Page 29 of Fame & Obsession

“When I said help yourself, I didn’t mean tomydinner.” He smirks as I dig in. “You want to help yourself to my date too? He’s right there.”

My mouth is already full by the time I notice the shy smile on the other side of the coffee table.

Chewing furiously, I push the carton back into Gage’s hand and wipe my mouth on my sleeve. “Hi, Parker. Sorry, my manners suck.”

Nodding, he spears a piece of chicken from his own container. “Hi, Phoebe. It’s great to see you again.”

“You too.” I smile, eyeing him curiously. “Glad I didn’t scare you off last night.”

“Hardly,” he dismisses with a wave of his hand. “That was weeknight entertainment.”

I like him. I hope Gage doesn’t screw this up. Relationship sabotage is his superpower.

Parker leans against the sectional, almost blending in with the tan upholstery in his camel-colored T-shirt. I can’t help but notice a jagged horizontal scar slashed under his eyebrow. I wonder what story that scar hid. Was he a clumsy boy or a reckless teen? Did he get in a fight? Scars tell all kinds of horrors if you listen long enough.

I should know.

By eleven o’clock, stifling yawns prove to be impossible. Setting my jar of wine on the table, I stand, thanking them both for their company, but announce I’m done for the night.

Gage jumps to his feet, hitting his palm against his forehead. “Oh, my God, Pheebs! I forgot, something came for you.” He darts into his bedroom, returning with a huge bouquet of blue irises.

“What the hell is that?”

He smirks. “By the water, stems, and the funny smell, I’m going with flowers.”

I stare at the vase in his hands. “You know what I meant. Who sent them?”

His eyes light up, and he rips off the envelope tied to the glass. “Let’s find out!”

“Give me that!” I laugh, snatching it out of his hand. Both men wait attentively as I pull the card out and read aloud. “Roses are red, but not the flower for you. Only irises have beauty of eyes so blue.”

No one says a word.

“The fuck?” Gage says, breaking the silence.

I wave the card at him. “Did you do this?”

He shakes his head, holding both palms up. “I love you, Pheebs, but I can’t afford gum.”

“Who would do this?” My mind races, a gasp catching in my throat as an unwelcome thought invades my head.

It can’t be...

“Read the other card.” Parker nods at another envelope tucked inside the bouquet. Tearing it open, I read with an unsteady voice. “By the way, you’re welcome, princess.”

Oh, God,that word. The conflict it evokes makes me want to crawl out of my skin.

“Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ ta do.” Gage’s smirk fades as he lifts my chin to meet his eyes. “Pheebs, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

The card shakes in my hand. “Maybe I have.” I meet his gaze, unable to voice my fears. “Gage, I don’t know, this isn’t... I...”

Bleak understanding sparks in his eyes, and he snatches the card from my hand. “Stop it. It has nothing to do with him.”

“But—” I try to find the words to tell him about Chloe’s call, but he doesn’t give me a chance.

“But nothing. It’s not even a question, Phoebe. Whatisa question, however, is...who have you been clam-slamming behind my back?”

His crude accusation snaps me out of my stupor. Clenching my jaw, I steal the card back. “There’snoguy!”