HDU

by India Lee

  And lucky for Liam, this incident hasn’t caused him to lose his manly credibility because after obliging to his girlfriend, an extremely trashed Ian swung his beer bottle at Liam’s head – and Liam caught the swing barehanded, winning back his dude fans before they were even lost. So now, whether you’re a man or a woman, everyone can love Liam, and everyone wins.

  Well, everyone except for Ian Marsh.

  Outside, there was snow.

  Inside, the clock read 2PM. Hugging a pillow with her sheets halfway up her head, Amanda stared drearily at the time. It was kind of appalling that she’d slept in so late. It wasn’t as if she and Liam had gotten into New York at an ungodly hour last night. They’d left Los Angeles at 3:30PM, arriving in New York at 10:45PM and making it back to their respective homes before midnight.

  Still, Amanda felt like it was the right kind of day for sleeping in. She might not get out of bed at all. It was the only way to ignore the worry pulling at her from everything direction. As much as she currently hated him, there was Ian to worry about. According to the Pop Dinner website, he’d been last seen alone and loitering outside his hotel. Amanda wondered if he’d been locked out by Desiree. She did hope that he at least had his wallet on him to check in somewhere else.

  Then there was also Liam. After leaving the party together, Amanda had apologized – for demeaning him in front of Hollywood, for what Ian tried to do to him, for what it looked like she’d done with Dylan. She expected him to be angry and irritated with her for marring his trip to L.A. with Ian-related drama. But his actual response was much worse.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he said civilly, patting her back before walking ahead of her to the car. His formal tone was unrecognizable. It made Amanda more uncomfortable than the prospect of getting into an argument. To make matters worse, after putting her in the car, he closed the door without getting in himself. “I’ll be back at the hotel soon. I’m just going to see a friend,” he said courteously through the open window. “You should go ahead and sleep.”

  The car took off before Amanda could say anything, but she didn’t have a response in mind anyway. She looked up at their driver, who glanced at her through his rearview mirror.

  “Any idea where he’s going without you?” he asked. Amanda shook her head. “Hm,” the driver said. And with just one inflected sound, he induced her into paranoia.

  Liam was going to sleep with someone. She was sure of it. He was done waiting. He hadn’t slept with anyone for nearly three months, perhaps out of some kind of weird respect for Amanda. Now that the respect was probably gone, the only way to forget his frustrations was to relieve his sexual ones. It was what guys like Liam did, so how could Amanda blame him? It’s not like we’re actually dating, so what right do I have to be upset? None.

  Though despite her rationalizing in the car, Amanda was upset. She tried to convince herself that it was simple anger over the entire night, but that didn’t explain why she waited up for Liam despite her heavy-eyed sleepiness. He didn’t return until past five in the morning, and by then, Amanda was only awake enough to get a good look at him before drowsiness triumphed. She remembered him frowning at her with confusion, probably because she was sitting in bed with the TV on while groggily gazing at the wall next to it. He didn’t ask why she was up or say anything at all, so she took one more glance at the clock, noted the time, and then fell fast asleep.

  Lying in her New York bed, she tried to remember if Liam had slept in their hotel bed that night, or on the couch. By the time she’d woken, he was already up and ready to go. He’d been silent as she packed but the moment she finished, he clapped his hands together and asked, “All set?” in a strangely cordial tone. At the airport, he let her know that he’d be putting in headphones before spending the whole flight listening to music. It was weird. He hadn’t even been that proper when they first met. Amanda would have appreciated the act then, but now she took it as an insult. Whether they acknowledged it or not, she was certain their relationship had long and far surpassed the point of being formal. But then again, they were contractual partners. Real boyfriends and girlfriends got into fights after drama. Apparently, fake ones reverted to frigid professionalism.

  Amanda groaned. Her phone buzzed on the table outside, which meant that she had to get up. Liam was supposed to contact her about signing the new contract today, but she had a good suspicion that the text wasn’t from him. She rolled out of bed and plodded out to the sitting room, grabbing her phone from the table and flipping it open. Of course the text was from Casey. Amanda looked up at the ceiling with exasperation. She could feel it jeering at her already.

