My last semester proved to be a heavy workload as February faded into March. But again, I welcomed the distraction. With David still very busy, I knew he would be in London for several more months. I hoped he’d be able to visit for at least a long weekend in the spring, but I had learned by now not to get my hopes up. It hadn’t gotten any easier, but we tried to focus on the positive. He had been rather transparent since the Valentine’s Day incident, telling me even the tiniest nuances of his day, like going to the supermarket to get milk. I think he was just trying to prove that although busy, things were still normal—somewhat.

“So, there’s something I need to tell you, love. I know you’re not going to like it.”

On the other side of my screen, David dropped his gaze and folded his hands. My palms got sweaty. He looked really concerned, and there was no way this was going to be good news. Was he about to tell me he had to stay longer than we thought? A year perhaps. I took a shaky breath and hoped for the best.

“What is it?”

“You know Danny and I have a duet together. The song will be a track on my album, and hers, as a way to cross promote.”

This was not new information. David had sugar coated that one for me a week ago. I wasn’t thrilled, but I had played it cool. “Yeah, you told me this already. You said nothing’s going on other than music, and I believe you.”

“Right, well, we had a photoshoot yesterday for Rocker! They’re doing a story on new artists to watch this year. I don’t really know how my agent landed that one, but she did.”

“Rocker! Wow! That’s so exciting! When will the article come out?”

“Next month.”

“Brit will die. That’s one of her favorite magazines.”

“Yes, but there’s something that happened during the photoshoot. I wanted you to hear it from me rather than see it.”

My nerves tied themselves into a big knot. This was not going to be good. “Let me guess, you’re shirtless. Showing off your abs and tats to the world?” I tried to joke, hoping that was the case, and if it were, he’d look crazy hot.

“Almost. They had me in a leather vest, it’s open and ripped jeans. Not very original.” He shrugged. I nodded, raising my gaze to his hair. His platinum-silver hair was gone. It was now a medium brown, which I wasn’t fully used to yet. His hair was still tied back into a small bun, so I wasn’t sure if I liked the color or not. But this look he had told me whatever happened at the photo shoot was more than a change in his wardrobe or hair. Something was off. David’s eyes flickered away from me again. The knots tightened in my belly.

“David,” I said softly. “What don’t I want to see?”

He unfolded then refolded his hands. “They photographed us together, and they posed us for playful pics… risqué… is what they were after, I suppose, and the camera guy asked us to kiss.”

The knot in my stomach had constricted, cutting off all circulation, air, life support. I was dying. It was quiet as I searched to find my voice. When the words finally did leave my mouth, they were small and weak. “And did you?”

“It all happened so fast, Kris. Before I could think, Danny just planted one on me, and he snapped the picture.”

The knot had melted into a pool of hot lava that now took over my stomach. My blood was boiling. “That bitch!” The words came out through gritted teeth. I contemplated just going straight to the airport, charging my ticket and getting the first flight to London just so I could toss her British arse out of his flat through the window by her bouncy blonde hair. “I’m seriously going to kill her.”

“Kris, I know you’re angry. That’s why I wanted to tell you. But please understand it was a quick peck. Danny is just doing what these guys tell her to do.”

“Please don’t defend her. I’m seriously not in the mood.”

“I’m not,” he pleaded. “I’m just trying to explain how fake this place is. It’s a land of make believe. They want to sell fantasy.”

I felt like he had smacked me rather than soothed me. He was doing nothing to calm my nerves. “And are you getting caught up in the fantasy?”

He shook his head. “I just want to sell my music. That’s the plan, right? I’m here to make dreams come true.”

I was still hung up on trashy Danny locking lips with my man. “So, would you have kissed her? If you were given the choice?” My knee was bouncing a mile a minute. It was hard to sit still. He paused, and in that breath of silence, I knew he would have. “Wow.”

“Kris, it’s not real. I swear. It’s all an illusion.”

“No, I get it. Gotta play the part, right?” My words were pure venom.

“Kristen. I am in love with you,” he said each word slow, deliberate. “This is new for both of us. It’s like an actor in the movies kissing his co-star. I swear to god that’s all it was to me.”

I was quiet. I didn’t know whether to scream, cry, or accept his explanation. Finally, I admitted defeat. He had been honest. I supposed that was a step in the right direction. “This David that they're creating… just don’t lose yourself in him.”

