Page 43 of The Publicist

“Are you treated well, at least?” I’m not sure why I need to know this, but I would feel better knowing she isn’t getting beaten up.

“Yeah, I work for Madam Ruby. She treats us all very well. I wouldn’t still be doing this if she didn’t.” She’s looking at me as if I am some majestic animal she can’t figure out.

“I’ve heard rumors that you are a player, but I don’t think you are, Caleb.”

I fake concern. “Don’t tell anyone in Hollywood that.”

She giggles. “Quinn is lucky to have you. Whatever is going on, fix it. She seems to make you happy.” Her words hit me like ice water. I’m trying to gulp for air but can’t seem to fill my lungs. I’m sure this is what drowning feels like.

“Listen, is there somewhere you want to go? I’m not going to invite you up with me, but I’d be happy to have the driver take you somewhere and drop you off. He can bring you back to the club if you want.” I pull my wallet out and try to hand her the bills, but she surprises me and pushes them back to me.

“No. Thanks for seeing the real me tonight. Most people don’t care. You’re a good guy. I wish you the best with Quinn. I think I’m just going to go home for the night; I’m not really feeling in the mood for anything anymore.”

I kiss her cheek, step out of the car, into the cool breeze, and walk into the brightly lit lobby. I hit the up button on the elevator to go to my room, and my phone buzzes. It’s a new text from Elena.

Elena:You’ve fucked up, Caleb. Click the link.

I click it, and there are several pictures of us at the club. Kissing at the bar, grinding on the dance floor, and her kiss outside the club. Yep, story of my life. Nothing stays hidden. A small story under the last picture sums up everything perfectly.

Back to his old ways—skinny, blonde, and leggy. Caleb is spotted at Centricity getting handsy with a perky blonde. Trouble in paradise between Quinn and Caleb?

I respond back after reading the story and reviewing the pictures.

Me:Not like she didn’t do it first. She was supposed to be having a girl’s night out. What was Tait doing there?

My phone rings, and I pick it up as I let myself into my room for a night of solitude, and probably my right hand. “What, Elena?”

“You’re the dumbest man I have ever met, Caleb!” she yells through the phone.

“Nice to talk to you, too, Elena. Please explain.”

“Tait only showed up because he’s dating Sam. He has no interest in Quinn, and the only reason he left with her instead of Sam is because she got sick and he was worried.”

“What do you mean she got sick?”

Exasperated, she lets out a growl. “Quinn wants to be able to tell you herself.”

“Well, I’m not in the mood to talk to her, so why don’t you tell me?”

“You’re acting like a five-year-old. Just call her and let her explain.”

“Just fucking tell me, and we can end this conversation.” I’m irritated, and my voice rises a few decibels.

“If she asks, I told you nothing. I’m not going to lose her as a friend because you can’t keep it in your pants.” She pauses and continues. “She got roofied, and Tait was helping to get her home safe.”

Yep, I’m drowning.My blood pressure is through the roof, and I need to get to her immediately to make sure she is all right.

“Now, will you call her?”

Chapter 37

I’m lyingin my bed, going through the SMS feeds for Caleb, unable to sleep. He won’t call me back, and he hasn’t answered any of my texts. I’m dying to hear his voice and be able to explain what happened. New pictures of Caleb pop up, and my heart stops. He’s at a club with some sexy, skinny, blonde, and she has her hands all over him. Okay, he’s hot; I would andhavedone the same, so I’m not too concerned. It’s not okay, though, when I see pictures of the two of them kissing.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I yell at my phone. Since I’m a glutton for punishment, I click through the series of pictures a few more times, looking for any sign that this is photoshopped. Coming up short, I work on trying to not punch a hole in the wall. I call his phone, and it again goes straight to voicemail. He probably put me on the block list through a tantrum over Tait.Ugh! He is so frustrating!

I call Elena who picks up right away. “Hey, are you okay?”

I take a deep breath and slowly exhale. “I’m feeling fine. I’m home lying in my own bed right now. Have you looked up pictures of Caleb from tonight?”