  You little heartbreaker, he’s so depressed he’s binge eating! Don’t blame me… I didn’t MAKE you stay in that bathroom forever ;-)

  It wasn’t untrue. Amanda ground her teeth. Casey was so good at irking her. She braced herself for more irritation as she scrolled down the text to look at the picture attached. Her eyes squinted. It was a photo off some gossip site, and it was of Liam from a night ago, following the after party. Amanda quickly brought the phone close to her face. He appeared to be sitting in some gutted diner, eating a burger. And there was someone across from him. An ex, perhaps?

  In a flash, she opened up her laptop to search for clearer pictures and perhaps an article of explanation. It didn’t take long to find one.

  LIAM GRABS A BITE (OR TWO) WITH CONNOR SCHAFFER!

  Celeb-o-Matic

  February 11

  Following an eventful night at the Critics’ Choice after party, Liam Brody grabbed some grub and bro time at famous hot dog joint, Pink’s! Joined by best friend and screenwriter, Connor Schaffer, Brody chowed down on burgers, dogs and fries until 3AM. Perhaps he worked up an appetite nearly brawling with Ian Marsh because after the greasy feast, Brody hopped over to Canter’s Deli for another few hours of noshing! According to witnesses, the handsome hunk spent his meal chatting away while Schaffer listened and seemed to dole out the occasional bit of advice.

  “Liam was calm, but it looked like he was getting something off his chest,” one witness said. “Everyone thought he’d still be mad from the fight with Ian Marsh, but he seemed more bummed out than anything.”

  Perhaps Brody regretted upsetting girlfriend Amanda Nathan by provoking a fight with her friend (though it was in her defense!). Guests of the after party say that following the altercation, Nathan was distraught and fled for the bathroom. No worries though, we’re told a concerned Casey Mulreed soon followed to offer support for her friend. Awww!

  Though the last line made her eyes roll, Amanda laughed. Liam had been hanging out with Connor. They’d been simply pigging out till 5AM. It was kind of gross, but more relieving. He hadn’t been off banging some girl. Not that I should care, Amanda told herself, though half-heartedly. She did care. It was stupid to try and deny at this point. She had feelings for Liam, and they had been there for weeks. She stood frozen in the middle of the room as she tried to come to terms with the realization.

  Right on time, her phone buzzed with another text. It was Liam.

  Will be done by 6 – I’ll be by around then.

  Amanda breathed a hard sigh of relief. She had momentarily doubted he’d see her ever again following all the drama. After happily replying, Amanda flew into the bedroom to get made up and changed. By the time Liam’s footsteps sounded in the hallway, she was ready and waiting for him in a crocheted bolero top and light wash blue jeans, hoping that her particularly sweet get-up would defrost him upon sight, in case he planned on greeting her with the same stiff tone he’d left her with. But her plan backfired before it could even start. Rather than barge right in, Liam knocked.

  “Really?” Amanda exhaled under her breath as she made her way over to open the door for him. She cracked it open just a bit, peering out at him in his gray sweater, his peacoat draped over his arm. He looked so handsome but so serious. “You knock now?” she asked.

  He ignored her question, stoic. “Can I come in?”
>
  Amanda let him in with an inward groan, watching him walk right past her and toss his jacket onto the couch. However when he turned around to face her, he stood still for a moment, softening as he took her in. She inched closer to him as his eyes traveled from her lightly glossed pink lips to her bolero top. He reached out to touch the crochet, right below where it tied with a ribbon.

  “You look nice,” he said.

  “Thank you,” she breathed. Her smile quivered as she watched him withdraw his hand from her to rub the back of his neck. He looked downward, solemn again. “Liam,” Amanda started with a sigh. “Before we get to the contract, please… just let me give a real apology for what happened with Ian.”

