Chapter 64
Chapter Sixty-Four
CLOVER
Jill keeps her word and picks me up at LAX bright and early the next morning. Pulling me into the world’s tightest hug, she doesn’t ask questions. I count my lucky stars as I squeeze her back. I may not have my man anymore, but I’ve got my friend.
When we’re safely locked in the car, I look to the back and notice a suitcase and Smokey in her carrier. Before I have a chance to ask, Jill speaks up.
“I don’t want to be presumptuous, but I figured there was a really good chance you wouldn’t want to go back to Roman’s place.”
I hold back tears. “Correct.”
Smokey meows in agreement.
“There’s always your place, but I don’t know how safe that is, especially with renewed paparazzi interest...”
Sighing as I rub my eyes, I try to massage away the headache blooming behind them. The headlines last night and this morning were wild
Mid-shoot Meltdown! Clover Daly and Roman Everett caught in nuclear argument at photoshoot.
Hollywood’s Hottest Couple No More? Clover Daly and Roman Everett were spotted leaving NYC on separate flights. Sources say both kept to themselves and seemed upset.
Casting Cat Fight! With Clover out as Roman’s onscreen leading lady, and their explosive fight, will Hailey McDonald swoop in?
Jill’s right, going back to my place isn’t an option. “Where to then? A hotel?” I ask with a sigh.
“I’ve got a better idea.”
At Jill’s place, we unload a few items from the suitcase, and Smokey slowly looks around, taking in the new environment.
Jill’s place is not what I would’ve expected for her.
The walls have no art on them, and everything looks like an interior designer specializing in modernism just threw shit around.
It’s not very Jill at all. But then again, I suppose it doesn’t need to be since she’s rarely here anyways.
My heart squeezes when I look over at Smokey.
She’s been right beside me since we got here, it’s like she knows.
Her big, pumpkin-colored eyes scan over me, assessing.
Nudging my hand with her head, she insists I keep petting her.
Her soft fur and the gentle vibration of her purrs are my only source of comfort right now.
Jill bends down to give Smokey’s back a little pat, and she arches up into it.
“I’ll stick you in the guest room that doesn’t face Roman’s building.”
Even his name makes me want to cry big, dumb tears. How can I simultaneously miss someone so badly I want to throw up, while also wanting to absolutely throttle them? I shake my head and rub my eyes.
It doesn’t matter how I feel about Roman right now. I just need to survive these next two weeks until San Diego Comic-Con.