Page 109 of Paparazzi Perfect
“Karson,” Miki replied, equally awkward. “Hi… I wasn’t expecting it to be you.”
“Miki, let’s address the elephant in the room. I shouldn’t have stormed off that night. I overreacted,” I said immediately. “That’s on me. I’m sorry.” I braced my elbow on the table and rubbed a hand over my face.
“Thanks for saying that, Karson, I appreciate it.” She hesitated. “And honestly, we know Ivy’s incredible. Somewhere along the way, I caught feelings for her. Then things crossed a line.” She exhaled softly.
“You don’t have to—”
“Yeah, I do. I blindsided her with that kiss, and I shouldn’t have. I don’t know how much you saw, but Ivy stopped it straight away and made it clear she was with you. That part was entirely on me.”
All I saw when I walked in was their lips locked together. After that, my head flooded. I couldn’t think straight. It never occurred to me to ask questions—I’d immediately assumed the worst.
How had I been so blind? I’d been an even bigger fool than I thought. I rubbed the back of my neck and closed my eyes as my mind drifted…
I’ve thought about my father’s letter every night since he gave it to me, and now, I finally get it. I’ve been terrified of being abandoned ever since they sent me away. Ever since they barely showed up in my life.
Seeing that kiss triggered some hidden fear in me. One I didn’t even know I had. One so strong it stopped me from thinking clearly.
Now I know. I should’ve trusted her. I should’ve listened.
Instead, I let my baggage sabotage everything, spent weeks hiding from myself. Hiding from Ivy.
Maybe my parents loved me in their own broken way. But they’re damaged and never did anything to confront their own shit. That doesn’t excuse all the things my father’s done.
But watching the destruction he left behind has made one thing painfully clear…
Face your demons.
Or they’ll poison everything ahead—
“Karson, are you still there?” Miki asked.
“Yeah, sorry,” I replied quietly. “Miki, can I talk to her? There’s a gala tonight. I messaged her, I need to tell her how sorry I am…” I sucked in a breath. “And that I’m still in love with her.”
“Look, I’m not sure she’ll listen to me, but I can try,” she said. “Hold on a sec.” The phone wentsilent. A lump rose in my throat. I rocked back in my chair, drumming my fingers against the table as the clock on the wall ticked loudly into the silence.
A few seconds later, I pushed out of my chair and paced the room anxiously.
“Karson?” Miki asked.
Unable to speak, I grunted in response.
“I tried… but she said she’s busy, she doesn’t want to talk to you. Sorry Karson.”
“I understand,” I said quietly. “But Miki…” My heart rate quickened. “Tell her if she changes her mind, I’ll be waiting.” I ended the call and rang the chauffeur I’d hired. He picked up on the first ring.
“Maurice, change of plans. Don’t go to Ivy’s house. Head to Sizzling Hot. It’s only a few minutes from her place. And Maurice? Hurry.”
***
IVY
My head ached, I rubbed my fingers across my temple as I slumped over the counter at Sizzling Hot. I slurped my iced water, waiting for my shift to end.
Was I wrong not to take Karson’s call?
My mind raced through the possibilities. There’d been barely any customers all night, I’d had every opportunity to talk.
I was confused. Confused about how he felt about me. Confused about whether I should risk it again.
