Listen to Your Heart

Chapter Thirteen

               "The entire internet is an uproar, Stef," Bobby paced the length of the suite. "Which, don't get me wrong, is a good thing. Everyone loves how you two sound together. The chemistry is off the charts, according to Twitter. Read these YouTube comments, though."

Stefani held her phone like it was an atom bomb, watching the previous night's events play out before her. Their connection was unmistakable, and it was impossible not to see what was written in the air, as clear as day. She scrolled down to read, her cheeks pinking. "People really like us together." Struggling to keep neutral, she looked at Bobby. "These are mostly positive. I don't see the issue, Bobby. It's good publicity for the movie."

"Right. Except there are people who swear there's something going on between you guys. Which again, as awful as it sounds, isn't necessarily a bad thing, as far as publicity goes, right? Letting people have their fantasy is harmless."

"Agreed."

"Unless," he stopped his frantic pacing to meet her eyes. "It's not a fantasy."

Oh, fuck me, she exhaled sharply. He knows.

"Can you sit, please?"

He honored her request and joined her on the chaise lounge. "Stef, before you say anything, know that I love you and whatever is going on, I'm not about to say a word to anyone. I swear to you."

"What do you see when you watch this?" She handed him the phone, observing his expression soften before he hit pause and handed it back over.

"Truthfully?"

She nodded.

"I see two people who are deeply in love. And I don't know---could be romantic love or something else, but," Bobby trailed off. "It's definitely there."

She sighed, resting her chin on her open palm. "I tried to deny it, Bobby. Believe me, I did. I knew what a total mess it all would be...with his family and with Chris, not to mention what a fucking PR nightmare you'd have on your hands. I thought if I could just convince myself it was the film and being so close..." Tears lodged in her throat, restricting her words. "The reason you see two people in love is because it's true."

She was crying openly now, both mortified and relieved that one of the people she was closest to in the world, knew. Though she hadn't been prepared for the admission of truth to come, it was right that it was to Bobby.

"Hey, hey now," he pulled her into a hug. "No tears, okay? This is a really, really good thing. Albeit a complicated thing...but you can figure it out. And you don't have to do it alone, L.G. I'm here for you. As your manager but more importantly, as your friend, too."

"I know and I love you for it." She pulled back, wiping her eyes. "Complicated is the operative word, Bob. It's not a winning situation. At the end of the day, no matter what he and I decide, we hurt people."

"Have you spoken to Christian?"

"No. He's seen the video, obviously. He's fucking pissed but he hasn't called or texted." She tucked her legs into her chest. "I'm kind of scared he's gonna come back here, drunk off his ass, looking for a fight. It's his style. He's mad at me or insecure...he has to drink to confront me."

"I can stay," Bobby offered, the concern etched on his face. "I don't think you should deal with him alone, not when you're upset."

"I have to deal with him by myself, eventually. It's more than just the show last night," she said softly. "It hasn't been good in a while. I think I was hanging onto something...I don't know—hoping he would change? Or my feelings would? It's unfair and it's shitty and believe me, I'm not proud of myself."