Chapter 13

"I'm here with America Holden who is causing a sensation in the music world. After six years of record-breaking pop albums, America is trying her hand at something new, and the public is eating it up. America, thank you for joining us."

The camera panned on Addilyn as she smiled for the camera. "Hi, Kasey. Thank you so much for having me."

"This is a huge change for you. What was the inspiration?"

"I love the pop music industry, and I adore my fans, but I thought it was time to challenge myself, not in just my music, but in my creativity as well. My producer thought the change would be a great time for me to try my hand at songwriting, and I've loved every second of it."

Watching the interview from the comfort of her couch, Addilyn winced at her response. What was wrong with her? She'd left herself wide open, and the reporter knew it.

"So you collaborated with Kade Hardy. How was that?"

America didn't give anything away. "Kade a talented songwriter and I have been so blessed to work with him. I have learned so much from him, and I'm truly grateful for all his help."

"Do you think that you'll collaborate with him in the future?"

"I'm sure I'll be asking for his advice and input. Even after producing this album, I still feel like I'm charting untested waters."

Kasey smiled slyly. "There have been rumors about your relationship between Kade. Any chance those rumors are true?"

America laughed. "He's been so patient with me through all of this, and he really has been a solid bridge for me as I move from the pop world to the country industry. I spent a lot of time with Kade, and there were some emotional moments, so I can see where these rumors are coming from, but I have to admit that they're false."

"You sound almost sad about that."

Addilyn shut the television off before she had to watch the laugh she'd faked for national television. Despite the constant questions about her relationship with Kade, the press had gone wild for her new album. Several country magazines had reviewed the album and published nothing but glowing reports. Her presales were through the roof.

Peter was eating it up. He had Gia lining up more interviews, and she'd agreed to every single one as long as she could take the next two weeks off. At first, she thought Peter would deny her, but he probably thought by then, the rumors about her and Kade would die down.

Her phone rang, and she glanced at the caller ID and smiled. "Are you calling to tell me that you hate my outfit?"

"You're going to be a country star now," Phoebe drawled. "No one thinks that country singers are slutty if they show a little cleavage, and you have such a nice rack."

Addilyn snorted. "I'm starting to think that you have a crush on me."

"It would be the perfect relationship. You don't judge me for how much ice cream I eat, and you already know about my television show addictions. If you had a cock, it's a perfect arrangement."

"Phoebe, it's not your ice cream and television shows that repel men. It's the fact that you get bored with them after three weeks."

"I saw your interview." Her voice was quiet, and Addilyn winced.

"So you didn't call about my outfit."

"You're normally a much better liar, but I'm pretty sure that the whole country is going to realize that you're crazy about Kade Hardy. How are you?"

"I haven't seen him in two weeks. I'm over him."

"Oh, honey. What am I going to do with you?"

Rolling her eyes, Addilyn pushed herself off the couch and headed to the kitchen. She hadn't had much appetite in the past couple of weeks. She'd blamed it on nerves about the album, but Peter didn't care. He threatened to schedule back-to-back concerts and force her live on the bus for months if she lost any more weight. He was afraid the press would think she was heartbroken over Kade.

That was ridiculous.

"I'm fine," she insisted as she made a peanut butter jelly sandwich. She really did need to go grocery shopping. "Seriously."

"So it's not going to bother you to find out that Kade has signed a contract to write Delany Tucker's new album?"

Delany? She was a gorgeous up and comer in the country industry, and she already had a reputation for breaking hearts. "No," Addilyn lied. "That's a huge contract for him, and I'm pleased."

"What about the pictures of him embracing her in front of his Nashville apartment? They look pretty intimate, and the press is already saying that he's moved on from you."

Pain sliced through her, and she gripped the counter. When she didn't say anything, Phoebe’s tone changed from cautious to worry. "Addilyn? Sweetheart? Are you still there?"

"I'm here," she managed. Closing her eyes, she tried to breathe through the pain. "Kade and I are not together. He can sleep with whoever he wants to."

"I'm coming over," Phoebe said instantly. "I'll get on a flight tonight and be there by morning."

"No," Addilyn said quietly. "And don't even think about sending Gia either. I gave her the week off before the shit really hits the fan. She has a tendency to forget to breathe when my albums drop."

"I'm worried about you."

"I know. And I appreciate that. Sometimes I forget that I still have people who care." Addilyn took a deep breath. "I'm a big girl. I'll be okay."

"You deserve to be better than okay. Kade is a bastard." Her friend sighed. "But if you won't let me come over and bash him over a bottle of wine, then promise me that you'll video chat with me tomorrow night?"

"It's a date," Addilyn promised. Hanging up, she stared at the sandwich in distaste. Her mind flashed back to the first time that Kade was here. Sitting on the floor in the living room, eating sandwiches. It had felt so normal.

How had everything spiraled so out of control? How had he gotten so far under her skin?

Staring out the window, she took a bite of her dinner. She was a professional. She'd get through this. If Kade had moved on, then so would she.