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“Is he the one responsible for this?” I almost grumble as I lock the screen again. I need to call Ty about this. This is not the first picture that’s circling around of me and Mick and I have my suspicions about who started this rumour… As does Ty.

He knows about Mick’s pursuit; I’m not gonna lie about that. He also knows I won’t ever give in to him. Ty is my world, my all, and I’m not going to risk the beautiful thing that I have.

“That’s a possibility, but I don’t think so. Like yours, his account is partly managed by his social media manager and by extension, the label.”

“Yes, but my social media manager is one of my best friends and she would never fuck me over like this, even if the label would ask her to post this. Can’t they quit it with this shit?” I rub my face in agitation. “I already have a partner.” An amazing one.

“I know, but somehow, the public doesn’t. And management is finding your single status, and the Mick and Jace angle, the perfect marketing tool.”

“ I’m not single, ” I repeat for what feels like the twentieth time since we started this tour.

“And it’s not like we were trying to keep quiet on purpose,” I mutter.

“Last year when Ty was still figuring shit out for himself? Hell yes. But not anymore… Why can’t I just proclaim I’m in a relationship? ”

We really weren’t trying to hide it last year, damn it.

We really weren’t. Before I left Summerset, we walked around campus out and proud.

It’s not that we were flaunting our relationship or had some big PDA sessions, but we hung out together a lot.

But somehow, the story of us never became a thing, even with him being who he is and me being who I am.

And now? Now the damn label wants us to keep it on the down low. They like me available . It makes for more sales if I’m being my flirty self on and off the stage.

I get it; I do. I want this to succeed just as bad as my band members and the label. Doesn’t mean that I have to like it.

I kinda want to stuff my socials with pictures of us, of Ty, and just say fuck you. But I can’t. I have a contract; there are stipulations and shit about this kind of thing.

And shit, we also have Ty’s career to think about. It’s not all about me.

Jodie’s big blue eyes are sad. “I know, sweetums. But the label prefers it this way. And this story makes for some great marketing. Mick’s like the country’s favorite bad guy. And here comes you, a new and shiny toy for him to play with. People really dig you two together.”

I groan and drop my head in my arms. “I know. Mick digs it too. A bit too much.”

Her small hand lands on my forearm. “We can always stop this if it really gets out of hand. Just say the word and I’ll make sure Ava posts a sappy pic of you and Tyler and I’ll deal with the fallout.

I’m your manager, not the label’s. I’m here to make you happy.

So fuck ‘em, right?” She gives me a soft smile.

“But really give it some thought beforehand, okay?

Besides the fact that you could use all the media attention right now, even though it is with Mick , you could put Tyler's career on the line if you two make it public. Do you want him to focus on his last football season at college so he can get the cup home and get drafted by a great team, or do you want him to get bombarded with paparazzi? Because with how things are going now, it will not take long before you guys are headlining the charts and people will get even more interested in you.”

“He hates the attention,” I mumble into my arms. He really does. He doesn’t like to be front and center. And I don’t want him to get any more scrutinized than he already is. And I’m afraid that’s what’s going to happen if we make it public.

“Yes, you explained that before. I am going to ask the label and Mick’s manager to dial it down a bit, but I’m not sure it will help much.

The story is already out there. If you really want this to stop,” she taps my phone, “then you can consider going public. For real. Talk about it with your partner and I’ll talk about it with the label. ”

“I don’t want to talk about it with my partner. I just want the drama to end.”

I can almost hear her rolling her eyes at my petty antics. “Really? Exaggerating much? I had a three point eight GPA, for crying out loud. Why am I handling spoiled rock stars?”

I look up, but she’s all innocent smiles. “You know you’re only getting away with that because I like you, okay?”

“I know. Now shoo. You stink, go shower.” She waves me away. “And you have to practice ‘Blackest Heart’ because I’ve already sent a response that we’re going to do it.

“We?” I ask, squinting at her. “I’m the one who has to get on that stage and pretend to like the dude.”

“Have I already told you I think you would do great in acting? You know, I believe I saw an email the other day about a minor role offer in a soap opera.” She flashes me an innocent grin again and cackles when I flip her off on my way to the shower, ready to call Ty once I freshen up. This day cannot end soon enough.