We had been caught, and I knew the rest of the trip wouldn't be as smooth as it started. It was a wake-up call, a reminder that the easy part was over. From here on out, I'd have to navigate crowds hungry for Jude's attention, along with the incessant chatter about my life. I doubted I'd ever truly feel ready for the spotlight, so I figured it might as well happen now. My suspicions were confirmed when Jude called security, instructing them to stay close as we headed to our next location. The need for protection just to walk around seemed absurd to me, but it made sense in his world.
As we stepped out of the van, Jude grabbed my hand, just as he always did when we were in public. It was a gesture that, despite knowing our relationship was fake, brought comfort. We were growing closer, maybe not as more than friends, but I cared about him deeply, and I could tell he felt the same. His protectiveness was undeniable, and I matched it with my own.
