Page 47 of The Publicist

The color in Amanda’s face drains. “No, we don’t talk. Just, if you see him. Thanks, Tait.” She gives a small wave and heads back into her office. I raise my eyebrow at Tait in question, and he smiles as he shrugs, leaving the office.

I take a quick stroll over to Amanda’s office and knock on the door. Her head snaps up and she looks at me, a small smile on her lips.

“Hey, Amanda, what was that about? I thought you were done working for Caleb?” I ask, trying to keep my voice level.

“Oh, yeah, I am.” She looks back at her computer, trying to not meet my stare.

“You know we are not supposed to reach out to our clients once we’re done working with them, right? It goes against our policies.”

She huffs and turns her attention back to me. “Like you’ve never done it.”

I’m taken aback by her insinuation. “Actually, Amanda, no, I haven’t. Once a client no longer uses our services, I don’t reach out again.”

“Then why did Caleb talk about you non-stop while I was there? I assumed the two of you were still talking.”

I’m thoroughly confused now. “What did Thad tell you is the reason why I wasn’t finishing this assignment?” I want to ask her about him talking about me, but I’m not sure I’m ready to hear what he had to say.

“He told me there were a few big-name clients that wanted you, and the money was too good to pass it up. Is that not true?”

“Not exactly…” I trail off.

“Oh, listen, Quinn. You know I’d never step on your toes; I’m not like that.” Her eyes light up, and I can tell she figured it all out. “You two were actually dating, weren’t you? It wasn’t just pretend.”

“Yeah, it started off pretend. It was supposed to be to help his image. After a while though, things… evolved.”

“Does Thad know you were dating him and things went south?”

The way it rolls off her tongue stings. I know things didn’t end well, but it doesn’t mean I don’t miss him. “I think he figures as much, but he hasn’t said anything to me about it.”

She smiles reassuringly. “I won’t say anything. It all makes sense though, Quinn. He’s head over heels for you. He stopped asking a few days in how you were doing, but I know he was checking your social media. I caught him a few times doing so.”

“I haven’t been on since he sent me home. Too many people hating me for hurting their precious baby.” I chuckle, remembering some of the comments from his overzealous fans.

“Well, friends don’t go after exes, so you don’t have to worry about me.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it. Can I ask you another question?”

“Sure.”

“Why don’t you get along with Elena?”

Her smile fades and she is silent. Finally, right before I repeat the question, she answers. “I was trying to hit on Caleb, and she was beaver damming me. It all makes sense as to why now though. I know, I shouldn’t have done it, but that man is hot as hell and it was only going to be a three-week assignment. I’ve heard rumors that he doesn’t care if it’s work or not, so I figured why not try.” She shrugs.

“Yeah, that sounds like him.” I chuckle.

She smirks and cocks her brow. “So, how was he?”

Chapter 40

I couldn’t bringmyself to head back to Boston. It is too far from Quinn, and I want to be close by if she decides to reach out to me. I’ve picked up my phone to call her many times, and each time, it ends with me putting it down and drinking. Elena has had to take my phone away from me on a few occasions just so I don’t drunk text her.

“Caleb, get the fuck out of your apartment.” Elena pulls at my arm, trying to remove me from my current seat. I’ve been lying on this couch for so long, I’m sure it’s starting to get crusty. “You smell like crap. Go take a shower at least while I open a window. I’m not going to let you sink this low again. We’ve already gone down this road, and if you do it again, I’m sure it’s going to kill you—or her.”

“She doesn’t care anyway. If she did, she would have called or texted or something.”Yup, pity party for one.

“Jesus Christ, Caleb! You really are dense. I haven’t told you about how she’s doing because I wanted you to reach out to her yourself. Why do you think I’ve been pushing you so hard? She isjustas miserable as you, maybe more so! Tait saw her today. She doesn’t look great. She was hoping it was you that came by. Also, it’s a two-way street. If you want to speak with her, you can reach out, too.”

I jerk my eyes to meet hers. “Tait saw her today? Why?” My voice is dark.