Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
kate
Curled up on the couch, I endlessly flip through channels, trying to find something to entertain me after deleting every social media app off my phone and restricting my internet access to prevent myself from spiraling down the rabbit hole of what people are saying about me.
We seriously underestimated the level of interest in our relationship because the story is everywhere.
Trending on social. All the celebrity blogs.
And the Reddit threads might be the worst. Hence, the self-mandated internet detox.
On the coffee table, my phone vibrates, causing me to cringe and worry about who might be calling.
It’s gotten to the point that I’ve silenced all unknown callers due to the incessant number of prank calls and media inquiries I received after my number was leaked.
The last forty-eight hours have been a doozy.
I lean forward, turning over my phone to see my mom’s calling. Can only imagine what she might want. Probably to chastise me for being the talk of the town again. That woman loves gossip as long as it’s not about her or me.
While I’d love to ignore her and everyone else, I might as well get this over with. Find out what she wants, or she’ll keep calling. Placing both hands over my heart, I inhale and exhale deeply, forcing all my anxiety and frustration down before I answer.
“Hello, Katherine,” my mom says in a poignant tone. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine. How are you?” I reply, questioning whether this is merely a random social call or if she has an ulterior motive. It’s hard to tell with her.
“Not good. Not good at all,” she replies sternly. “There are media all over my front lawn. Knocking on my door. Calling my phone. Wanting me to answer questions about you and Jake.”
I sit straight, my spine rigid.
Media are in Southmount. This can’t be good.
We didn’t prepare for this scenario. I spiral, unsure how best to respond when I can’t control what the paparazzi do or say. When I’m helpless to control anything that’s happening right now.
“I’m sorry, Mom. We were hoping none of this would involve you.”
“Is Jake with you?” she asks, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Why is she asking where Jake is? Does she want to take him up on his offer to get her a new number? I’m sure I can help coordinate that with his team.
“No. He should be back in an hour.”
“Good. I’d prefer to say this just to you,” she replies, exhaling loudly.
“This situation is completely unacceptable. Having people show up at my house. Call me. Ask personal questions about Judy. They’re even going to the cemetery and taking pictures of her grave.
All because you felt the need to publicize your little romance with Jake. ” Her voice is laced with frustration.
My heart sinks, tears well in the corners of my eyes.
They’re asking about Judy. Jake kept her death out of the press for more than a year.
Now it’s fodder for the media to use however they want.
It’s only a matter of time before they find out about his dad’s death, my father leaving us, my previous engagement—all of it.
“We didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. Jake’s team felt we had to get this out before someone else leaked it. The last thing either of us wants is media attention.”
“It seems foolish to upend my life and desecrate Judy’s memory over a fling.” Her curt tone places extra emphasis on the last word, knowing full well the impact it will have on me—intentionally poking at my insecurities.
I grit my teeth and force a smile, even though we’re not on camera. Maybe pretending what she’s saying doesn’t hurt me will diminish the ache in my chest. “Mom, I’ve told you this already. Jake and I are planning a future together. A lifetime.”
She sighs loudly. “You think that now, Katherine. But he’ll eventually grow tired of you. His lifestyle and yours are not compatible. The two of you aren’t well-matched. It would’ve been better if you kept this little dalliance a secret. Avoided all this drama.”
There it is. How she really feels.
That someone like Jake could never want to be with someone like me—at least, not long-term.
I shake my head, unsurprised by the fact that she doesn’t support our relationship.
I had an inkling she felt this way when Jake and I first told her.
She claims to support us every time Jake is around.
The truth finally comes out when he’s not here.
When she feels bold enough to tell me what she really thinks.
It was foolish of me to ever believe she’d support us being together.
But her negative opinions won’t change how I feel about Jake, or how confident I am in our future. I know without a doubt that we’re meant to be. There’s nothing she can do or say to destabilize our rock-solid foundation.
“I’m sorry you feel this way. I’ll talk to Jake’s team to see what support they can offer to help alleviate the impact on you. I’ll let you know as soon as I have more information,” I reply, ending the call without letting her get another word in.
I drop my head into my hands, staring at the vinyl plank flooring and questioning how everything got out of control so quickly. It feels like I’m stuck in a fever dream, unable to wake up.
Is this how my life will be forever? This level of scrutiny? Feedback? Animosity?
Hearing shit from my mom is one thing. Having the rest of the world echo similar sentiments is another.
Anna definitely wasn’t lying when she said going public would be a baptism by fire. The only challenge is that I’ve already been burned one too many times.