Hometown Love

Chapter Sixteen - Drowning

Long time I don't update this story and I'm very sorry for that. My life's been a rollercoaster this year, in a good way (fortunately) so I can't find the time to write as much as I'd like to.

I must tell you, though, this story is coming to an end and there will be only two or three chapter after this one.

Anyways, whenever I get a free time I'll be trying to update more so please be patient.

Most of all, thanks for sticking up with me. It really means a lot!

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Chapter Sixteen - Drowning

I was reliving the images of Brody's betrayal in my head.

I had entered that mechanic shop so eager to invite him to go to New York with me, thinking he would miss me if I left.

But instead, I was greeted with the scene of a blonde bitch locking lips with him in his own office. With the doors open for anyone to see.

They didn't even dare to hide it from me.

"You enter in three." I heard my newest assistant telling me as I sat down on a chair looking at my face in the mirror in front of me.

I had so much make up on I was afraid that if I shook my head, powder would fall down. And all I wanted was to go back to my hotel room and hide underneath the covers until it's morning again.

But the thing was, I couldn't. I had a contract and I had to follow orders. So right now I was waiting to be interviewed by some goofy guy who tried to be Jimmy Fallon. Unsuccesfully, I must add.

I should be terrified, but it wasn't as if I could have any emotions anymore. I was just blank. Blasé.

It's been three weeks now sinceI left Shelbyville for good. I've been ignoring my brother and mother's phonecalls ever since. Seeing Brody and that blondie bitch locking lips in the mechanic shop was too much for me. So who cared if I closed myself for the world and focused on my work? I had a book being published in a weeks time and I was busy, after all.

Brody tried to call too but he gave up last week when he realized I wasn't going to answer him. So he gave up, which should be a good thing for me, but only stated that we were indeed over. And that ruined me even though I was the one to end it.

For good reasons, of course. Right reasons.

I couldn't have him cheating and playing me anymore.

"One minute, Miss. Jones." The assistant, Catherine, called me and I snapped out of my wondering thoughts.

I got up from the chair and adjusted myself. I wore this weird black T-shirt dress with silver necklaces and high heels. My hair was tied up in a sophisticated knot and I sure as hell didn't look like myself in the mirror.

Taking a deep breath I waited for the sign to go in the auditiorium where the interview was being held.

"And now, the young publisher whose book will be in every bookstore by the end of the week. Thea Jones!" Andy Garner said in a too much excited tone and I plastered a fake smile on my face as I walked in his direction.

After hearing claps and shouts, we greeted each other. Andy motioned for me to sit down on his sofa and as I did so, he sat down on his own spot.

"Goodnight, Thea. How've you been doing lately?" Andy said initiating the conversation.

"Goodnight Andy, goodnight everyone. I must say I'm great, how would I not, right?" I said in a rehearsed enthusiasm and some people laughed.

"Exactly! The words in the publishing world is that your second book Letters from the Stars is going to be a huge success. Could you tell us more about the story?" He asked and I nodded, ready to answer him all about the book.

"Sure. The book is about trying to find your true nature and what you live for. The protagonist travels the country in search of her grandparents with the help of anonymous letters, so, I must admit it's not a common plot but everything makes sense by the end of the story. I think which matters most is what she finds out after all that happens to her througout the story." I said, proud of myself for being able to deliver such a speech without letting out too much information.

"And could you tell us what is it that she finds out in the end?" Andy asked me and I faked a chuckle, seeing that he was trying to get me to spill more stuff.

"I can say that what my heroin gets for her ending is very similar to what millions of girls all over the country would wish for." I say, knowing that the hint for a happy ending would make people want to buy my book. Women loved a love story with a happily ever after.

You couldn't blame me for wanting do advertise my work.

"Now I'm curious!" Andy stated faking frustration. "Coffee guy, please tell someone to pre-order the book for me ASAP!" He said motioning to no one in particular making the audience laugh at his acting. I joined them as part of the show.

The interview kept going as I answered random questions about my book and others about my personal life that weren't too intrusive so I was able to hide well how I was actually feeling inside.

Until the question came.

"Now, it's not news that you are a sight for sore eyes.And the guys in the audience are all wondering if you have a boyfriend or if they got a shot with you. So, what's gonna be?" Andy questioned me trying to sound funny and friendly at the same time, but also making me want to vomit.

My heart had raced and my mind was blank. I didn't know what to say. I wasn't prepared for that. Why hadn't I imagined he would ask me that?

So I had to improvise.

"All I can say is that there is no Prince Charming in real life. No men would actually climb a white horse and ride with you in the direction of the sunset. With that being said, I don't have a boyfriend, no." I said, trying to grin, but all I was able to showcase was a small one sided smile.

"Does that mean you're a romantic?" He asked me and before I could answer he completed. "I mean, would you want a guy to woo you and, you know, send roses, take you to a fancy restaurant, all of that?"

"I don't know. I'm not a dreamer, in spite of all the white horse thing I just said... I just wish there was someone able to love me all the way and most of all, be loyal to me." I answered him without realizing I had completely dropped the act and was actually saying what I really thought.

I swallowed hard and took a sip of water from the cup above Andy's desk. After I was back to normal, I gave everyone a smile worthy of the Oscars.

"Does that make me a romantic?" I asked jokingly and Andy laughed.

"That makes you two of us, darling." He said and for the first time I sympathized with him.

The rest of the interview went smoothly with no more hard questions or breakdowns. When I finally was able to return to my hotel room, which took me hours, I was completely worn out.

As I entered the room, I was greeted with a surprise standing on my bed

A bouquet of flowes. There were roses, lillies, tullips, all of my favorites. The room smelled wonderfully and I wondered who had sent them to me.

Getting closer, I found a card and when I opened, all I read was:

- Your Prince Charming

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