  He shook his head, but when she groaned in frustration, he pulled her to him by the waist. “I mean you don’t have to apologize because you didn’t do anything wrong,” Liam said, looking her in the eye. He let go of her once she appeared to relax. “If you didn’t stop me, I would’ve done something to get myself fired from the movie before we even started shooting.” Amanda placed her hands on her hips.

  “So you’re not upset about Thursday.” She studied him, her face six inches from his, trying to read his expression. Liam’s dark eyes watched hers as they wandered from between his brows to his lips, trying to detect any crease or twitch that might give away his feelings. Her earnest concentration made him somewhat smile. “You’re not mad about… any of the things that happened that night?” Amanda questioned. She was doubtful, but angry actually wasn’t the look on his face. It was something indistinguishable.

  “I’m not mad,” Liam reassured.

  She let out a little sigh of relief, her hand lifting slowly to take his. “Good.”

  “But I’m not going to renew the contract.”

  Her hand dropped back to her side. She tried to blink away the immediate hurt. “What?”

  Liam stood up straight. “This is where we should end it,” he said. Amanda exhaled with frustration.

  “You are mad about Ian.”

  “No, I’m not,” Liam insisted. She stared at him.

  “Then is this about Dylan?” she asked. Her cheeks burned once the words were out, and though they sounded presumptuous, she stuck to her question. If it wasn’t about Ian, there was just one other thing left. Liam’s lack of an answer only confirmed her suspicions. He looked at her.

  “I know you better than to think that something happened in that bathroom. If there’s anything I’ve learned in the past few weeks, it’s that you’re fiercely loyal,” Liam said. “Which is why we should end it here and give you and him a shot. Because he clearly wants you.” He slid his hands into his pockets. “And you clearly want him.”

  Amanda stared, her mind racing. “How do you know?” she challenged, in disbelief of both the situation and herself. Just weeks ago, she resented being unable to pursue Dylan. Now she resented being pushed into his arms.

  “Because it wasn’t that hard to figure out. You’re not the best actress,” Liam answered, mustering up a playful smile for her. She didn’t return it. Her words failed her as she tried to respond. She wanted to tell Liam that regardless of what he’d seen between her and Dylan, she wanted him more – but uttering those words were far too daunting, even though she had a sneaking feeling that he might want her just the same. And so she was left to watch in silence as he retrieved his coat from the couch and pulled it on. She didn’t even realize that she had gravitated in front of the door until his hands were on her waist again, gently trying to move her. “What are you doing?” he asked softly. Her mouth opened and closed. It was her chance to stop him – to confess all her feelings in hopes of getting the same admission out of him. All she had to do was abandon her insecurities and convince herself that Liam Brody might truly want her – as a real, contract-less girlfriend.

  But she couldn’t. “Nothing,” she finally answered, stepping aside for Liam, who paused before her with his hand on the doorknob. For a moment, his eyes searched hers as if trying to read her thoughts. She wished he could. That way, he might relieve her and be the one to say something first.

  But he was silent too. And with a kiss on the corner of her lips, Liam was gone.

  SAY IT AIN’T SO! LIAM AND AMANDA CALL IT QUITS

  February 19

  Posted by derpityderp

  HDU via Celeb-o-Matic

  After a week of speculation, it has been confirmed that America’s favorite couple have split. Rumors of a breakup surfaced when Liam Brody showed up solo at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week while his lovely lady was photographed out and about alone. To further suspicion, paparazzi caught Liam having brunch with best friend Connor Schaffer on Monday while an unaccompanied Amanda Nathan moved her suitcases out of the swanky hotel Brody paid for and into a first-floor studio sublet in Alphabet City. Even more suspicious was the fact that Brody and Nathan weren’t spotted together once before yesterday, when Brody flew off to Nebraska to begin shooting for A Soldier.

  This morning, a rep for Brody finally issued the following statement: “Liam and Amanda have mutually decided to part ways, but they remain friends and wish the best for one another.”

