Page 54

CHAPTER

FIFTY-FOUR

HARPER

Chance’s Facetime with me is a grim update. He tried to convince Julian to talk to me, to hear me out. He wouldn’t do it. My alleged betrayal cut deep.

“I appreciate the effort. I just need him to listen. Maybe I’ll rent a billboard in LA?” It’s been days since Chance talked to him. He won’t share much with me about their conversation, but I’m assured he’s safe. And heartbroken. Although, his pictures around town with Madelyn Reynolds tell a different story. Things aren’t always as they appear , I remind myself.

“Doubt that won’t work. I even tried evoking the spirit of Team True Love and, well, it wasn’t pretty.” Chance is telling me straight, and I appreciate it. “How are you holding up?”

“Exhausted. I’ve never worked so hard in my entire life. But it’s worth it.” I’ve been writing for sixteen hours a day and I’m drained, physically and emotionally. But I’m focused on the task at hand.

I’m so tired, my brain takes a second to process what he said. “Hey! That gives me an idea,” I squeal. “Thanks Chance, you’re the best friend Julian could ever have!” I’m so excited I pace around the disheveled apartment, Noodle scrambling to the safety of his bed.

“Um, thanks? What’d I do?”

“Can I ask a favor?” I bat my bloodshot eyes at him and poke out my bottom lip. It doesn’t take much to look pathetic these days.

“Maybe?” He hesitates. Julian’s lucky to have him in his corner. I feel awful asking him for this favor, but my desperation leaves me no choice.

“Can we call an emergency meeting of Team True Love? I have an idea, and I need their help.”

“Do you mind if I ask them first?” Again, I appreciate Chance protecting his best friend. He’s trying to balance what Julian wants versus what he needs. Because sometimes, we need our friends to take the lead for us when we can’t think for ourselves.

“Of course. Let them know I didn’t betray him, but I know who did. You believe me, don’t you?”

There’s a pause, and Chance’s expression turns hard, like he’s facing an opposing player at puck drop. “Harper, do you love him? He says you never told him. Is that true?” I’m a little stunned by his question. Would I be going to all this trouble if I didn’t?

His question deflates me, the air leaving my lungs like a punctured balloon. The bitter taste of regret coats my tongue. Why didn’t I just tell him? I close my eyes and take a calming breath.

“It’s true. I never told him. But Chance, I love him with all my heart and soul. I didn’t say those words because I was waiting for a mundane moment to tell him. I wanted him to know it wasn’t in response to his declaration of love or because he whisked me off to Italy or fucked me senseless. I wanted to say it because I love him in the uneventful times too. But with Julian, there’s never a moment that isn’t dazzling and spectacular. I was waiting for an ordinary moment which doesn’t exist when you’re with an extraordinary man.” I shrug, and a tear slips down my cheek. “So, yeah, I never told him.”

Chance sniffles and wipes at his eyes. “That’s fucking beautiful. I’ll set up the meeting. My friend needs to hear that before he fucks it all up.” Chance sniffles again. “Watch for my text. But be prepared, because Team True Love is a fierce bunch.”

I put on my game face, ready to take on this battle. “That’s what I’m banking on.” I need them to all be in fighting mode, because Julian is worth fighting for.

An hour later, I have a link for a video call tomorrow evening. I’ve got a lot to do to prepare for the meeting of Operation Team True Love on Steroids.