Page 109 of Irreplaceable
“Nothing,” Jo chirped, but her forced smile made me push. When she didn’t crack, I turned to my friends.
“I’ll take the pictures.” Lauren’s tone was bright, and Alexis was too quick to nod. “Then you can enjoy the party.”
Another headache threatened, and I rubbed my temples as if to keep it at bay along with the worry. “Will someone please tell me what’s going on?”
Juliana smiled at the guests and ushered me out of the room and into Harrison’s office. Trophies lined the wall along with a display of championship rings that sparkled in the sunlight. I tried to focus on them instead of the tightness in my chest.
“Breathe, Harper,” Juliana said, and it sounded as if her voice was coming to me from a tunnel. “Breathe. Think about Aiden.”
“Why do I feel like you’re about to give me bad news?” I asked.
She gnawed on her bottom lip. “There was a story that came out.”
“Story?” My body felt shaky. “What story?”
“I’m sure there’s nothing to it. You know how pictures can tell a different story than the truth.” Despite her calm tone, her features were etched with concern.
Videos from my pole dancing classes had already been leaked. What now?
“About me?” I asked.
She grimaced. “Sort of.”
“I need to know.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. If Enzo or Harrison were here, they’d tell us to stay off the internet.”
Fuck that. “Give me my phone.” I held out my hand, my mind racing with possible scenarios. Despite her reservations, she caved.
I typed Enzo’s name in the internet search window, and a story immediately popped up. The title was “Italy’s Favorite Couple Reunited.” And then there was an image of Enzo and his ex, Giada, leaving a hotel together.
His ex?I gnashed my teeth. Why was he even with her? He was supposed to be training. He’d barely had time to talk to me, and now I supposed I knew the reason why. I didn’t need to read the story because the picture said it all.
I shook my head. Unbelievable.
“I’m sure it’s been altered or something,” Juliana said. “And even if it wasn’t, Enzo loves you.”
I wanted to believe that. But our argument bubbled to the surface, and I wondered if he’d sought refuge in the arms of Giada. It seemed unlikely, given what I knew of their past. But what was I supposed to think? Enzo had been distant lately, and then there he was, pictured leaving a hotel with her.
My phone started buzzing in my hand, Enzo’s name flashing on the screen. I answered without hesitation, ready to demand answers.
Even if it wasn’t true—and I sure as hell hoped it wasn’t—he’d made a fool of me in front of the entire world. I was pregnant with his baby. Hounded by the paparazzi because of Enzo. And he was off gallivanting with his ex and pursuing his dreams.
What about my dreams? What about what I wanted?
I’d been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I’d realized I definitely didn’t want to stay in LA. I didn’t want this life.
“Harper,” he said, breathless. “Thank god. I need to talk to you.”
“It wouldn’t have something to do with Giada, would it?” My blood boiled even as my tone remained calm.
I held my breath, hoping he’d tell me it was a lie. That the image had somehow been manipulated or was an old picture, but the next words out of his mouth were, “I can explain,” and it felt as if he’d taken gasoline and poured it onto the fire that was my anger.
“Explain?” I scoffed. “You should explain why it’s okay for you to spend time alone at a hotel with your ex while you insist that I can’t hang out with Crew in a group of friends.”
Yeah, I was still pissed about that.
“It’s not—”