Secrets and scandals

Secrets and scandals
The drive home felt longer than usual, like the universe was trying to stretch time just to mess with me. My head was pounding with everything that had happened, especially from the stress of being back in LA. but then my phone pinged, lighting up the car.

A message from Ken. “Here you go. Don’t forget to keep to your own end of the deal.”

My heart practically flew out of my chest, I was so excited. I didn’t even drive the last two blocks, I swear the car floated itself home. The second I parked in the driveway, I grabbed my phone, slammed the door shut behind me, and rushed inside like a madman.

I didn’t sit down, I didn’t breathe, I didn’t even need to think. I just dialed the number and he picked up on the first ring, like he was expecting my call.

“Hey, poodle,” Jamie’s voice came through, warm, teasing, and so full of life that I almost dropped the phone.

“What?” I choked. “Jamie, how—how did you even know it was me? I mean, this is a totally different number of yours. How did you decipher that so quickly?”

He laughed, the kind of laugh that wrapped itself around my chest and squeezed until it hurt.

“Come on, Aiden,” he said. “Don’t tell me you don’t know that I know your number by heart. Of course I knew it was you. Plus…” he paused dramatically, “I don’t give my number to strangers so, I wasn’t expecting any mystery call from a mystery stranger.”

The smile that spread over my face was ridiculous.

“Oh my god, babe. I’ve missed you. Like—so, so much. You don’t know how bad I’ve missed you. I really wish you were here with me in the middle of all this mess.”

“Well,” he replied smoothly, “someone rejected my offer to come along and help so that’s not my fault.” Then more softer, “But… I miss you too.”

My throat tightened when I heard him say that. 

“We literally just spent the night together but it already feels like forever. And since I didn’t have your number, I’ve been dying to talk to you.”

He hummed. “And now I’m curious. How did you get my number?”

I chuckled. “Let’s just say… I have my ways. Don’t worry about it. I just really wanted to hear your voice. And brief you on everything we’ve been able to achieve so far.”

I told him everything from the defense attorney, to the plan, to the sudden trip to Collin’s house, Mary’s cooperation, the reporter that approached Collin, the business card we found. Every little detail. I didn’t leave a single thing out.

Jamie listened quietly, which already told me his mind was working at a million miles per hour.

“Wow, babe… all that happened in twenty-four hours?” he said finally. “I’m impressed, but not surprised. That’s literally your life in a nutshell.”

“Please don’t remind me,” I groaned.

“But Aiden,” he continued, tone softening, “I hope you’re taking care of yourself? I know you, you get easily overwhelmed when it comes to things like this.”

“Of course, baby. I am. Victoria is handling most of it, as always, but it’s different this time. She’s more calmer, more collected.”

“That’s good,” he murmured. “I’m just glad it’s all going well. Just get everything done as soon as possible and get your ass back here where it belongs. I miss you. And trust me, if this takes too long, I will book the next flight down to LA and drag your ass back myself.”

I burst out laughing. “Yeah, you would. I don’t doubt that.”

Just then another notification flashed on my screen, it was an incoming call from Victoria.

“Babe,” I sighed, “I’m getting a call from my mom. We’ll talk better later tonight.”

“No problem, Aiden. Take care of yourself, love.”

He hung up, and the silence in the room suddenly felt cruel. I quickly called my mom back.

“Aiden, good,” she said immediately. “Get dressed quickly and meet me at the address I just sent to you. We’re doing the press conference today as soon as possible. I already alerted Collins and his mom. Hurry. I’ll explain everything when you get here.”

She hung up before I could even respond. I didn’t bother asking anything, I just changed my clothes faster than I ever had in my entire life, grabbed my keys, input the address into the map, and drove off.

Thirty minutes later, I pulled into a crowded parking lot. Victoria stood at the entrance, her arms folded, looking like she was ready for a battle.

I stepped out of the car. “Mom, what’s going on? This is literally the craziest kind of emergency I’ve ever had to deal with.”

