now or never - charlie gillespie

chapter forty one

Wait wait wait. Did I just hear that right?

"What do you mean they think I'm dating you?"

"I think it's pretty self explanatory," Owen said.

"Just making sure I heard you right," I mumbled.

"We're being bombarded with questions asking us to confirm it," Kenny said.

"Can't we just deny it? Or ignore it until it goes away?" I suggested.

"I don't think it'll go away any time soon, Lake," Owen said, looking at me. "They're blowing up our social media, trying to find clues and answers."

"When you say 'they' who exactly are you talking about? Just so we're on the same page," I asked.

"The fans. They've been commenting and posting the pictures everywhere," Kenny replied.

Think, Lake. There has got to be a way you can fix this. You know irrational Charlie can be sometimes.

"Maybe there really isn't anything to worry about, for now at least. Maybe we can fix it before he sees anything," I suggested, but they shook their heads.

"They've been posting on all of our accounts. Especially Charlies asking if it's true." Owen said.

"I just want to handle this right. Owen told me that he gets quite sensitive when it comes to you. I just don't want another meltdown. He was extremely difficult to work with. He never showed up or had any of his lines down," Kenny said exasperated.

"Don't worry, Kenny. We'll figure it out," I said trying to comfort him.

I couldn't help but wonder if Kenny regretted asking me to come along.

Drama seemed to be the only thing that followed me around these days. I was scared he would realize it wasn't such a good idea. I mean it wasn't even my first day and I was already causing problems.

"Hold that thought," Kenny said, holding up his finger as he picked up his phone and walked away.

"What are we going to do?" I whispered to Owen.

"You don't have to whisper. He's standing all the way over there," he laughed.

"I know that, i'm just being extra cautious," I said raising my voice a little, trying not to seem stupid.

"Look I think one of us should pull him off to the side and tell him, you know, rip it off like a bandaid," he suggested.

"Yeah, that actually isn't a bad idea"

"That way we can explain to him that they're all just rumors," he looked into my eyes like he was searching for something. I just stared back at him, I didn't know what he wanted me to say.

"But what if we're jumping the gun?" I said, suddenly getting paranoid.

"What do you mean?"

"What if we confront him about it and we end up planting the idea in his head," I blurted out.

"I don't think we have anything to worry about. As long as we are honest with him. I mean its not like we're lying about anything right?"

I couldn't help but stare at the ground. Something just didn't feel right.

Suddenly my phone started vibrating like crazy.

"What's going on?" Owen asked.

"I don't know," I answered. I checked my phone and found that I had several notifications. More were coming in with each second that passed. "What the hell?"

I clicked Ava and Sawyers messages. They had sent me several links to articles. They also sent me a few of the pictures Owen and Kenny showed me along with a few screenshots. I checked the screenshots first. They were posting comments on their personal accounts. People were commenting on their posts asking for information about me.

My eyes widened. Maybe it was time to accept the fact that this was a big deal.

"Shit," I cursed under my breath. I turned the phone a little so Owen could see. He put his hand on my back, getting closer so he could read. I don't know why but I held my breath. Should I move away? Why did I feel so uncomfortable?

I glanced over at Charlie, luckily he was focused on whatever Jeremy was babbling on about.

I turned my head back to Owen and watched as his eyes scanned over my phone screen and then he groaned.

"This is not going to be good," he mumbled, running his hand over his face nervously.

I glanced over at Charlie again. I panicked when I saw him reach for his phone. Thankfully, Jeremy acted quick and swatted his phone out of his hand.

"What the fuck, Jer?" I heard Charlie yell at him. I couldn't help but giggle.

Good one, Jer, I thought to myself, cheering him on secretly.

My attention was quickly diverted once Kenny started walking back towards us.

"Good news. Your publicists wanted you two to just confirm the rumors-"

"What? No way!" I said, cutting him off immediately. I glanced at Owen thinking he'd support my decision, instead he kept quiet. He looked sad. "I just don't want to lie about anything that's all." I hoped I didn't hurt his feelings.

"That's what I thought you'd say. So I figured out another way out," he smiled at us. Owen kept his eyes glued to the floor and I bit my lip.

Why was I getting the feeling that two people would be getting hurt today? I really didn't want to be the reason for that.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I'll tell you when we meet at the hotel," Kenny said picking up his bag that was on the floor and throwing it over his shoulder.

"What hotel?" Owen asked, finally looking up at Kenny. Suddenly two cars pulled up. "Aren't we all riding together?

"Change of plans," Kenny said, opening the door to one of the cars. "I have to meet with a few people to discuss this. I'll meet you two at night at the hotel. I'll send you the address."

"It's all going to be okay right?" I asked Kenny, looking up at him, hopeful.

"Don't worry, Lake. I've got it all under control," he said putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Okay well.. What do you want us to do?" Owen asked. I think he was equally confused.

"I just need you to tell Charlie. Right now I have to go arrange a few things. I'll see you later alright?" He said getting into the car and leaving.

Owen and I turned to look at each other with wide eyes.

"DIBS NOT IT!" we both yelled. I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"There is no way I'm telling him alone. You know me, i'll break," I whined.

"Yeah but he'll break me!"

"Don't be dramatic, Owen," I said rolling my eyes at him. I glanced over at Charlie and he was picking up his things. "Quick, what's the plan before he comes over here."

"Fine. Together," he whispered in my ear. And I looked at him confused. What did tonight mean?

Charlie started walking over to us and I started panicking. What if he asked me a question? I was the worst liar!

"Tonight when we get back to the house we can tell him together," he whispered again.

I looked up at Owen terrified of how Charlies reaction would me. Owen just wrapped his arm around my shoulder, giving it a squeeze.

"Don't worry, it'll be alright," he said in my ear.

I closed my eyes. God, I hope you're right Owen.

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