“I won’t, baby. I’m yours. I swear. I wish I could hold you now and just reassure you that this is not anything to worry about. It was a quick peck, like kissing my granny.”

My mouth twitched. “I don’t think your granny walks around in red panties and tank tops with no bra underneath.”

“Oh I don’t know, gran was a wild one in her day. Still is.” He winked at me. And despite my anger and apprehension, my heart skipped a beat in response.

“This is just really hard.”

“I know, but we’ll get through it. I love you, and I can’t wait to start forever with you.”

I started to get choked up, so I held up my hand so he could see his promise ring on my finger. “Me too.”

 

 

In Psychology class the following day, I was useless. My notes were fragments of what my professor was saying. I couldn’t get the thought of what David had told me out of my head, and so my fears interfered with my concentration. I believed him when he said it was innocent, but we were in a new land now where the rules didn’t matter, and I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate.

“What’s wrong?” Brit asked when I stepped out of the building to meet her for lunch.

“I didn’t say a word.”

“You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”

There was no reason to pretend. This was Brit. I took a breath and said the words fast so they would hurt less. “David did a photoshoot for Rocker! the other day and Danny kissed him during it. He’s concerned the picture will be published.”

Brit blinked back at me.

“Yeah, so where do you want to have lunch?” I asked like I had just told her the shirt I ordered arrived in the wrong size. No big deal.

“Wait. Stop. Rewind.” Brit came to a halt, waving her hands dramatically in the air, her eyes fluttering as she tried to comprehend my words. “Danny kissed David, and you’re this calm?”

I shrugged. “I’m not calm. I’m numb. Trust me, when I initially found out I was planning how to murder Danny without getting caught.”

Brit looped her arms around my shoulders and pulled me against her. Brit hated hugs so I knew she was concerned. “But David told you right? It’s not like when you found out he was hiding a female roommate. He came clean this time?”

“Oh yeah. He made sure I found out from him and not at the checkout line of CVS… which I’m really hoping never transpires. I mean they might not publish it, right? It was a peck, so chances are it came out blurry.” I was talking more to myself than to Brit.

“What if it is published?” Brit asked quietly.

I turned to face her, my gaze locking on her brown eyes. They looked sad. “Then I’ll be the laughing stock of the school. Rumors will fly about David cheating on me, or how I found out through a magazine that he’s with this girl. Jesus, what if my mother sees it? Or my dad— it took David years to win over my dad.”

“He’s not with this girl,” Brit said with such conviction I actually believed her.

“I know, but I sure as hell feel like she wants to be with him.” I shook out my hair in frustration.

“She might.” Brit had crossed her arms and was looking past me. I could tell she was in deep thought. 

“Well thanks, I feel so much better now.”

Brit smiled softly. “I’m being honest. David is very handsome, and fiercely talented. Plus, he’s got that accent. Women swoon.”

“She’s got the accent, too. Same accent, nothing to swoon over in that respect.”

Brit rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. But here’s the thing. If she does want him that doesn’t mean she can have him. David is devoted to you.” She lifted my hand, bringing the promise ring eye level. “He’s coming back to you, Kris, and then you’re going to have your happily ever after. You’re worried about a picture that may or may not be printed. Think about all the pictures in your future. Trust me, the world will know you’re the one with David Archer.”

I smiled despite myself. She was pretty smart that little one. “You’re quite convincing, you know that?”

“And that was my wisdom on an empty stomach. Imagine if I was running on a full tank?”

 

 

On Sunday, I was expecting Harry for lunch. He had been so kind to me when the mess unfolded with David, plus I worried he was lonely. Without David to drag him out of his apartment, I feared he’d only leave to go to the gym. He worked from home, and staring at a computer screen couldn’t be the healthiest thing for him. I had gone to the Italian deli in the next town and splurged on cheeses, salami and grilled chicken topped with sautéed spinach and drizzled with balsamic. Admittedly, I hadn’t cooked any of it myself, but I’m sure the boy would appreciate my shopping efforts.

I had just put the platter of meats and cheeses together when the doorbell rang. Feeling like a 1950s housewife, I wiped my hands on my apron and tucked away any stray hairs I had before answering the bell. I opened the door but couldn’t help but show my disappointment. In Harry’s arms was a picnic basket. 

