“Doesn’t matter. I want to hear it from you.” His voice had a bite to it. If Chantelle didn’t know any better, she’d think he was angry at her.
“Someone leaked information about... you and Andrea breaking up. There’s… pictures of you and me together. It looks like they took them from the diner, the dance studio, and the theater last night.”
The tightness in his eyes increased.
She raised her hands in a surrendered gesture. “I had nothing to do with this.”
He sprung to his feet. “How am I supposed to know that?”
What? “Excuse me?”
He pointed to her. “You said that you would write this story no matter what. Your fans need to know everything.”
She pressed a hand to her chest. “You think I leaked this? Do you know what they’re calling me on social media? I’m a home-wrecker breaking up the power couple of the year.”
“I didn’t want to do this stupid article! It was Andrea’s idea, so I went along with it. Aft
er everything I told you. After last night, you... you do this?”
He couldn’t be serious. Not after everything they had shared. “I can’t believe you think so little of me! I gave you my word. No, I didn’t leak this to the press. No, I didn’t do this to further my career. Why would I? Yes, my boss wanted exclusives and inside information, but I didn’t tell her anything.”
“So how did it happen? Tell me.” His eyes were cold.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t?” He was being sarcastic right now?
“Why would I lie, Lance? Don’t you realize what this does to me? My reputation is on the line as a reporter. I could lose my job for this!”
“Tell me I wasn’t alone last night.” His eyes softened somewhat. “You didn’t lie to me, did you?”
“I would never lie. I came here for my job. I did that. I didn’t plan on falling in love with you again, but I did. I never stopped.” Her bottom lip trembled. The tears were coming, but she would finish. “I would never sabotage what we have.” She took a chance and stepped forward, cupping his face.
“Chantelle—”
“He’s still in there.” She cradled his face. “The boy I met years ago. He’s one of the best men I know. He has a kind heart. He knows the truth when he hears it.” Taking one of his hands, she placed it on top of her racing heart. “He knows me.” Her voice choked. “You know me, Lance.”
He shut his eyes for a moment, but then met her gaze. “And you know me. Better than anyone.” He sighed as his shoulders drooped. “I… I need to think this through. This is a lot to deal with.”
Chantelle dropped her hands from his and folded her arms. “I know. Me too.”
Despite the slight grimace on his face, at least his eyes didn’t burn in anger. Perhaps she got through to him for now. Chantelle wanted him to stay, but she knew he needed to leave. No hug. No kiss goodbye. He walked out the door.
Chantelle plopped on the couch as her eyes stung with tears. Covering her face with her hands, she sobbed. How did things change overnight?
***
Lance cut his car’s engine in front of his house, only to find his mother’s BMW parked a few feet away. Did she come with his father? He hadn’t talked to him since he put in his resignation at the office.
He stalked to his front door, and Dottie greeted him. She gestured her head to the living room, and Lance made his way to meet up with his mother. Sure enough, his mother paced his living room with her hands on her hips.
“Why do I have to find out about your canceled engagement through the news? I don’t even know what TMZ stands for, but your story is all over it,” she said through gritted teeth.
“We broke up. Andrea flew out after our dinner two nights ago.” He answered.
“And again, you’re telling me this now?” She huffed. “What will people say? The catering deposit is nonrefundable. I’ll be the talk of the town.”
“You’ll be the talk?”