Page 100 of Lust For
“You know I was only teasing about the whore comments. I love you. I know the truth,” she reminds me.
“I know. It’s just that I can’t open my social media without seeing the hate from everyone. People are going as far as tagging me in things. The PR team at Beachbody has helped me with some of that. So has Derek. He adjusted some of my settings so people can’t tag me anymore. It’s just weird, Em. I never thought people would be so passionate about it.”
“Serena’s statement certainly didn’t help things. Here’s what her press release says: ‘I’m feeling very betrayed but understand that this love between the two of them wasn’t something that was planned. While I wish them well, I do wish that I wouldn’t have been hurt in the process. But that’s life and love.’”
I swear I could recite the damn thing—I’ve read it so many times. “She could have been worse about it. Derek did break their deal. It’s not like he’s completely innocent in it.”
“How did anyone even find out? Where was that picture taken?” Emma asks.
I forget that this is the first time we’ve really spoken, so she’s bound to have some questions. I try to be patient and reply as normally as I can. When really, it’s exhausting having to talk about it. Derek talks about it more than I thought he would. He keeps checking in and making sure that I’m okay. That my work’s okay with everything that’s happening. That my parents are fine with it.
I have no idea how to answer that last one because I haven’t heard from them. As far as I know, they are. But no one has reached out. I make a mental note to do that later today. Maybe after I take another nap. I never used to be a napper, but something about reading things about yourself online that aren’t true and being constantly stressed about what could happen when you leave the house will do that to you.
“Outside of a coffee shop, on the way to the studio,” I reply.
“How is Aiden handling all of this? I saw a picture snapped of Derek the other day, and it looked like he had a black eye.”
“He does,” I tell her, and she gasps. “Aiden punched him in the face twice. Got the lip and eye. Derek didn’t even fight back. He just let Aiden hit him. I wanted to hit Aiden for hurting him. I mean, it’s not like the relationship with Serena was real, and we’re both adults. His stupid rule about guys he knows dating me is just bananas, especially considering a lot of his friends are my friends. How would I ever meet anyone?”
She laughs. “Yeah, he does like to keep you on lockdown. How are things now?”
“Things are slowly getting better. Aiden and Derek aren’t fighting anymore, which is good. The talk between them is tense, though. I think everything will be fine. He knows Derek loves me. This thing caused both of us to say I love you to each other.”
“Oh, wow.” Emma sounds surprised. “Do you love him?”
I smile. “Yes, I do. I worried that he might not actually love me. That he might have said it because he felt like he was in a tough spot with the media and manager breathing down his neck. But I don’t think so anymore. He’s been really wonderful through all of this—making me dinners, taking care of me, and holding me all night long.”
“Well, that’s good. I’m glad he’s taking care of you. When are you coming home?” she asks, almost whining into the phone.
I laugh. “Are ya missing me?”
“Weren’t you supposed to come home by now?”
“I was, yeah, but Derek asked me to stay here until things calmed down a bit. He’s worried about me traveling home alone. I think I’ll have to take security.”
“Is it because of these crazy bitches online?” she asks. “Because I can come pick you up, if you’d like me to.”
“Some of them actually photoshopped Derek and Serena into wedding attire. Like how insane do you need to be to do that?”
“Well, that’s probably why he wants you to have security. If those whack jobs are doing things like that, how do you know they won’t try to attack you in the airport?”
That’s what I’ve been worried about and why he’s worked so hard to keep me in LA. I’m not looking forward to being without him either. I like having him in bed with me at night, then waking up together and preparing meals with him. But that will soon have come to an end because we have jobs to do. That will be the real test to see if he’s able to stay true to me while I’m across the country. I believe he will be, but only time will tell.
“Hello, earth to Audrey. Someone please page Audrey to the phone,” I hear Emma calling.
I laugh. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay. Is Mr. Sex On Legs back?” she teases.
“No, I was just thinking about things.”
“Uh-huh. Well, how about I pick you up at the airport? Send me your flight information. It’s been forever since I’ve seen you.”
“Thank you. That would be awesome.”
“Do you have work when you get in, or do you want to hang out?” she asks. “We could do a girls’ night at your house or something.”
“That would be great. I’ve missed you and our girls’ nights.” They’re not much, just Emma and I with some ice cream and alcohol. We either watch movies or just talk and laugh the whole time. It’s really what I need right now—some levity and girl time. Not that living with Derek hasn’t been great. It’s certainly had its perks.