Page 6 of Truly (Peachwood Falls #2)

“He could’ve chosen another week to have those pictures of him leaked—the term used loosely because you know damn good and well that he was behind that.

Instead, he chose the week you were on the cover of Timeless magazine so he could steal your moment.

He hated that you were chosen as Prettiest Person in the World and got more attention than he did. ”

I squeeze my eyes shut … because down deep, I know she’s right.

“He could’ve supported your career just like you supported his,” she says. “And please don’t forget the rumors about Tom in Paris six months ago.”

Multiple women. A penthouse. Pictures that he swears were doctored were splashed across covers of all the rag magazines.

My jaw sets.

And my father made excuses for him. Looking back, I numbed myself to the situation—dove harder into work and chose not to pay attention. Survival at its very best. But the true betrayal from the Paris situation wasn’t from Tom. It was from my dad.

How could Dad continue to push me to marry Tom? Why did he get me to try to smooth over Tom’s abhorrent behavior? Why didn’t he see the red flags waving in the sky or, if he did—and I think he did—why did he blow them off?

“You’re right,” I say. “I did what I had to do.”

“That’s my girl.”

I laugh. “I guess I need to call Anjelica. My PR is through my label, and I’m sure she has questions.”

“Fine. But don’t think this conversation about Farrier Boy is over.” She laughs, too. “In all seriousness, do you need anything? Want anything? What can I do to support you?”

My heart warms. “Just having you to call is the best thing in the world.”

“I am pretty special, aren’t I?” She laughs again. “Okay. Call Anjelica. Can I call you on this number if I need you?”

“Um, you know what? I don’t know how long I’ll be here. So just let me figure out a few things, and then I’ll call you back with details.”

“Okay. I have your stuff from the hotel and your phone, by the way. Troy found it and gave it to me.” She sighs blissfully. “My flight leaves tomorrow afternoon. If you decide you want this stuff, please let me know.”

“I might. I just need to figure out how to get it. I’m sure you’re being watched.”

“Yeah. Probably. Hell, I might give them something to see if they want to be assholes.”

I giggle. “Okay. I’ll call you later. Love you.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

I end the call, then dial Anjelica’s number before I chicken out.

Every ring ups my anxiety. By the third one, I’m not sure she’ll answer. I’m mentally reviewing what my voice message will say when she answers breathlessly.

“Anjelica Grace,” she says.

“Hey. It’s Laina.”

Her exhale could move a mountain. “My God, girl. You’re making me work for my money today, aren’t you?”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. As your agent and your friend, you made the right choice today. I was envisioning a lifetime of press releases to save your skin if you went through with the marriage.”

“Really?”

She laughs dryly. “Moving on, we’ve been holding off on a statement and hoping you’d call. It’s in your email.”

I don’t have a computer . “Can you read it to me?”

She quickly goes through the statement that doesn’t say anything but says everything at the same time.

“Love it. Use it. What else?” I ask.

“We are just doing a little damage control. Nothing for you to worry about. All I need from you is to keep your head down for a little while. This will all blow over, but we need to give it some time to cool off. Hopefully, Tom doesn’t want to drag it out and keep his name in the headlines. Do you have a place you can stay?”

I glance around. “I think so. I’m working on it.”

“Where can I get ahold of you? Your cell is off. I’m assuming you didn’t take it so you can’t be tracked.”

“You’re so smart.”

“This isn’t my first rodeo.” She laughs. “Get a phone and call me with the number in case I need to reach you. Your father has been blowing me up to see if you’ve checked in. I take it you’re avoiding him?”

I huff. “Yes. I can’t deal with him right now. He’s going to be pissed and try to get me back with Tom because Tom got him in on that golf course deal in San Diego.”

“Got ya. I’ll tell him you’re safe, and that’s all he’s getting for now. Sound good?”

“Perfect.”

“I hope you don’t mind, but I checked in with your security team when news broke this afternoon,” she says. “It’s not my place, and if I overstepped, I apologize. I wanted to know you were safe.”

I smile. “That’s fine. Thank you for caring.”

“Of course. I will let you know that Landry Security is keeping two men in town just in case you need them. They asked me to tell you that if we talked. Apparently, they know where you are and are giving you space, but they’re close by.”

I can’t stop the sniffle. The bridge of my nose burns nearly as hot as my chest. Knowing that these people care about me, even if they are on my payroll, means a whole heck of a lot—especially right now.

“We have your back, Laina. The Mason Music team is battling for you right now. Coy heard the news and called me right away to make sure we were doing everything we can to protect you. Everyone but Boone,” she says, her voice rising. “ Get out of my candy jar. I mean it .”

I snort, imagining Boone Mason driving Anjelica crazy per usual.

The Mason Music staff is nothing short of amazing. They feel closer than business associates to me much of the time. Even the CEO, Coy Mason, and his brother, Boone, reach out personally from time to time. Choosing to work with Anjelica was the best decision I’ve made in my career.

“Thank you, Anjelica. I appreciate you so much.”

“That’s what I’m here for. Now go and try to get some rest.”

At the mention of sleep, a yawn slips past my lips. I stretch over my head and enjoy the pull through my back.

“Don’t forget to call me,” she says. “I have to go. Talk soon.”

“Goodbye.”

I end the call and place the receiver on the bedside table. My dress is still on the floor, and the washcloth is still in the shower. But this bed is so soft .

I lie back, intending to close my eyes for a few minutes. The next thing I know, I’m drifting off into a peaceful slumber.