Page 118 of The Twisted Beats

He starts the thread, but that’s not what gets me. It’s the date that does. The day they returned from touring, right before we started dating.

Him:Hey, I’m back in town. Wanna come over?

Faith:Sure. I can be there in an hour.

Him:Don’t make me wait a minute longer.

Faith:Why? Did you miss me?

Him:You’re like a drug I can’t get out of my system. I need more. I want more.

Faith:You always do.

Him:Always will.

My heart cracks in two. He wants her and always will.Everything he’s ever told me is a lie. My insides empty and I get dizzy.

I place my palm over my mom’s hand to stop her. “I don’t want to read anymore. We already know what we need to know. Callum hasn’t been honest with me.”

“Understood, but there aren’t many more. After that last group of texts, they quit communicating until last night. Do you want to read those?”

“Why? So I can see he lied about that, too?” Tears fall in waves down my cheeks. “Just tell me what they say.”

“He asked her to be in the front row last night so he could show her that he still cares about her. He told her to put out her hand and as he walked by shaking the hands of all the fans, he would take hers and hold it and that would be the sign she’s been waiting for.”

“So I’ve been the substitute just keeping him busy until he can commit to her. Got it, Mom. It’s just as I thought. Thanks.” I stand as I tremble with tears pouring from my soul.

I’ll always be second best. The replica or next best thing.

“Livianna, your publicist wants to know how you want to handle it.”

“Have them release a statement saying I’m young and learning. Add that I’ve ended it with him. Tell them I’m going to focus on work and take the next couple of weeks to heal and move on. And please respect my privacy.”

“So the standard breakup response?”

“Yes. That’s perfect.” I choke on a sob. “I want to be alone now, Mom. Can I please go to my room?”

“Yes, darling. I’ll have your publicist send the release soon.” She rounds the desk and takes me in a firm embrace. “I’m sorry, Livianna. Maybe it’s best you found out now before anything went further between the two of you.”

I cry harder. She has no clue how far Callum and I have taken our relationship. We’re too good at sneaking around. Wekeep our contact to brief kisses and hand-holding when my parents are around. All that’s gone now.

I push out of her arms and hide in my room. Bren tries to talk to me when he gets home, but I tell him I don’t want to.

I overhear my dad tell him about the text messages between Callum andFaith.Bren stays in his room after that.

At midnight, I get a text from him.

Bren:Just so you know, you haven’t heard from Cash today because he lost his phone on NYE. He won’t be able to get a new one until the stores open tomorrow.

Me:It won’t matter. Mom sent a media release responding to the tabloid articles coming out this week.

Bren:What does it say?

Me:It’s over between Callum and me. I’m focusing on work.

Bren:You sure about this?

Me:He lied to me. Tons of texts to prove it.