Dearest Clementine

by Lex Martin

“I’ve seen you cover stories around campus, so I know you’re good at what you do.”

  Her head tilts to the side as she appraises me. “I think you might be my new best friend.” She laughs, and I return the smile.

  A guy behind a giant console adjusts the lights, and after a few minutes of clipping mics to our blouses and making sure they’re picking up the audio, he explains how the New York station will cut to our segment.

  My heart slams into my chest, and, strangely, I think of my mother who is a combination of steel and stone when it comes to situations like these. With that in mind, I take a deep breath and brace myself for what’s to come.

  “We’re on in five,” the camera guy says as he counts down on one hand, finally pointing to the red light that indicates we’re live.

  On a monitor, I see the New York host introduce the story before the screen splits to show Maddie next to him.

  She takes a deep breath, which she holds briefly as she stares back at the camera. Then, as though she’s done this a million times, she starts talking in a broadcast voice, which is smooth with a kind of melodic cadence.

  “I’m here with Clementine Avery, the Avery International heiress, who’s been in the headlines this week because her identity as the elusive bestselling author known as Austen Fitzgerald was recently revealed during a heated discussion in one of her writing classes. Clementine, it’s great to meet you.”

  “Thank you for having me, Madeline.”

  “Is it true that until now, none of your professors knew who you were?”

  “Only one professor who helped me edit my book three years ago knew that I wrote under a pen name.”

  “Young Adult author Jason Wheeler? The son of the former Rhode Island governor Richard Wheeler?”

  “Yes.”

  She sits up just a bit straighter and glances down at her note cards.

  “As I understand it, Wheeler criticized your book and accused you of plagiarism during your creative writing class when you revealed that you are Austen Fitzgerald. What do you have to say about his accusations?”

  “I’m suing him for slander. I have two years’ worth of writing journals and diary entries to prove that what I wrote is mine. Did he suggest that I tweak a storyline or reword certain things? Absolutely. But to claim that those ideas are anyone’s but my own is ludicrous.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see my attorney giving me the thumbs up.

  Although I’m nervous, I speak slowly, deliberately, like we have all the time in the world. That’s how powerful people talk, like they are confident you want to hear what they have to say and nothing will rattle them. Maybe the years of growing up with my screwed-up family will pay off after all.

  “Why do you think he would criticize you so publicly?” Maddie leans forward, tilting her head slightly.

  “I believe he wanted to make me miserable, to inflict emotional distress. He knows I cherish my privacy, and I doubt he thought I’d call him on his lies.”

  “You make it sound like he had some kind of vendetta against you.”

  Taking a deep breath, I nod. “During my freshman year, Jason Wheeler wanted more from our relationship than what I was willing to give. I saw him as my mentor, and he was interested in something more romantic. I think this is his way of getting back at me.”

  She raises her brows but doesn’t continue with this line of questioning.

  “In your book, the main character is the daughter of a wealthy family who falls in love with the star quarterback at her school. The boy cheats on her with her best friend and breaks her heart. I know this is a fictional book, but the similarities to your life are striking. You dated Daren Sloan, who now plays football for Boston College and is in contention for the Heismann trophy. He’s engaged to Veronica Rogers, who used to be your best friend in high school, and you’re the daughter of the heiress Jocelyn Avery, who is the president and CEO of Avery International.”

  And there it is. My worst nightmare. My whole life spilled out before me. I take another deep breath. I don’t know where to start.

  “Was there a question?” I ask with a laugh. This is what my mother would do. Pretend like the Hiroshima bomb is simply a gnat in her salad.

  “Well, did Daren cheat on you?” Maddie furrows her brow and leans forward again. “Is this story based on your relationship?”

  “Maddie, I didn’t set out to write an autobiography, so while I might have used aspects of my own life as inspiration as any writer does, I can unequivocally say that this is a work of fiction. Yes, Daren and I dated in high school, but that’s where the comparisons stop. We broke up because we grew apart, but he remains a dear friend. I wish him and his fiancée the best.”

