~{Chapter 23}~

I set my phone down in shock. Harper Wilson called me and told me about Matt. Harper, the one who wears a fake yet dazzling smile in public and the one who I thought stole Matt's heart, called me.

She was different. She seemed truly worried about Matt, and she even admitted she caused some changes in Matt's life. She took responsibility for some of Matt's change, and I am surprised by that. Of course, she has not admitted it in public, but I somehow find myself believing her.

I guess that is why I find myself texting Matt for the first time in over a year. I guess that is why I try calling him and even leave him a voicemail.

I settle underneath my covers and find myself almost immediately taken over by sleep, but before I know it, it is time for me to get up. I stretch sleepily and check my phone.

He did not text or call back, but I will not give up. If he really wants to talk to me, he will. I get ready for the day and head to my office. I greet all of my employees before going back to my office.

I begin to type away on my computer. I am editing the last page of a book when Beth comes inside my office. I gesture for her to sit down. I edit the last paragraph, save it, and send it to the author.

I then turn to Beth and say, "What brings you here?"

"Where did you go?" she demands like she is suspicious.

"Um, my house," I say, puzzled at her tone.

"Kate, I know you just did more work. You've turned into a workaholic. You need to take a break," she states.

I blink a few times. "You've never confronted me about anything. Why now?"

"Kate, I'm worried about you."

I smile. "Beth, I'm perfectly fine. Don't make a big deal about this. Nothing is wrong with me. I'm just trying to keep up with all the business that has been going on."

She gives me a skeptical look. "You're positive?"

I nod and then tell her, "Guess who called me last night?"

"Matt!" I shake my head, and her expression turns from excited and slightly mad to puzzled. "Who else would've called that would be worth telling me about?"

I give her a look and say, "Harper Wilson."

Beth's mouth drops open. "You're serious? Why did she call you?"

"Well, she asked me to contact Matt because she thinks he needs to talk to me, and she thinks he needs me. She even told me that she used Matt, and she knows she's wrong," I explain.

"We're talking about the same Harper we see on TV, right?" Beth asks, still shocked.

I nod. "I was amazed too."

"Did you do what she asked?"

"Yeah. Don't get too excited. He didn't reply," I tell her quickly to stop her from jumping out of her seat.

"Do you think he will?"

I shrug. "Whether he does or doesn't, I know I tried."

She raises an eyebrow. "What exactly did you send?"

I get my phone out and show her my text to him. Hey, Matt. It's been a long time, but I got a call from someone who said I needed to contact you. Stupid, right? Well, I just wanted to see how you're doing and tell you that a lot of people are missing you in South Hart. Visit sometime when you can. Anyway, stay true to who you are (the person God made you) and have a good time in LA.

Beth looks at me with wide eyes. "Wow, Kate. I'm impressed."

"Why is that?"

"Well, this message sent a clear message but didn't over do it. Do you think he's read it?"

"No clue. Either way, I sent it, and I think I can sleep better at night, knowing I tried. I'll just keep praying," I say.

She nods as she turns to leave. I sigh and go back to my work. Just like almost always, nothing exciting happens during the day. I begin to pack up my things after almost all of my employees have gone home.

Beth comes back in to my office. "Any reply?"

I laugh. "You're more interested in this than I am. Should Sam be worried?"

She rolls her eyes at me. "Whatever. I was just going to ask if you wanted to come to movie night tonight at my house?"

I smile and shake my head. "I'm going to go have a visit with Violet. I haven't spoken to her recently, and I thought it would be a good idea to go see her. If I can, I'll stop by your house later."

She nods and smiles. "As long as you don't work yourself to death. I'll see you later."

I smile and finish putting my things together while Beth leaves. I turn the rest of the lights off and turn on the security alarms. I place all my things in my car and walk to Violet's bed and breakfast instead of driving.

I step inside and am greeted with the sound of laughter coming from the large dining room. I slowly walk toward the room.

"Kate!" Violet exclaims as she sees my coming around the corner.

I smile at her and walk toward her outstretched arms. She wraps me in her warm and familiar hug.

"Hi," I say as I pull out of her hug.

She smiles and introduces me to everyone. She invites me to stay for dinner, and I accept. I find myself seated in between a sweet woman around my age and a grumpy old man. Let us just say the meal was quite interesting.

After dinner was over, I find myself alone with Violet, and I start telling her about what has been my mind, and I answer the questions she has.

"How have you been doing?" she asks me.

