Page 85 of Drive Me Crazy
“That I fucked up?
“No.” She shakes her head. “That you know you fucked up. It takes a certain type of man to own up to his mistakes. And not only that but actively try to do better.”
“I’ll always try to do better for Ella,” I say. “Pinky promise.”
Pinky promises are the end all be all for Ella, so Poppy knows I’m not fucking around. “Let’s go over some ground rules for when you’re here.”
“Okay, like what?”
“Firstrule,” she begins. “You have to go incognito. No one can recognize you.”
That’s the reason I flew private. Plus, there’s no reason for me not to. I’m also wearing the most inconspicuous clothing I own and am sporting a beard since I haven’t shaved in over a week. If fans spot me and take photos, or if paparazzi find out I’m here, it’ll be all over social media in minutes. This entire plan hinges on Ella being kept in the dark. Shouldn’t be too much of a problem on my end since our communication has been just short of nonexistent.
“Do I wear a wig?” I’m joking, but I can tell Poppy’s considering it. “I’ll stay undercover. Don’t worry.”
“Ella definitely doesn’t know you’re here, right?” she asks with a pointed look. “She can’t know we’re together.”
“You’re making it sound like we’re having an illicit affair.”
“Illicit affairs are more my dad’s thing than mine.” I can’t tell if she’s serious or kidding and I’m not sure I want to know either way.
“Rule number two. Do you like bagels?” The confused look on my face makes Poppy sigh. “The rule is dependent on your answer.”
Yeah, sure. That makes sense.“Yes, I do.”
“Okay, then rule number two is that you’re on bagel duty every morning. You can just order delivery to my apartment. Oh, and I take my coffee with lots of cream, two sugars.”
Their friendship is starting to make a lot of sense.
THIRTY-EIGHT
Ella
I’M WATCHINGLAW & Orderreruns and working on my business plan when Poppy texts me an article titled “The Brixtons: Behind Closed Doors.” I immediately click it, eyes widening in shock as I skim through. Blake’s bombshell interview has spiraled into something way bigger than either one of us. I already knew about the three other women who’ve come forward with accusations of their own against Connor, but this is about women supposedly settling out of court for an undisclosed amount. No one’s contacted me, but there’s a rumor that the D.A.’s office may file charges. It’s become more high-profile given his dad and the other women speaking up.
“El?” My mom’s voice interrupts my reading. “Do you feel okay? Honey?”
“Hm?”
I look up to see her standing in front of me. Her eyebrows are drawn together, worry lines creased into her forehead. She puts the back of her hand against my forehead to check for a fever. “Are you okay? You’re white as a ghost.”
I turn my computer so it’s facing her.
“I saw that this morning.” She settles on the couch next tome, and our dog Murphy immediately jumps onto her lap. He’s definitely the favorite child. Putting her arm around my shoulders, she pulls me against her. “I’m proud of you, honey.”
“Why?” I scrunch my nose. “I literally haven’t moved from this couch in, like, seventy-two hours.”
I’m wearing leggings so worn down I’m surprised there aren’t any holes, and a sweatshirt that most definitely has a hole in it somewhere.
She gives my shoulder a squeeze. “Do you know how much strength it takes to walk away from a career you’ve spent so long cultivating? To choose yourself and your mental health? To wake up every morning with a smile even after all you’ve been through? That’s badass. I’m proud of you.”
My head flings back as I laugh.Badass?
“It’s true.” She nods emphatically. “You’re a fighter, Eliana, but you’re not alone. You never have been.”
“I know.” I rest my head on her shoulder. “I was thinking of flying back to London after Thanksgiving.”
Besides the fact that half of my stuff is still there, I have no desire to permanently move back in with my parents. I also don’t want to miss the final Grand Prix. There’s no need for me to be there from a professional standpoint. I’m done interviewing Blake, and we have everything we need for the book. The only reason I would be there is to support him. I wonder if there’s a scientific explanation for how I can miss him so much that it physically hurts.