  Breathe. Breathe.

  I make deliberate eye contact and smile. Maddie seems surprised by my answer but nods. She probably thought I’d rip into Daren. Even if he and I hadn’t recently made amends, I could never publicly humiliate him.

  “What about your mother? In your book, the mom wanted her daughter to sleep with her boyfriend, claiming that sex was the way to keep a star athlete satisfied. Is that what happened with your mother? And are you estranged because she wanted you to be a spokesperson for her fashion line and model her clothes, but you refused?”

  Fuck.

  I consider my words carefully.

  “Jocelyn and I are not close. Anyone can tell you that, but I’m not going to speak disparagingly about my mother. I will say that she’s a leader in her industry and has worked hard to get where she is today. I admire her many successes. Furthermore, our family continues its decades-long friendship with the Sloans.”

  I didn’t come here planning to defend my family, but this is my business, not the public’s. And maybe what I said was wishful thinking, but my mother knows what she did, and that’s all that matters to me.

  Maddie thankfully switches gears to talk about sales, explaining how I took advantage of the ebook format, noting that I managed to sell well without the help of a big publishing company.

  “Now that this is being sold in hard copy,” she says, holding up my book, “I’m told stores can’t keep Say It Isn’t So on the shelves. Why do you think readers love this story so much?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine.” I shrug, feeling self-conscious. “I’m still surprised anyone wants to read my book. I was going through a lot when I wrote it, and I think it portrays an honest depiction about what happens when you have a broken heart and that resonates with people.”

  She smiles, and I get the impression she’s asked all the tough questions.

  “You’re a New York Times-bestselling author, and you’re not even out of college. What’s on the horizon for you? Are you working on anything right now?”

  “Yes, I’m writing a romance novel, which is a departure for me. It’s about a freshman in college who falls in love with her RA.”

  “Now, is this a true story?” Her eyes twinkle with interest.

  “Hmm. I have to tread carefully.” I smirk back, managing to elicit a laugh from her. “The love interest, Aiden, is inspired by someone I know, but he was never my RA.”

  “Are you dating the real-life Aiden right now?”

  Damn it. She’s good.

  “I was,” I say slowly. Maddie raises her brows, and I swallow. Just say it. Be honest about how you feel. “But we’re not going out any more, which is unfortunate because I’m kind of in love with him.” Holy Christ, did I say that out loud? I look down, embarrassed that I actually admitted it. On live fucking television. I’d like to faceplant into the carpet and only barely manage to keep myself upright.

  She touches her in-ear monitor and nods.

  “I’m sorry, we’re out of time. Clementine, I’ve enjoyed talking with you. And to Aiden, whoever you are, you need to give this girl her happily ever after. I’m Madeline McDermott. Back to you in New York.”

  The red light clicks off, indicating the cameras have stopped rolling, and I sigh, relieved it’s over.


  Maddie pops out her in-ear monitor and her calm demeanor disappears. Her blue eyes go wide, her mouth drops open and her hands fist into her hair. “Holy shit. That was amazing.”

  I laugh. I doubt Matt Lauer would have had the same reaction to interviewing me.

  “You did a great job,” I manage to say. I tuck my hands under my thighs to hide the trembling.

  She leans over and whispers, “Sorry about all those personal questions. The network sent me a dozen really, really invasive ones I tweaked because I couldn’t bring myself to nail you with them.”

  “I appreciate it. I know you went easy on me.”

  She gets up off her couch and sits next to me. “Can I ask you something? Totally off the record?” I nod, realizing I’m lightheaded. “Who’s the RA? I’m wondering if I know him.”

  I mull it over. Maddie could have shredded me on live, national television but didn’t. The relationship is over anyway.

  I whisper back, “Gavin Murphy.”

  “As in front-page writer for the Free Press? And total hottie?”

  “That would be the one.” She fans herself in appreciation for his looks, and I smile sadly. “I know. Tell me about it.”

