An exclusive relationship is not something Zane would ever entertain, let alone marriage and kids.
We’re whisked off to the next location, the next green room, the next show, and the whole time I keep thinking of his comments on Good Morning USA. Of the personal touches Zane added for effect with Fran.
I remind myself over and over that this is all an act. All of it. Last night on the rooftop was wonderful. Romantic. Simple. I had hoped it was an indication of more, between us but after today, I know.
It’s all an act, Low. He hasn’t once said those things to your face and yet he’s saying them on television.
There’s your answer.
If he felt any of what he said, it would be much easier to just tell me in private instead of when five million were people watching.
I WELCOME ROBERT’S WARM HUG and sincere smile.
“Only two more events to go tonight, kiddo, and then you’re done with me.”
“Don’t say that,” I say and step back. “I’m going to miss you. And this. Kind of.” I laugh and he follows suit.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the job you did. I know it’s been a long one, but—”
“There’s no place else I would have rather been than giving all of these people hope that they’re going to find their happily ever after with someone.”
“Sylvie would have loved you, Harlow. She would have taken so much pleasure seeing you find your own happiness. I mean on Good Morning USA today, you just looked so in love. It was . . . it was the best advertisement we could have ever done for SoulM8.”
“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” I choke on the words, on the threat of tears that burn my eyes.
“Is everything okay?” he asks. Of course he would notice.
“I’m fine. Just a little emotional with this all coming to an end. It was such a learning experience on all fronts and . . .” I shrug, unable to finish my thought.
“Thank you for agreeing to open up your relationship to the world. I know it wasn’t easy, but it’s made all the difference.”
Robert’s words echo in my mind the rest of the afternoon. While I’m in the make-up chair getting ready for our second to last event of the night. As I’m speaking on the stage about SoulM8 and singing its praises. And then after the speech while we mingle with the crowd.
His comment eats at me, bit by bit, little by little.
Just as I feel that I’ve worked the room long enough and can step out for a quiet respite before the official launch party begins, I’m stopped right before I leave the ballroom.
“I’m sorry to bug you but I just had to say how incredible it’s been watching you two.”
“Thank you. Molly, right?” I ask remembering her from her questions earlier doing the Q&A session.
“Yes!” she says, surprised. “I can’t believe you remembered.”
“Of course I did.”
“I just . . . I’ve been following you and Zane and your adventures on the site while waiting for the launch tonight and I have to say, it’s given me so much hope. The two of you have fun, you snap at each other when you’re stressed, you make up, you push each other to take risks . . . I mean, how much the two of you care for each other, it just shines through. Your relationship is what I aspire to have and I can’t wait to find it on SoulM8 like you did.”
I smile softly at the woman before me. She’s beautiful in her own way but the tears swimming in her eyes and the hope woven through her tone gut me for some reason.
“I’m sure your prince is out there somewhere for you, Molly.” I pull her into me for a hug.
“I know.” Her bottom lip quivers and it kills me. “Look at you. You found yours.”
“I did,” I murmur softly with a smile plastered to my face that I just don’t feel.
I walk toward the edge of the room to get a breather and try to put a finger on what’s wrong with me. Why does this event seem so difficult when we’re sitting on appearance number forty-something, and it’s harder than the first one?
The hallway is free of attendees so I take the chance to head toward our private dressing area to get a moment to myself. Hopefully I can snap out of this funk I’m in and be ready for my final duty for SoulM8—the launch party. Once inside, I take my heels off and sit down on the couch.
I don’t know how long I sit there, lost in my thoughts. But I startle when the door opens and Zane steps inside, phone to his ear, holding his finger up to signal that he’ll just be a minute.
“No, mate. I’m in our dressing room now so I can talk.” He walks over to the table where snacks are laid out for us and grabs a handful of almonds. “You should be here, Jack. Even you might get yourself laid in this crowd.” He laughs and tosses a few of the nuts in his mouth. “Nah, the only thing I guarantee is that you’re going to get charged a monthly fee . . . no shit . . . I’ve got to run, Harlow’s here. Yeah. Later.”
“Hey,” he says to me with a lift of his chin and then freezes when I don’t respond. “What’s up?”