"Hey guys!" I start, my voice perky as I look into the camera, adjusting my position on the couch. "What's up, how is everyone today?"

The comments flood in, little hearts and flame emojis popping up across the screen. My followers always make me feel good, even when I'm not feeling it. I'm in a pretty decent mood today, which means I can fake the cheerful facade without complaining.

Morgan's across the room, his headphones plugged into his laptop as he scribbles down something with a focus so intense that I can feel the concentration radiating from his hunched-over frame.

"Guys, ask me some questions," I say, scanning the comments. 

"Where are you?" I read, trying to pick out good or funny questions. "Well, I'm in my new house!" I answer, putting my chin on my fist. "I actually have a house tour that'll be posted on Thursday, so be on the lookout for that. This place is... gorgeous," I grin. 

There are some basic questions I answer, like my favorite show, workout routine, what my dream job was. My eyes catch a juicy question that I know Taylor would scream at me to answer; "Who are you dating right now, Juls?"

I glance at Morgan, whose face is buried in his notebook, oblivious to the world around him. "Well," I drone, trying to find an answer that's both cheeky and convincing, but I'm drawing a blank. 

"I can't really say much about that." I laugh, trying to make it seem lighthearted, but the truth is, the whole 'fake dating' thing is starting to feel too easy. Too casual, too natural. 

There is immediate speculation comments- plenty name Morgan, but I don't let my expression morph into anything but something neutral. They mentioned the photo from the Halloween party I posted. I cropped it perfectly- it cut right at my jaw, showing Morgan and I's full bodies, but nothing of his face. People were even more convinced it was Morgan since Caleigh tagged me in a photo of her and I, grinning innocently with our hands under our chins. 

"Don't worry, guys, he's got a ton of money, a nice car, and he can handle my attitude, so he's got that going for him. And he has nice hair," I tease, letting my eyes flicker to him. He doesn't flinch, still writing away in his own little world. 

I look back to the comments- He's there with her! I read, smirking. I nod, saying nothing, hoping the one commenter catches on. He starts humming under his breath, pulling my attention back to him. I catch a few words, like "find" and "angel eyes". 

I pause on the last phrase- angel eyes. 

Angel eyes, like the words scribbled on that old piece of mail I found on the counter last week. 

"Guys, I'm gonna go. I'll be back later, love you!" I put my phone down, sliding off the couch as I try to tiptoe over to Morgan as quietly as possible. He's so caught up in his writing that he doesn't notice me leaning over his shoulder, trying to read the lyrics. 

'You've been locked down for a while/you want some more wild and free/I don't know what you're waiting on, but kinda sounds like me to me', I read silently, before Morgan glances over his shoulder. He rolls his eyes, his cheeks flushing in embarrassment. "Go somewhere, girl," he scoffs, straightening his papers and closing the notebook. 

"Why?" I ask, crossing my arms with a not-so-serious squint. "'Cause, you're hoverin' over me like a nosy little gremlin."

I gasp, putting a hand against my chest, "Gremlin?" I echo, full offense taken. "I was just... passing by!"

He leans back in his seat, crossing his arms, unamused. "Passing by? You were practically breathing down my neck, Juliette."

Heat creeps into my cheeks. "Well... What are you working on, anyway? You've had your face in that book for days now," I counter, trying to deflect. "Nothing that concerns you," he shoots back. " And if it did, you'd know about it."

I don't press any further- I don't want him to know about that piece of mail I saw. "Well, whatever. All I know is that it's Friday and I'm kinda... over this old living room vibe. We're in our prime, let's go... be wild, or something, whatever people our age do," I say, grabbing my phone again. 

Morgan hums in a fake acknowledgment as he turns back to his work. When I glance at the screen, my face flushes in embarrassment as I realize I never actually ended the live- I immediately hit the X, exiting from the screen. The comments already exploded with messages:

"Does anyone know who that was?"

"I heard humming!"

"So she's dating a singer or producer. Benny Blanco?"

"^no."

"It's so Morgan!"

I groan, unable to bring myself to look at Morgan. 

"What now, Juliette?" Morgan asks, not bothering to look up.

"Nothing!" I squeal, dashing toward the doorway to leave. 

"You're a terrible liar," he says as I slip out the door. I don't go far- just to the kitchen- but the mortification still lingers. I'm pouring myself a glass of tea when my phone buzzes twice. When I glance down, it's from Michael: Caleigh and I are coming over, hope you guys are home.

I don't bother to tell Morgan. I'll let it be a surprise. 

I run upstairs to freshen up. I slip out of my sweats and into something a little more presentable- a black turtleneck and earthy, brown corduroy pants. 

Until they get here, I take my seat near the window and journal. It's silly to write some of the things I do, but it feels good to get it out. This way, I don't have to tell anyone. It's between me and the paper. 

Fifteen minutes later, the couple bursts through the door like they own the place, Michael carrying a six-pack of beer and Caleigh balancing a tray of cookies. 

