Page 104 of Seeking Stars
Ely pursed her lips tight, fighting Ana quietly, but gave in. "Nonsense. Attacked your professionalism, called you a cheater. Please, don't let it affect you. Block that number—"
"Change your number," Liam added.
"— and ignore that shithead."
"I didn't cheat on Dave, Liam." Her voice wavered.
"I know."
"I told you the truth."
"Ana, I know."
Ana took a long, deep breath. Ely and Liam were quiet now, the weight of their attention heavy on her shoulders. "I think I need to sleep this off. I'm sorry, Ely."
"Are you sure? I can stay."
"I know you would. Thanks, but I'm sure, Ely. I want to get in bed and go to sleep."
"Okay." Ely hugged Ana for a long minute, holding her tight. "We'll talk tomorrow. Bye, Liam. Take care of my friend."
Ely left the apartment and Ana closed the door behind her. She turned off the light and went straight into bed, leaving the dinner mess untouched and not bothering to change her clothes. Pulling up the covers, she lay on her side, holding the screen in front of her as if Liam were there in bed with her.
"Thanks for believing me," she said. "Who knows how many people would."
"I've never had any reason to doubt you. I've been with you for a couple of months and I know it's not too long, but unless you're a consummate actress with evil plans, I don't see how you could have lied about it all."
"So you found a way to trust people you've gotten to know."
"I'm confident I know you. I trust you. That hasn't changed in the past few days."
She took a deep breath. "What is this going to do to me? This bad press?"
"I don't know," he said, his voice sorrowful. "I worry, too."
"I don't want this." She rubbed her skin to wipe away a rebel tear.
"Ana…"
"I'm sorry, I don't mean you," she reassured him, still trying to dry her tears. They seemed to be multiplying. "I mean the tabloid stuff. I don't want any of that."
"I wish I could leave it behind. Not bring it around me like a curse."
"It's not you, Liam. You… I want you."
He loosened a deep sigh. "I'm glad."
"I wish you were here."
"I should be there."
A while later, she fell asleep with the phone on, Liam still on the screen.
Chapter 21 - Broken Porcelain
First thing on Wednesday morning, Ana escaped through the parking lot again and got a new phone. She gave her new number only to her inner circle, and added no social media apps to it.
From the moment she stepped out of her apartment and until she made it to her parents' for lunch, she had to fight against the constant impulse to check over her shoulder.