  “I thought he was dating that mean redhead.” Maddie crinkles her nose, and if I didn’t like her before, I certainly do now.

  “Yeah, he was or he is. I don’t know.” They could just be sleeping together, which is worse.

  Maddie frowns. “You look like you could use a drink. Can I get you one? To say thanks?”

  “Absolutely.”

  So what that it’s not quite 10 a.m. yet? I’ve had one hell of a day.

  -

  28 -

  Three drinks later, I am officially shit-faced. Maddie and I are sitting in the bar of my hotel, realizing that we need to eat something, when Jax and Daren walk in.

  “I’m pissed at you,” my brother barks as he approaches.

  I giggle. “Get in line.” I order two beers for the guys, knowing they’ll want to join us.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you had an interview today?” Jax asks. “Why do I have to hear everything from your roommates?”

  Daren elbows him. “Dude, lay off.”

  I wave a finger. “Jax, you had a game yesterday. In a different state. I thought you were busy.” I hiccup so hard it hurts, which makes me laugh. “Have you two met Maddie? Maddie, this is my asshole brother Jax, and this is his asshole best friend Daren.” I wave back and forth between them.

  She turns to look at me, obviously shocked that I was telling the truth when I said Daren and I are still friends. Jax barely glances at Maddie while Daren can’t seem to stop staring at her, which is no shocker because she is gorgeous.

  “Take a load off. Have a drink.” I grab Maddie’s hand, yank her off the stool, and wander to a table that can accommodate four. The guys sit down across from us.

  “Thanks for not making me sound like a douche in your interview,” Daren says to me, making me grin.

  “Not a problem. It’s bridge under the water.” Shit. That’s not right.

  Maddie’s cell buzzes, and she grabs it, putting it right up to her nose to read the incoming text.

  Daren motions to my drink. “Have you eaten today?”

  “I had a delicious bite of a chocolate sundae this morning, but otherwise, no. I don’t think the rum and coke I had at dawn counts as food, huh?”

  He calls over the waiter and orders several things while Maddie excuses herself to make a call. A minute later, she runs back.

  “Sit down,” she tells me, making me crack up.

  “I am sitting. You’re the one standing.”

  She realizes her mistake and shakes her head. “Okay, shut up,” she says even though no one is talking. “Jason Wheeler was just arrested for kidnapping.”

  * * *

  The news reports that FBI agents kicked in Wheeler’s door at ten this morning, arresting him for the abduction of Olivia Lawrence. Daren has the bar turn on the flatscreen, and we watch the coverage in silence.

  The camera rolling from the street in front of Wheeler’s mansion shows a gated driveway and ten-foot hedges that wrap around an expansive property. The blue and red lights of police vehicles flash up and down the street as neighbors watch in strange fascination.

  I keep waiting to hear the gruesome details, bracing myself for the worst. I think about all of the homicide shows I watch and how authorities always expect a kidnapping to result in murder after forty-eight hours. I feel ill, hoping that in the end it wasn’t painful. Maybe now she’s at peace.

  And then the most amazing thing happens.

  A girl with tangled, long brown hair and pale skin walks out of Wheeler’s house.

  Olivia is alive.

  Everyone in the bar cheers. Tears stream down my face as I watch her reunite with her family. My heart throbs as I think about what this is going to mean to Kade.

  He picks up on the second ring.

  “Kade, did you hear the news?” I sound out of breath.

  He’s quiet. “Yeah. She’s alive.” He sounds choked up, and I give him a minute.

  “It’s going to be okay, buddy. She has a long road ahead of her, but I’m sure she’s going to need some good friends.”

  He doesn’t hesitate when he says, “I plan to be there for her.”

  “Call me if you need anything. I mean it.”

  He takes a shaky breath. “You’ve been amazing through all of this. It makes me feel like a bigger asshole for all the dumb shit I’ve said to you over the years.”

  I laugh even though it makes more tears tumble down my cheeks. “Here’s to new beginnings. I’m tired of letting the past determine my future. It sounds like you are too. Maybe we can help each other with that.”

