Maybe if I read whatever is being said about me, I’d know what to expect next time I have to leave the house, bodyguards alongside me or not. “I guess that makes sense.”
Chase’s eyes lift. “If you weren’t curious, you wouldn’t be sitting here enduring it. You’re like him, you want to know.”
I start to refute, but he eyes me in challenge which shuts me down. My shoulders drop as I settle into the couch cushions. “Do you think people believe this?”
“What?”
I point my fork at the TV. “What they’re saying about Garrick. I haven’t even known him long and he’s not like they say. And if everyone thinks he’s a cheater, there’s no way they’re going to buy into us being in a healthy relationship.”
His head tilts. “Why do you care?”
I gape. “What?”
“Why do you care about what they think? It’s not important. You said it yourself, Garrick isn’t like what the press says. All that matters is who his inner circle knows he is. Plus, you guys didn’t do this for people to think you’re in a healthy relationship anyway. You’re using each other. Let it go.”
My head dips, hair shielding my face as I suck in a deep breath. Am I part of that? His inner circle has been people he’s known for years, ones he trusts unconditionally. He’s never made me prove myself worthy of his trust, but that doesn’t mean he has any for me.
“Ah.” He closes his laptop. “This is because of your parents, right? You’re trying to convince yourself that they’ll believe this is the real deal so they won’t feel so bad.”
My eyes peek through my lashes. “How do you know about that?”
“Uh, because I have ears.” His tone comes off as dumbfounded. “You waited until Garrick left to meet his manager before you started pacing around and talking to someone about what you’re going to do about your mom and dad.”
He’s referring to the conversation I had with Moffie after I realized I couldn’t keep conveniently missing my parents’ calls. Between my best friend and Garrick, I’d sucked it up and answered on the third ring when Dad’s name popped up on my screen.
Dad meant business. “Come home, or we’re coming to you.”
Considering my options were limited, I’d bought a plane ticket for three days from now and told them when I’d arrive. It’s better than them coming here and being part of the circus show surrounding Garrick’s house. Even with the extra security making sure nobody gets in, people still haven’t relented. Every morning there are people lingering outside with their camera bags on their shoulders and eyes on the house.
With only one way on and off the property, it means going through the people who instantly point their lenses at you like you’re their next meal ticket. And speaking from personal experience, it’s probably true.
“I don’t know what I’m walking into,” I tell him, crisscrossing my legs. Normally my parents don’t make it a secret that they’re upset by something I’ve done, but it’s been almost complete radio silence since I confirmed my trip to see them. I have no clue what’s going to happen when I see them at the airport or what they’ll say when I show them the ring. The last thing I want is for them to be disappointed, but I can’t expect anything less.
The twenty-one-year-old is reflective for a moment before he sets his laptop on the cushion beside him and props an ankle over his opposite knee. “Does my brother know that you’re going?”
Slowly, I shake my head.
“He’s going to want to.”
“I don’t see why.”
“Because this is as much his problem as it is yours. You faced our mom, so it’s only fair he faces yours. I’d bet money that he’ll be upset you didn’t talk to him before making plans.”
I make a face. “He’s got plenty of things going on here. The band is recording their new album—”
“You’ll only be gone for a few days max.”
“Violet Wonders is doing an interview on Midnight Madness.”
“Which they can postpone or do without him,” he counters again.
I give him an unamused look. “His responsibility isn’t to me, Chase.”
Of course, he has a dispute. “You’re married, Rylee. You’re both responsible for each other. Tell him when he gets back. It’s better than him finding out after you left.”
My nose twitches. “I wouldn’t just up and leave.”
He stares in disbelief.
“I wouldn’t!”
“You don’t like confrontation,” he states.
“So? He’s done a lot for me.”
He picks up his computer again. “All I’m saying is that if you want my advice, you should talk to Garrick about your plans later. Rip the Band-Aid off. The hard part is already over.”
“Getting married?”
He cracks a wider smile. “Living to tell the tale of meeting our mom. Very few women can say the same. She made one cry once. It wasn’t pretty. Snot everywhere.”
I gawk at him.
Amusement settles on his face. “It’s true. My ex blocked me on her phone and all her social media after her and my mom had a one-on-one conversation. Mom still won’t tell me what they talked about, but whatever it was clearly didn’t go well. Don’t think she’s not still cautious of you. She doesn’t dislike you, but she isn’t going to be waving any foam fingers your way until she knows for sure.”
“If she knows what for sure?”
“Who you are. What you want.”
Panic seizes my heart.
He must not sense it. “If anything, you’re in a comfortable position with her.”
I let out a choppy breath. “Am I supposed to know what you’re saying?”
“You’ve intrigued the great Elaine Matthews,” he states simply. “She’s going to be watching you, and that’s not a bad thing. We’re a loyal family. All it takes is one small indication that Garrick feels something for you to have her protection.”
My eyes widen. “You don’t mean…”
“What I mean,” he replies slowly, like I’m a five-year-old in need of thorough explanation, “is that you shouldn’t be worried if your parents believe this
