Chapter 52: Chapter LII

In the end, being questioned by Aubrie wasn’t as bad as Spencer made me believe it would be. I had actually forgotten how witty and funny she is since we barely see each other in a lighter environment. She’s usually working and so busy when I come by the bookstore that it’s just not the same.

Aubrie was very nice when she cornered me leaving the bathroom and cautiously asked about my relationship with Spencer and how serious we were. If anything, she seemed more concerned about her brother than anything else, and I didn’t mind her questions. I knew she was just looking after him. I assure her I’m in this for all the right reasons, and I truly care about her brother.

Once the week starts, Spencer and I are back to our busy routines at work. However, I manage to find a moment to visit his office since I haven’t had the chance to do it yet, and I wanted to do it before he officially opened it. The launch party is happening tomorrow night, so things have been chaotic lately. I also feel like offering my help, even though I have no idea what I can do for him other than offer moral support.

When my shift at the bakery ends, I grab my stuff and head toward his office, which is a couple of streets away from my mom’s shop. It’s a nice, chilly night, so I wear my cardigan over my jeans and shirt, but it’s actually enjoyable outside as I walk through the streets.

Before even getting to the corner, my phone rings in my purse, and I struggle to find it among so many of the things inside like my wallet, a couple of books I’m trying to finish reading, laptop, keys, and a bottle of water. When I finally find it, Poppy’s name is flashing on the screen, and I smile to myself, already knowing she’s dying to tell me what happened during her work day.

“You know, you should work for a British tabloid or something,” I say by way of greeting, cackling when she curses me on the other end of the line. “I’m serious. No one would be able to beat you with how fast you spread gossip.”

“Don’t act like you don’t like hearing it, Hayden Jenkins.” I can almost see her rolling her eyes at me. “Do you want to hear it or not? I can always find someone else to share it with. I’m sure they will be more receptive than you.”

I chuckle, pressing the phone harder against my ear. “Don’t be so sensitive. I’m just teasing you. Of course, I want to hear it. Unless you’re going to tell me that Kayla was promoted, or worse, got herself a billionaire or something.”

“Ew, no!” Poppy replied. “She can kiss my ass. I couldn’t care less. Anyway…so, do you remember that pop rock band we watched at Coachella a couple of years ago with the cute bass player and the hot singer?” she asks, her voice way too excited for me to keep up.

I rack my brain, trying to remember what she’s referring to, and it doesn’t take me that long to figure out what band it is. “Oh, yeah. I do remember. They sounded amazing. I remember you swore to yourself you’d marry the guy or whatever, but I guess it didn’t turn out the way you planned.”

“Ha, ha, very funny. I didn’t say when, and guess what? I just heard they’re going to sign with a new label for their next album,” Poppy tells me.

“That’s…cool?” I’m not sure where she’s going with this, and I honestly don’t feel as excited as my friend sounds at this moment.

“Girl, keep up with me here, please? They are signing with Bailey Records!” she squeaks, making me pull the phone away from my ear for a moment.

“Spencer’s record label?” I repeat, finally understanding what she’s trying to say.

“Yes! And apparently, they will be here for the launch party tomorrow, as will a lot of other celebrities. I can’t believe you haven’t told me,” Poppy complains, sounding offended.

“Honestly, I didn’t know. Spencer is not really sharing every detail with me. He’s been so busy lately that we’re barely seeing each other. And I don’t want to be all over him, asking who is coming to his party.”

“Well, because you’re a lame friend, that’s why.”

“Are you getting somewhere with this?” I ask Poppy.

But before she can answer me, I turn the corner to the street where Spencer’s office is and am abruptly stopped by the scene unfolding in front of me. A beautiful, elegant brunette is stepping out of a black luxury car and walking toward Spencer’s office, her black heels tapping lightly on the concrete. She’s wearing black pants and a black turtleneck sweater, her golden earrings and necklace sparkling in contrast to her dark outfit. Her hair falls in waves over her shoulders down her back, her tanned skin glowing even though the sun is already setting behind the mountains. Her green eyes—or are they blue—scan her surroundings while she holds her phone against her ear, stopping in front of the front door of Bailey’s Records.

“Hayden, are you still there?” Poppy’s voice echoes in my ear, bringing me back to real life.

“What?” I muse, unable to drag my eyes away from the stunning woman apparently waiting for Spencer.

“I said I need to write an article about the record label, so do you think Spencer could give me an exclusive?” she asks, but her tone indicates she’s repeating herself. Which I’m sure she is since I didn’t listen to anything she said while I watched the woman climbing out of her car.

Who is she? Is she one of Spencer’s clients? I don’t remember her from the news or the Internet, so I don’t think she’s a singer or anything, but I also don’t know anyone in the music industry.

She could literally be anyone. Why should I care?

Why do I care?

I was never jealous before… Okay, I have been. Seeing Spencer with that Millie woman at my brother’s wedding wasn’t my best moment, but I was caught off guard. Sure, the woman looked like a model, and it made me feel even less confident about myself, but the woman across from me now, waiting for my boyfriend, makes me feel completely threatened, even though I have no reason to be.

Just because someone is stunning and hard to look away from doesn’t mean I should feel intimidated. Right?

Right?

Get your shit together, Hayden!

What is going on with me? I’m with Spencer now. We’re happy. We figured things out. I shouldn’t be feeling like this.

“Shit, seriously, Hayden? I’m talking to you. What’s going on?” Poppy insists, and I consider not telling her about my insecurities. They are stupid, and I know she will tell me I’m just being paranoid.

But when I see Spencer opening the door, looking slightly alarmed by this woman in front of him, I just know something is wrong.

I feel it in my gut.