“Oh,” I said, sounding rather crestfallen. “I thought I made it clear I was making lunch today. You didn’t need to bring food.”

Harry laughed. “Hello to you to. I didn’t bring food, don’t worry.” I stepped aside so he could come in and closed the door behind him. “I brought a visitor.” Harry lifted the lid of the basket, and a little pink nose popped out.

“Beast!” I reached into the basket and pulled my kitten out, holding him close and feeling his little motor purr against my chest. “Oh! I’ve missed you!” I walked him over to the table where we kept the mail. “Look, I had made a basket of treats just for Harry to bring home to you.” I placed Beast on the table so he could sniff his new toys and snacks, knowing Summer would have a heart attack if she caught Beast on the oak table her mother had donated to the sorority house.

“I think he likes everything,” I said happily. I had never shopped for a cat before and probably went overboard.

“I usually just roll up some aluminum foil and toss it around the apartment. Don’t look so horrified, the little guy loves it.”

I laughed. “Shows how much I know about cats. Let me just get him settled in my room, and we can eat. There’s a cheese platter out on the kitchen table. Help yourself to a drink.” I scooped up Beast and his basket of treats and jogged up the stairs to my room. I made sure there was nothing tiny he might chew on and accidentally swallow before shutting the door and joining Harry in the kitchen.  “Oh, I felt so bad closing the door. He started following me,” I explained to Harry. “After lunch I’ll bring him back down. I need to play with him and get more snuggles in.” Harry nodded in response.

“This is a great spread! Thanks, Kris.” Harry beamed a smile at me while helping himself to some provolone.

“It’s just a small thank you. I know I’ve been a lot to handle lately.”

“Are you serious?” He looked at me like I had six heads.

“Well, yeah. I’ve been moody and needy.”

“Your other half is an ocean away living a life that’s brand new and exciting while you’re waiting in the wings. I’d say you were justified in your actions.”

I smiled. “Anyway, I just wanted to show my appreciation and not give the impression that I only knocked on your door when I needed you.”

“Even if that were the case, I wouldn’t object.” He was looking at me intently, and I wondered how was this guy still alone. I didn’t have much time to ponder the question because there was a knock at the kitchen door.

“Expecting company?” Harry asked. But I wasn’t, and all the other sisters were out. That’s why I chose this afternoon to invite him over. I looked out the window and saw a flash of a red hat. It was Jaime. Opening the door, I let him in.

“Hey, Kris, what’s up?”

“Hey. Brit’s not here,” I said automatically.

“You know, I have other friends aside from Brit. Maybe I came by to see you.” I raised a brow skeptically. “I’m just kidding. I asked Brit if I could borrow her sleeping bag.”

“Oh, your fraternity finally kicked you out? Let me know if you need help making a cardboard sign.”

Jaime pinched my cheek, but I slapped his arm away. He turned to Harry, almost as if he was noticing him for the first time. “Isn’t she charming?”

Harry looked from Jaime back to me. “I’d say she has her shining moments.” He threw me a wink and rolled up a slice of salami.

Jaime pulled out a chair and took a seat— my seat. “This looks so good. Can I have some?”

“Sure,” Harry said while I simultaneously gave a firm no.

Jaime looked at me with his emerald eyes. “But I’m a growing boy, and I’m hungry.”

“That crap may work on Brit, but it doesn’t work on me. Go get what you came for and get out.”

“All right, all right,” Jaime muttered and got up but swiped a grilled chicken panini before exiting the kitchen.

“I’m sorry about that. Brit lets Jaime get away with murder, so he expects the same treatment from the other girls who live here.”

Harry drank his soda and wiped his mouth. “You guys have a nice dynamic.”

“What do you mean?”

“You really know how to push each other’s buttons. It’s annoying, but at the end of the day I bet you would do anything for each other.”

I sat down and made a plate for myself. “Maybe. I guess you’re right. I mean, he’s just like an annoying brother, but he’s harmless.”

Just then, Jaime returned, sleeping bag under one arm, Beast dangling from his gripped hands. “I heard him scratching behind your door. Can I keep him as a mascot?” Jaime lifted his arm and dropped the sleeping bag, then held the kitten up in the air like he was the freaking Lion King.

“No, I take it back,” I said, rescuing Beast from Jaime. “He’s just plain annoying.”