The Last Round by Emmy L. Montes Read Free Book Online Page A

could never actually live there. It’s too busy for me.”
    He scrunches his nose. “Busy? And Philly isn’t busy? It’s basically a little New York.”
    “Are you kidding me? No, it’s nothing compared to the Big Apple and you know it.”
    Liam shakes his head, a chuckle escapes his lips. His golden locks brush along his forehead. It’s kind of sad he has to cut his hair for the role of Logan Reed, but I guess it’s something as an actor he is used to. We have to constantly change our appearances, our hair, our looks, and our weight just to play the perfect role. The struggle is real.
    I’m actually beginning to have a good time. My anxiety from the night before has settled and I’m enjoying Liam’s company.
    “Okay,” he says, excitement filling his eyes. “Tell me something about yourself. Something that hasn’t been splattered all over tabloids or that most people don’t know about you.”
    “Hmm . . .” I cock my head aside in thought. “Um, there’s really not much about myself that no one really knows about me. I’m pretty much an open book.” I laugh.
    He laughs with me. “You have a contagious laugh. It’s cute.”
    “Thank you. Julian says that all the time.” And then I’m back to square one. Why did I bring him up?
    “How is he doing? I mean, I know better than to believe everything that’s spread across the tabloids.”
    I swallow. “He’s good.” The thing is, half the crap that goes viral is true; only half, the other half is exactly that, just crap.
    “Good. I’m a fan of his work. I’m betting on him in his upcoming fight with Merit. Man, that guy is such a douchebag. I hope Julian gives him a good whoop ass.”
    I force a smile over a mouth full of a California roll. “Yeah, me too.” I will always support Julian, even after whatever happens between us happens.
    Liam, bless his heart, changes the subject; it’s as if he knows I’m uncomfortable. He begins discussing our new roles when my phone vibrates. I usually don’t check my phone while at dinner, because I feel it’s so rude. Julian would do it all the time and I hated it, especially on our awkward bad dates.
    Yes, even after several years, Julian and I would have bad dates. It was always when our relationship was rocky. I would try to dress up and make myself up just for him, which would go unnoticed, and it had gotten to the point we couldn’t even have a conversation at dinner, it was so forced. So he’d grab his phone to distract himself. Those were the nights I’d cry myself to sleep, wondering what I’ve done wrong, or why we’ve changed. I wanted things the way they used to be. We were so happy at one point in our lives.
    But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. I guess this is our end.
    I glance at my phone. It’s a text from Julian, and it takes me a moment to collect my thoughts before I take a peek. “I loved you then. I love you now. I’ll love you always.”
    I stare at the words Julian recited on our wedding day. It’s also something he’s always said to me. I loved how it was our thing. Something he would send me just because. Yet lately, we haven’t said many kind words to each other.
    Chest dipping and throat closing. I feel a sting.
    “Is everything okay?” Liam asks, concern filling his tone.
    I look up at him with watery eyes. “Yes, sorry, excuse me I have to use the restroom.” I need a moment to myself. A minute to be alone to just sulk in my own misery as my head struggles with what my heart is telling me to do. I hate this. I hate myself right now. I’m so confused.

    The next morning, I stand on set, my nerves prickling every part of my body from head to toe. So far everyone has been welcoming, but now it’s my time to show everyone here why I was given this role. Liam pops up from behind me. “Let’s kill it, Jenna.” He winks, already committed to staying in character. I swallow as everyone surrounds us. Lights and cameras are on us.
    “Ready?”