but she’s stunning and gives off nothing but rockstar girlfriend vibes.
They’re strolling directly toward the camera, laughing as if they haven’t a care in the world. Bren’s following behind with another girl, who’s a lot like the one Callum’s with.
He has the same glossed-over gaze. The tour bus door is open as if they’re all getting ready to climb inside.
The headline reads: Who are the new love interests of Cash and Guns?
My body goes numb. I study the picture more closely. Callum looks high as shit. He’s probably on coke. I would know because I’ve seen him on it more than anyone else. Or have I?
He’s been gone and I have no idea what’s going on with him anymore. My hands shake and I get ready to click out of the story when another link that’s embedded into the article catches my eye.
It says: There’s no denying Cash and Guns have released their inner rockstars now.
I hover the mouse over the link and then click on it. It leads to another story with pictures of Bren and Callum snorting blow off one of the girls’ stomachs.
She’s lying down on a bed that appears to be in the back of the bus in nothing but her bra and underwear. The other girl sits at her head under a blanket.
Bile churns in my insides and spits out acid. I slam the laptop closed.
There’s absolutely nothing Callum can say to me that would make me believe they didn’t sleep with those girls. It’s the exact thing they used to do when they toured together.
I know how sexual Callum is. He’s never denied that to me. I huff out a fake laugh and scold myself for being so stupid.
He’s a rockstar, Livianna. This is what they do.
I type out three messages, all intended to hurt like hell. Each and every one of them.
The first one I send to Callum.
Me: I’ve seen and read enough. Well done, mate.
Once again, you’ve shown me who you really are.
But don’t worry. You’ve never lied to me about that, so I don’t hold it against you.
Oh, and one more thing. The name Mayhem is fitting.
So true to you and all you bring by being in your life. Goodbye, Cash.
The next one goes out to Bren.
Me: I’ve canceled my trip. Let your crew know. Looks like you’ve scored yourself a new companion. Maybe she and her friend can take my place. Thanks for having my back, Guns. You’ve helped me with the clarity I’ve needed for a long time.
And the last one goes out to my special contact. One I’ve secretly made through someone from the studio.
Me: I have some extra time this weekend. Any chance we can meet up?
Marco my wizard: I’ll always make time for you, tiny. Whatcha thinking?
Me: It’s been hot out, so some Snow would be nice. I’ve got a Chronic case of the summertime blues. I could use some Hydrotherapy if you get my drift. Maybe we could meet up near Malibu and fit some of that in.
Marco my wizard: I got you, tiny. Malibu it is.
Me: Time and place… I’m thinking Malibu Pier. It’s only an hour away and I can find someone who’s willing to drive me there. I’ll let you know as soon as I secure a ride.
Marco my wizard: Can’t wait, tiny. It’s been a while.
I place my phone down and get ready to go to work, knowing I’ve once again just changed the course of my entire life. Oh, the dreadful lessons little girls need to learn.