Hot Off the Press (Ridgemont University Book 1)
Page 28
Simon sat in a stupor on the couch at Olivia and Justin’s flat. He had been ignoring Ian’s non-stop calls and texts for the last few days. Olivia had finally moved all of her things into the new place, and no matter how bad Simon was feeling, he had to be there for his friend during this change. She brought him a cup of coffee, “New mugs! Don’t you love them, sailor?”
He nodded and gave a weak smile. “Gorgeous,” he said. Simon was plagued by pangs of regret about everything that had happened to him over the past few months. He remembered how he had caught Margeaux at his computer, and how he had noticed that some files seemed to be moved to locations that he didn’t recall placing them in. Of course she was stealing information from him. If he had just published the story when it was ready instead of trying to make it so perfect, he would never have given her the chance to steal his story.
Simon had been trying over the past few days to call Zuko, but he had not answered his phone. He must have been furious that Simon had broken his promise to him; Simon had told him that he would not be directly mentioned in the story, that he would not be in trouble for breaking his nondisclosure agreement. That Simon would do whatever he could to protect Zuko. And now who knew what Riley and his twisted son would do to him? Simon had left countless messages trying to apologize, and had sent Zuko an email to explain everything, but he felt like he had lost a friend and betrayed his trust in the worst way possible.
And then there was Ian. Simon knew that he couldn’t have been involved in stealing the story. He knew Ian too well to even suspect that. But he couldn’t help but be angry at him. Ian was the one who didn’t shut down Margeaux’s flirting, who encouraged her sense of entitlement, who built up her ego publically. He was the one who should have had final oversight before sending the paper to the printers. Ultimately, he should be held responsible.
But Simon regretted the fact that he could not have told Ian ages ago how he felt about him. He knew that Ian was ready to open his heart to Simon on that night after Olivia’s party. Simon was too afraid bare his heart. He wanted to control everything, and he ended up losing it all.
Despite fighting as hard as he could to keep it together, he felt tears welling up in his eyes and dripping down his cheeks. He immediately tried to hide it from Olivia, but she noticed anyway. She walked up to him and hugged him. “Don’t cry, Simon. I don’t know how yet, but I have a feeling everything’s going to be all right. When you’re ready, I’ll go with you to the paper and make sure that they sort this out. And Zee will come around. He’s not one to hold a grudge, especially since it’s not your fault.”
“I feel like such an idiot, Liv. I feel like I made this huge mess.” Simon stuttered in between sobs, barely able to get the words out.
“What’s going to happen to me now? The paper was my whole life, but I can’t go back there and see Margeaux and Ian again. And Ian...” Simon sobbed gently as Olivia hugged him.
“We’re gonna figure this all out, okay. Listen, I can come and stay at the flat with you for a few more nights if you need me around. What do you say?”
“No, I think I want to be alone for a while. I just want to figure it all out. Figure out where to go next. I might have messed up my entire career as a journalist if Riley comes for me. He knew the research for the story was all mine.”
“Why don’t you talk to Ian? I’m sure he’s doing everything he can to make sure you get the credit you need. And he might be able to help you and Zuko if Riley does come after you.”
“I can’t face him yet. I can’t even think about him without hurting. The worst part is, all I can think about is how much better I would feel if I could talk to him.”
“Why don’t you just cool off for a while. You need to be studying for exams, anyway. Maybe it’s not such a bad idea to just isolate yourself for a bit. I’ll be over with some ice cream later tonight and you can watch my soapies with me. Let’s make fun of Brooke as she sleeps her way through the father, uncles, and sons of yet another powerful family! Whaddyasay?”
“Thanks, how about another night? I’m just gonna be alone for a bit. You should celebrate being here with Justin. You’re moving forward with your life. That’s a good thing. I’m being a huge downer and a complete disaster crying on your couch over my drama.”
He got up from the couch and wiped the tears from his face. Olivia frowned at him, “Hey, that’s my best friend you’re talking about! Just look after yourself, sailor. You’re still my main man. I need you, so don’t go disappearing for too long, okay.”
“I won’t. You know I need my regular dose of Liv to keep me sane.” Simon finally managed a very teary smile, and hugged Olivia goodbye.