  Glancing up, I see Daren smile at me, and I return the look and reach out and squeeze his giant hand.

  “Thanks. I needed to hear that,” Kade says.

  When I get off the phone, Daren laughs. “You’ve turned into a big softie.”

  “Shut up. If you tell anyone about that conversation I’ll shank you with my toothbrush, and you won’t be the big football hero anymore. You’ll be the guy who got beaten up by a girl.”

  His grin widens. “There’s the feisty little girl I love.”

  I scowl, half-heartedly I’ll admit, and give him the finger. His laughter grows, and eventually I give in and giggle.

  Daren gets everyone a round of drinks to celebrate as my phone starts ringing and lighting up with messages. I talk to Harper to let her know where I am and that I’ll be home in a couple of hours, and then Gavin starts texting and calling. And calling.

  “Are you going to get that?” Daren asks after the fifth call.

  “Nope.” I peel the sticker off his beer and flick it at my brother across the table.

  “But isn’t he the one you talked about in the interview? The one you—”

  “Yes, but that doesn’t change things.” It doesn’t change the fact that he slept with Angelique. And probably lied about it. And broke my fucking heart.

  “Don’t you want to see what he wants? Maybe he—”

  “Daren, I’m pretty sure what he wants is a five eight redhead.”

  Daren sits back in his chair, finally understanding what I’m saying.

  My head is starting to hurt. I guess downing half a bar will do that. Now that I’ve eaten, though, I’m sober enough to make it back to my room.

  Grabbing my purse, I stand up. “I’ve got to go pack. Guys, can you make sure Maddie makes it home okay?” They nod, offering to drive her back to campus.

  I give Maddie a hug, and we agree to go for drinks again soon. Jax puts me in a headlock until I punch him in the ribs, and Daren kisses me on the cheek and says I’d better come to a game soon before he kicks my ass.

  I take my throbbing headache back to my hotel room, and even though there’s a crater in my chest the size of Idaho from what happened last night at Gavin’s, I know I’m resilient enoug
h to survive.

  * * *

  Dropping my bag by the door with a heavy thud, I watch as Jenna and Harper hop off the couch and run toward me, engulfing me in hugs. Ryan waves hi and stretches out his arms thanks to the space the girls vacated.

  “We’re so relieved you’re okay!” Harper says in a rare show of dramatic emotion.

  “It wasn’t like Wheeler was lurking right outside my door,” I say, trying to calm them down. The truth is, I don’t know. He could have been stalking me. I think back to the times I smelled the clove cigarettes on our front stoop, and it makes me wonder.

  “By the way, you were brilliant this morning.” Harper smiles encouragingly. “You were so poised and confident. I was really proud of you.”

  “Thanks. The reporter didn’t grill me as much as she could have.”

  “Girl, what happened to you last night?” Jenna asks, her forehead knitted together.

  Taking off my coat, I decide I can talk about what happened now that Wheeler has been arrested.

  “The FBI interviewed me for about four hours. They wanted to know everything that went down with Wheeler, what I knew about him, when we met. It was intense.” I glance over to Ryan. “Sorry I missed your show. I really wanted to come. I was dressed and everything.”

  He waves it off. “Not a big deal. You’ve seen us play plenty of times.”

  Yes, but I’ve never seen Gavin.

  “I’ve had a long day, so I’m going to unpack and take a shower.” My head still hurts, but it’s faded to a dull ache.

  “Hey, why aren’t you calling Gavin back?” Jenna asks. “He’s been looking for you. He’s called me like three times.”

  “Well, he can deal with it.” I grab my bag off the floor and head for my room.

  “Clem, don’t you want to call him?”

  I turn back to her, anger and hurt suffocating me.

  “Not since Angelique opened his bedroom door last night just wearing his t-shirt, looking freshly fucked.”

  I look from Harper to Jenna to Ryan whose mouths all drop open. With that, I walk into my bedroom and shut the door.

  -