“I know,” she breathed. “But if we don’t do this today, we may not get another chance. Richard found the reporter, while he was trying to leave the country. And yes, he’s was the one behind that ridiculous accusations. Although he claims no one put him up to it, but we both know that’s a lie. So he’ll be sued for defamation of character, Good luck to him covering up for whoever set this in motion.”

My eyes widened. “How did all this happen in the few minutes I wasn’t even with you?”

She brushed me off. “Come on, Aiden. We need to start.”

Inside, the venue was buzzing with reporters everywhere. Collins and his mother sat quietly in the front row, whispering among themselves. Richard spotted me and patted my shoulder.

I walked to the stage, inhaling sharply as dozens of eyes turned to me.

“Thank you everyone for being here today,” I began, keeping my voice steady. “I don’t want to take up too much of your time, so I’ll just go straight to the point. I am not a murderer. I have never killed anyone. I never have, I never will be. This is just a big misunderstanding, a deliberate attempt to ruin my image yet again. And this time, I have proof.”

The room murmured.

“But before showing you that proof, I need to tell you how this all started.”

So I told them about college, the party, the crash, and the coma.

“My mom ensured nothing went public at that time, so we reached an agreement with the family. We promised to cover every medical bill until the victim recovered fully and we did. Now I know you all may be wondering, why is he telling us all this? Is it important? The answer is yes. Because we can’t get to the root of all these, without kmowing where it all started. It was a terrible mistake, but it was an accident. Is the victim dead? No he isn’t.”

I pointed to my right. “This—this is Collins. The victim of that accident, and as you all can see, he’s very much alive. And he certainly doesn’t look dead.” I said as the light went to him. 

A wave of laughter moved through the room.

“So that’s all I have to say. I’ll only be taking three questions.”

Hands shot up like fireworks.

“You,” I said, pointing to the last person on the front row.

“Mr. Vale, since it didn’t happen, then why hide it?”

“I was in my last year in college like I said,” I explained. “And I was on the verge of landing my first major role. So the last thing I needed then was to have my name dragged through the mud, or linked to bad rumors. Imagine having your career destroyed before it even begins. That’s really bad, so that’s why I did that.”

I scanned the crowd as I picked the next hand.

“Mr vale, do you know who it is? Or do you have an idea who it is? Or why they wanted to harm you?” She asked adjusting her glasses.

“No. I don’t know. I don’t know who could possible want to harm me in this way. I know not everyone likes me, but going this far by saying such things about me? That’s extreme, but I can assure you that my team is working tirelessly to find the perpetrator of such act.”

Okay last question now, I said, scanning the crowd again as my eyes fell to a young man.

“Mr vale, it’s been a while since we heard anything from you. Since this has been cleared up, what would be your next line of action? Will you return back to acting here in LA or will you be looking to explore other things?”

I smiled faintly. “Honestly… I don’t know for nowyet. But all I can say is, right now, I’m taking my time to focus on myself. That’s the most important thing to me, so until then, it’s just team me.” 

“Thank you all for your time and continuous support. Have a good day” I concluded and stepped away from the podium, as the cameras kept flashing as if they wanted more, but I had nothing else to give. 

We headed out, accompanied by my mom and Richard, while Collins and his mom followed closely behind. 

“Thank you Mary, thank you Collins.” Victoria said genuinely, as her eyes darted between them. We can drop you off if you want” she offered.

“Oh no. That’s fine. Don’t bother Victoria. We will just get a cab home instead. Have a good day” she said politely, and walked off with Collins.

Richard turned to my mom. “Well, hopefully this sorts everything out vee. So you don’t have to worry yourself about it anymore. I’ll see you later tonight then.” He hugged her briefly and walked away.

I couldn’t help myself.

“Sooo… I see you finally decided to take him on his offer for dinner vee.” I teased as I started the car.

“Oh, shut up, Aiden and just drive already,” she said, her cheeks turning pink.

I squeezed her hand gently. “Thank you, Mom. For everything.”

And for the first time in a long time, she smiled without hesitation.