Chapter 45. Gossip Column

Julie

I keep my eyes on Luke, forcing myself not to let the anger boil over too soon. I see the hesitation in his eyes, the way he shifts in his chair, trying to calculate just how much of this evening he can salvage.

But I’m not giving him an inch.

“What’s in the article?” I ask.

Luke sighs, running a hand through his hair, but his eyes refuse to meet mine. He’s doing that thing—holding back, hesitating, as if he can cushion the blow.

“Julie,” he begins, “I don’t think it’s necessary to ruin a good meal with some tabloid garbage.”

“I want to know what they said. No games, Luke.”

Javier clears his throat, and Luke gives him a quick glance.

“Maybe we should at least enjoy the food first. Just… breathe a bit, you know?” Luke says.

Javier leans back, folding his arms. “Lucas, just tell her. Or would you rather I do it?” His tone is matter-of-fact, tinged with something that almost sounds like sympathy.

Luke’s