Fallon
Chapter thirty-four
Secondhand Embarrassment
I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing.
Groaning, I fumbled for it and nearly dropped it when the notifications show on the screen.
My eyes pop open, a fresh wave of mortification.
Hundreds. Likes, comments, shares…and one that makes my stomach do a complete flip: Cyrus had liked the video.
Praying it wasn’t him, knowing in the pit of my stomach that it was. There’s no way to deny it. It was him.
I shove the phone under my pillow. No. No, no, no.
He saw it. He saw me—well, not my face—but me.
Why didn’t I keep it to myself? This is what happens when you think you’re confiding in someone.
The whole world finds out. My shoulders, my back to the camera, bright copper hair, and Jules’ chaotic blonde energy all over the screen.
While I declared that I have feelings for him.
Ugh. Rolling over, I stretch, pulling myself up to head to the salon. Might as well get this over with.
Sliding my legs into my buttery-soft jeans, the button closes with a small snap.
I pair a simple, sublime shirt with soft yellow flats and a high ponytail.
This will have to do for today. I groan into my hands.
Cyrus has completely invaded my home, my work, every aspect of my life…
everything. My house even smells earthy, dominating. Ugh. I need fresh air.
It took very little time to arrive; with me having tunnel vision, I sped-walked the entire two blocks, absently waving to neighbors. Claiming to be in a hurry to dodge questions.
“Fallon! You’re here early,” Jules sings out, oblivious to my internal panic. She’s already filming again, naturally. Blonde ponytail bouncing.
“I couldn’t sleep,” I mutter, avoiding her gaze. “Please, tell me, the stupid video is down?”
“Oh, honey,” she says, tucking her phone into the waistband of her pants. She plops down next to me. “It’s too late. You’re officially…noticed. If it helps, everyone thinks you’re adorable.”
“He…liked a video. He hasn’t commented or even texted me. So…” I was trying to stay calm, but my fingers fidgeted on the velvet armchair.
Jules snorts. “Oh, come on. That’s basically a love letter in social media language. And if he comments, you’ll combust right here in the salon. Don’t think I won’t film that reaction.”
I groan, tossing a towel at her. “I can’t. I…can’t. I still—ugh—I still want him, Jules. He’s never going to take me seriously—”
“And you secretly hope he does,” Jules finished with a grin. “Relax, Fallon. He’s not going to go away because you shared feelings. And honestly? He’s probably figuring out how to approach you. Anyone with eyes can tell you are all that man notices.”
I peek at my phone again. Yep. He was still liking every new post Jules had uploaded since yesterday. My chest tightens, but not entirely unpleasantly.
“See?” Jules says, nudging me. “It’s not the end of the world.
It’s…supportive co-parenting. Viral content plus Cyrus, plus your backside video clips.
It’s a modern-day romantic movie in the making for all millennials who grew up swooning over ‘You’ve Got Mail.
’ Bonus points for it all being neatly packaged in thirty seconds of footage.
” I rolled my eyes but smiled despite myself.
“You have a twisted sense of humor, Jules.”
“Twisted? Honey, it’s perfect. Now, try not to trip over your feelings while I make the next video. And I promise, this one will have music and no confessions of small-town second-chance romances.” The wink she throws my way is absolutely impish.
I sigh, letting the tension drain from my shoulders, wondering how I continuously get into these humiliating messes.
Life was boring and perfect before he returned to Bluestone.
The only degradation I had to deal with was second-hand from my mother’s recurring mistakes.
Now, every thirty seconds, I’m tripping over my own feet, and he’s the one here to witness it. Baby Jesus, I want to hide.
I spin around to watch Jules record.
Am I overreacting? What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Obviously, he’s aware that we notice new followers and those who like, share, and repost our videos.
Honestly, I would be lying if I said I hadn’t peeked at his social media page last night, surprised to find a single blank page. No photo, posts, nada.
We’re supposed to be working on the parade float tomorrow. How am I supposed to face him with my confession dangling between us?