  Some speculate that the actor’s complicated shooting schedule got in the way of the budding romance. Neither Brody nor Nathan have personally commented thus far.

  TOP COMMENTS

  mrstylerchase

  NOOOOO THEY GAVE ME SUCH LIFE. I THOUGHT HE CHANGED!!! ughhh serves me right for trusting liam brody

  vidabella21

  mte. if it turns out he cheated i’m going to be so effin depressed

  cali_damianator

  i think it’s rly the shooting sched tho…he IS going to be gone for super long

  R0X1E

  lmao at everyone being sewww heartbroken. same ppl crying were calling this girl fat 4 weeks ago and saying that liam should cheat on her.

  vidabella21

  ugh haters on HDU can be seriously vile. i hope they all diaf.

  AMANDA NATHAN: YOUR NEXT FAVORITE D-LIST TRAINWRECK!

  February 23

  Pop Rock Gossip

  Posted by Jessie O.

  You want her to become exactly that. Sickos.

  I’m talking to you, media – the so-called “photographers” and “reporters.” In the past three days, you’ve dedicated your nights and mornings to hounding Amanda Nathan outside of her new apartment. Because when a girl has been freshly dumped and is probably trying to recover, the best way to help her do so is to shout into her window from the sidewalk and demand she answer your prying questions about her ex – on camera, no less.

  Leave Amanda Nathan alone.

  She does not possess the hardened jadedness of a celebrity veteran. She needs time and complete privacy to recuperate, especially so she can bounce back to deal with your vicious headlines about her. They’re already starting. You’ve already degraded her to titles like “celebrity fling” and simple “nobody,” and you’ll probably refer to her as such whenever she’s mentioned in the future, simply because she once dated someone famous in her twenties. Amanda Nathan could actually go on in life to run some thriving business, perhaps in her hometown of Merit, Missouri, and she would still be remembered by the world as a “celebrity fling” or desperate “nobody.” All because of you and your need to shame people for failing to stay famous. Ugh.

  Does it feel good to pick on an easy, defenseless target? Are you honestly making fun of her for having to move into a somewhat shoddy studio apartment? I sincerely hope that when she inevitably gets a job to pay for her rent, you don’t stake out her workplace and shame her for being a waitress. I know what you’re trying to do: You’re trying to make her into a C or D-list celebrity because they’re ever so fun to laugh at. To you, it’s a dirty job that someone’s gotta do. So with your constant attention, you’re trying to pressure Amanda Nathan into feeling as if she can’t return to a normal person’s life – as if she has no choice but to participate in some degrading “celebrity” dating show where she�
��s forced to kiss a range of nerds and frat boys on camera, because she needs the quick money to finance looking good in front of those persisting paparazzi lenses.

  This is sick and cruel.

  For the good of our society and its increasing need to watch others spiral into disgrace, please stop. Of all people, I don’t want to see sweet and genuine Amanda Nathan forced into the life of a public trainwreck.

  “Sweetheart, it hurts my heart to see you like this!”

  The spiky-haired paparazzo outside Amanda’s apartment was grinning despite his claim, snapping pictures as she walked down the steps. There were three more behind him, taking shots of her old brick building with its paint-chipped front doors. It had been a week since the breakup had been confirmed and nearly two since she’d moved into the apartment, but the world had yet to grow tired of seeing her new and fascinatingly unglamorous residence – “AMANDA NATHAN: FROM PRINCESS TO PAUPER,” a headline had read.

  But according to the art school student she had sublet from, Amanda’s miniscule studio for the next two months was a steal. She, however, wasn’t sure which end of the deal the “steal” referred to. For thirteen hundred-fifty dollars a month – a whopping fifth of her earnings from her contract with Liam – she had gotten herself a dingy and sparsely IKEA-furnished studio on Tenth Street between Avenues B and C. But thankfully, having recognized Amanda, the student graciously agreed to sublet the space without requiring a security deposit. She even offered some friendly advice regarding the neighborhood.