Chapter 49
HANNAH
During my travels, I learned to trust my instinct. It never stirs me wrong. In fact, it has saved me several times. You know what pushed me to ignore my instincts… more like who?
Alexander Spearman.
With those dark blue eyes and hypnotizing voice. Last week, when Alex asked me to go with him to his award ceremony, I knew the answer was, ‘hell no.’ It’s self-preservation. The last place I should set foot is where there’s a bunch of journalists, ready to snap your picture and sell a story.
More so after the scandal my friends got into, but did I listen to my instinct?
Nope. So, here I am, looking at a picture where I’m next to Alex ‘the Speedman’ Spearman.
Speedman, the man of the hour. The guy who is coming back into the spotlight. What is he doing since six o’clock in the morning? Taking one phone call after the other.
“Yes, I’ve been considering it,” he says over the phone. “Well, if it’s the right offer, you never know.”
Arrogant asshole!
“Of course, I’ll be happy to talk with you about that offer, just not today,” he says to the next person who calls him.
His phone keeps ringing, and he keeps answering, sounding shallow and petulant. As if no one who’s calling deserves him.
By now, his face must be hurting since he keeps smiling like a Cheshire cat. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this…animated and different. It’s like he just got a second wind. Another chance at…another chance at his old life. He’s dating me, and now everyone is interested in him.
Fucking déjà vu. This is Davis all over again. He’s back and stronger. I try to keep calm, but instead, I begin to pace around my apartment. How could I be so stupid?
My legs won’t stand still, and I decide to go out for a walk with Bruno.
Instead of just admiring the landscape, I’m going through all the pictures that have been posted from last night.
There’re so many speculations about us, including that I’m using his good name to clean my own.
My publicist is using the guy to hide the fact that I just came out of rehab.
Raging, I start walking faster. The more articles I read, the more erratic my breathing becomes.
It’s not until I’m back at the apartment when I realize that I’m hyperventilating.
Also, there’re several reporters outside the building.
We’re lucky to have a doorman who is stopping them, but how am I supposed to go back in the house without being seen?
I go through the back, and I’m thankful that they switched the keycard system with an app. I tap my phone and enter through the underground garage.
When I reach my apartment, Alex is still on the phone. “Hey, don’t focus on the girl. She’s arm candy. Let’s talk about this interview your network is requesting,” he says, and that’s it. I’m done with him.
Arm candy? I’m sure he can do better. Maybe he should contact Samantha, his ex. I start packing because there’s no point in staying in this building. Everyone knows where to find me. They’ll be stalking me until they get tired.
“Hey, babe, what are you doing?” he asks, with concern in his voice.
His phone rings and for the first time, he doesn’t answer it.
“Packing,” I state the obvious.
“Wait, where are we going?”
“I’m going home,” I answer, without even looking at him because if I do, I’ll definitely punch him in the face.
“Sounds like a good idea, though we can always go to Colorado with my family. They wouldn’t expect you to be there,” he says. “I’ll get the plane ready.”
“No, thank you,” I state dryly.
“Wait, what’s happening?”
I close my bag and search for Draco’s backpack.
“Congratulations, you have your career back. I should’ve known there was always an ulterior motive.”
“Hannah, what’s happening?” He looks at me confused.
“Seriously? You’re back on the top with the big guys. Here’s your second chance, you’re welcome. Now that you’ve fucked up my life in San Francisco, I’m going home to find some peace.”
“Listen to me,” he says.
“Save your words,” I advise and open the door. “I’ll have someone come by to pack my stuff and put the place on the market. Have a nice life, Alex.”
“Hannah, what the fuck is happening?” He is following right behind me. I rush down the stairs.
“You tell me, you keep giving interviews and closing new deals.”
“Nana, I’m trying to do damage control,” he says, as if I’m going to believe him.
“You’re not allowed to call me Nana!”
He shakes his head as if he can’t believe I’m overreacting. “You’re misunderstanding everything.”
I laugh. “Please, don’t insult me.”
“Don’t leave me,” he says.
I ignore him and put my luggage in the trunk of my car. Then, I set Draco on the back seat.
“Hannah, listen to me,” he says, holding the driver’s door, so I can’t close it. “If I was taking the calls it was to avert the attention from you. The last thing I want is for you to have your life disrupted.”
I laugh because he seriously believes those lies. “You won, Alex. It’s over.”
He shakes his head. “Do you know why I’m always back at your door? Because I can’t imagine my life without you. But that doesn’t matter anymore. You’ll never believe me.”
He shuts the door and walks away.