I give her a tired smile. "Pretty good. I'm just tired. A lot has been happening at the office. How about you?"

She smiles. "I'm doing great. Business is great, so I'm taking over that tiny bed and breakfast in Bark. Now, enough about me, what's bothering you? Your face looks more than just tired."

I smile at her. "You always know how I really feel. I'm worried about Matt."

She nods her head. "Ah, yes, my nephew. Don't think I'm blind. I can tell he's changed."

I sigh. "I got a call from his... friend," I say, not sure how to refer to Harper.

"What did this friend say?"

"To contact him, so I did."

She raises an eyebrow. "What else?"

"I needed to talk to him, and he apparently needs to talk to me. This person said he wants to talk to me," I say.

"Harper is an interesting one, isn't she?"

My mouth drops open. "Y-you know H-Harper?"

She laughs. "I may have called her a few weeks ago. She happens to be my good friend's granddaughter. Harper is just drawn to being in the spotlight. Deep down, she can be a good person."

"I still don't get it."

"Get what?" she asks.

"Why she would call me and tell me how after a year of no contact, Matt wants to talk to me. I don't even know him anymore," I say, clearly distressed.

Violet gives me a mischievous smile. "It sounds like this isn't just about Harper. This is about your feelings for Matt, too."

I roll my eyes. "This isn't about me."

She also rolls her eyes. "You forget I'm related to them, and I observe very closely. Kate, what are you so afraid of? Liking someone else doesn't take away from the love you have for James."

I frown. "I like the old him. I like the person who comforted me without asking for something more. I like the man who was honest and kind. I don't like the man I've been seeing all over the news and magazines and social media pages."

"People change," Violet replies.

"Yeah, well his change wasn't so great. I just need to know how he got caught up with Harper," I tell her.

She sighs and takes my hand in hers. "You're a brave girl, and you see a lot. You notice things, just like me. Still, there's got to be something deeper going on in both their lives than what the reports are saying."

I nod. "You're right. I just have one question."

"What's that?"

"What reports came out about Harper? I saw an interview with Matt, and they asked him about them. He clearly looked uncomfortable when they asked him."

She takes a deep breath. "She was found cheating on Matt with one of her co-stars. Reports also show that she has been taking money from Matt. There's also a story going around that she only dated Matt to get publicity for her new movie coming out in about a month. She's hurt Matt in many ways, and he's been blindsided. He should've played smarter and should've been more aware. Still, I feel bad for both of them."

I am shocked by all this news. "What do you think will happen?"

"Well," she starts. "Harper will get her publicity, but she'll have to pay for it. She's risked her somewhat good name, and she might have problems in the future. I believe she just needs a break from the spotlight and a good talking to."

"What about Matt?"

"Ah, yes, Matt. I actually don't really know. All I know is he's going to need someone he can talk to and somewhere quiet to go in order to escape the media. He might pause with his music career, or he might make a hit song off of everything that has happened," she predicts.

"When you say someone he can talk to and a place somewhere quiet, who and where are you exactly talking about?" I ask.

She gives me a look as though she can not believe I just asked that question. "South Hart. He's going to come to South Hart one way or another. As for the person, I predict it's going to be you or one of his family members. What he needs is someone who will talk some sense into him and get him back on the path he was before he became a sensation."

I nod and stand up. "Well, I guess we'll see if you're right in the future. I have to get going, but it was great talking to you."

She gives me a hug goodbye but gives me another piece of advice. "Try looking at this new Matt the way he was. I bet if you look closely, you might be surprised."

I nod again and leave. As I walk back to my office to get my car, I try to let go of my worries. Violet is right, I need to find ways to find the good in Matt. I need to look deeper and stop worrying every second of the day.

I get inside my car with a new plan formulating in my head. I will work on not worrying and will try to see things positively. I walk inside my house with this new plan still on my mind. I set my things down and immediately go up to my room.

I walk into the room and find myself picking up the picture of James that I placed on my nightstand so long ago. I stare at his handsome face. Even in a picture, his blue eyes still sparkle.

"I wish you were here. I bet you would know what to do. Then again, you probably wouldn't be too happy that I have a crush on Matt. Oh, James, life has gotten so complicated. What do I do?" I ask the picture.

I sigh and set the picture down so I can go get ready for bed. Once I get ready, I find myself looking at James' portrait again. He had answers, and I wish he was here to give me the answers I need. Then again, I can not keep thinking about what could have been. I need to look to the future.

"What am I going to do?" I moan.