Chapter 17 #2
“Last night was different.”
“So you weren’t bothered that he was singing to a bunch of women who scream out how much they love him while he performs?”
“No. I was proud of him. I wasn’t even thinking about the people in the crowd.” My eyes swell with tears. “I didn’t do anything to lead Sebastian on. Why won’t you and Callum believe me?”
My dad’s stance softens. “What’s this about Cash?”
“He’s not speaking to me.” I spin off my stool and storm toward the back staircase. “I didn’t do anything wrong last night, but I should’ve since everyone believes I did.”
“Livianna…”
I run up the stairs and slam my door shut, locking it behind me. I want to scream because I’m so frustrated, but I end up crying on my bed.
After the concert, Callum came backstage only to tell me his uncle was taking me home. He said he was too mad to talk and needed some time to cool off.
He refused to listen to me. Instead, he cracked open a beer and found a space on the couch between two chicks that somehow made it backstage.
I was so furious, I stomped out of there, telling Callum to fuck off on the way out. Bren came home later and told me Callum left a few minutes after I did, but I don’t care. His attitude ruined the night.
I haven’t tried to call him or text him. He should be the one coming to me.
To avoid thinking about it, I practice my lines for my next episode. I dive into my character and forget everything that happened last night.
A few hours pass and there’s a knock on my door. I get up and answer it. My mom stands on the other side with her head tilted and a warm, understanding smile flowing my way.
“Can I come in?”
“Mom, they don’t believe me.” I fall into her arms and let my tears spring free.
She hugs me tight, takes my hand, and leads me to the chenille cream-colored trundle bed that sits in front of my window.
She cuddles with me once we’re seated. “Honey, I’m sure that’s not true. Cash is just a jealous boy whose feelings got hurt.”
“But Dad thinks I did it on purpose.”
“He doesn’t. I spoke with him and he feels awful that he doubted you.” My mom squeezes me. “Your dad has a hard time understanding you. He gets how Cash thinks because he was a hotheaded boy when he was young, too.”
“That’s not fair.” I pull out of her arms and wipe my tears away. “I’m his daughter and he always takes Callum’s side.”
“It might seem that way, but I assure you that’s not true.” She gives me a mischievous smirk. “I’m not proud of it, but I did a few manipulative things to mess with him when we first started dating just so he would prove he cared about me.”
I huff a quiet laugh. “So you traumatized him and now I’m paying for it.”
“Something like that, but he feels bad and promises he’ll listen to your side of the story before he jumps to conclusions.” She rubs my knee. “Can you forgive him?”
“Of course. He’s my daddy and I’ll always be his little girl.” I glance out the window. “What should I do about the tabloid stories?”
“Let them run the course and don’t respond or feed anything to reporters that can fuel the fire.”
“What about my director? He’s going to be furious.”
“I spoke to the studio and explained you’re an overworked teenager who made a mistake. They’ll plan on writing you up, and you’ll need to work to make up the lost time, so don’t pull anything like that again.”
“That’s all they plan on doing?”
“Yes. I had to bribe them and offered to host the wrap party for the cast and crew here at the house once filming is completed. It helped your cause.”
“Thanks, Mom.” With an emptiness in my chest, I get up and pick up my cell phone from my bed. “I won’t let you down. Besides, I don’t have anyone to skip work for anymore.”
My back is to my bedroom door. I’m facing my mom, who’s still sitting near the window.
She stands and smiles. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”
“Why?”
She glances over my shoulder and gestures to the door. “Come on in, Cash. We were just finishing up.”
I spin around to find a sad-faced Callum dressed in jeans, a black T-shirt, and a red-and-black checkered flannel, resting on his palm against the doorframe.
My mom excuses herself, giving Callum a pat on his shoulder as she passes him.
I fold my arms over my chest. “What are you doing here?”
“Can we talk?” He motions to a chair. “I want to explain and tell you I’m sorry.”
My insides melt, but he didn’t treat me well last night, so he’s going to work for my forgiveness.
I splay my hands out. “Why now? You had all night and all morning.”
“I know, but I’m dealing with a lot and didn’t wanna say something I’d regret.”
“No, instead you planted yourself between two stupid chicks who were all touchy with you.”
“Forget the girls, Lily. Nothing happened. I left right after you did.” He takes two strides and pulls me into him.
“But I didn’t deserve the way you treated me.” I try to push away, but he holds me tighter.
“And I didn’t enjoy seeing some other guy all over you.”
“I told you last night I had nothing to do with that.”
“But I had just sung my soul out to you. When I finally saw you, there was some guy’s tongue down your throat. And he’s someone you kiss almost every day. He wants you, Lily. Can you put yourself in my shoes for one fucking minute and try to understand?”
I lower my head and consider what he’s saying. He’s got a point, even though I had nothing to do with Sebastian’s actions.
“Why did you leave the stage?” Callum bends down to catch my gaze. “I went over to kiss you after our song and you had decided to go to the floor so you could dance with that dickface.”
My eyes round. “No, that’s not why I left. I was told I was in the way and needed to move. That’s the only reason I was down there with Sebastian.”
“What? That can’t be. I got special permission to do that song when I knew you were coming to the concert.” Callum steps back with his face bunching up. “Who said you were in the way?”
“Your uncle.” My stomach rolls. “Why? What did he tell you?”
There’s a brief moment where disbelief spins in Callum’s eyes as if he’s made some shocking revelation.
He smirks a look of frustration as he shakes his head. “He’s gonna do it using you.”
“Do what?” Heaviness fills my lungs.
“On top of everything else…” Callum fakes a laugh like he can’t believe something, moves over to my bed, sinks down, and rubs his face in his palms. “Fucking hell. This is the last thing I need.”