"Hey, Juls!" Michael cheers loudly, tossing the beers onto the counter before making his way over to me. "Got some goodies. You gotta try those, they're fresh from Caleigh's mom."

I grimace, holding my hand up. "Ugh, I wish. Already hit my sugar quota for the day. Doctor's orders."

Caleigh gives a sheepish smile. "Sorry! I keep forgetting." I wave her off with an understanding smile. "It's okay. You guys enjoy, though. They smell good."

We chat for a few minutes before Michael grabs the beer. "Hey, where's Morgan?" 

I nod toward the living room. "He's had his face buried in his notebook all day. Be my guest, annoy the crap out of him, please."

He grins, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Oh, will do."

He slips quietly into the living room. Caleigh immediately turns to me. "While they're preoccupied, wanna go? I already know we'll be bored here."

I look at her, a little surprised. "Where, though?"

Her eyes light up as soon as I ask. "I have a friend who's having a little get-together! We're gonna be riding her horses and then there's gonna be a bonfire when it gets dark."

I chew on my mouth. It's not like I had anything better to do. "I've never rode a horse before, though," I mention, leaning over the counter. 

"Oh, it'll be fine," she grins, pulling me out the door. We drive with the windows down, the wind blowing through my hair. The world feels a little quieter out here, and it's easy to relax into the breeze.

There's already a gentle buzz of people around the bonfire, adorned in jeans and boots. I automatically stick out like a sore thumb in my corduroys and puffer vest. A few are holding drinks, and the others are leaning against their trucks,  and there's a mix of country tunes in the background. It's a far cry from the 'fun' in the city, but I'm not completely turned off by it. 

Caleigh is introducing me to her friends when a man in a faded, red t-shirt and messy, dark hair approaches us. "Well, I never expected someone like you out here," he announces with a lazy smile. 

I raise an eyebrow, taken aback as I turn from the girls and to the man. "Someone like me?" 

He shrugs casually, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "C'mon, what's a city girl like you doin' out here, middle'a nowhere anyway?"

I cross my arms, leaning my weight on my leg. "And if I'm not a city girl?"

He scoffs playfully, slipping his arm over the blonde's- Freya- shoulders. "Please, I heard that valley girl accent from a mile away." Freya elbows him as she rolls her eyes. "Get off me. And leave her alone, weirdo."

I furrow my brows, trying to figure out their relationship. Freya seems mildly disgusted by him, but he's grinning like he's enjoying it. 

"Oh, come on, sis. Hey, city girl, I'll tell you what. Let me show you around- we got some pretty nice trails around here. If you're up for it, that is." He grins widely, almost daring me. 

I glance at Caleigh, unsure. She can read my hesitation but dismisses it instantly. "You'll love the view, Juls. Go, you'll be fine." I turn back to the guy, whose hands are shoved deep in his pockets with a cocked eyebrow. "Well, come on, city girl."

He leads the way toward the stables, asking over his shoulder, "You ever rode before?"

I wrap my arms around myself, intimidated by the horse's size. "Oh yeah. All the time. Bare back in downtown L.A."

He throws his head back in a laugh, loud and comfortable. I can't help but giggle myself- he's charming in a way that isn't forced and it's hard to dislike him.

He leads me to a horse. Its muscles rippled under a shiny, black coat. I couldn't tell if I was in awe or afraid- it was calm and still, its eyes almost human as it watched me while he fixed the saddle.

"This is Nilla," he introduces, scratching behind her ear. "And I'm Jonah."

"Juliette," I reply carefully as he motions for me to climb on. "Well, Juliette, do you need some help?"

I nod, suppressing a nervous grin. Jonah steps closer, his hands steady as he gently holds my waist. His touch is careful but firm as he ensures I don't lose my balance as I swing my leg over Nilla's back. I get a little nervous- the height is intimidating, but Jonah's already beating me there. "Hey, you're good. Steady, alright?" His fingers graze my lower back as he helps me settle into the saddle, a second longer than necessary. There's a strange flutter in my stomach that I quickly shake off. 

He steps back, watching as I adjust myself. "You ready for this, Los Angeles?"

I shake off the nerves, gripping the reigns a little too hard. "Ready as I'll ever be." My voice lacks the confidence that my words need. He gives me a teasing smile, already on his horse, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Just don't fall off. Can't promise I'll be able to catch ya."

We pull into a slow trot as I scoff. "Please, I'm a natural." I make an exaggerated show of adjusting my position. He raises an eyebrow, not falling for my antics. "Oh, yeah, I bet. Just don't make me look bad in front of the locals."

"Oh, I won't," I grin, the uncomfortableness slowing melting away with the trot of Nilla's hooves. "I'm here to impress. I mean, did you even see my outfit?"

His eyes rake over me before he laughs. "I mean, you got me there, I guess."

The brunette keeps a respectable distance between us, but the silence is a little thick. "So," he breaks, "you really from L.A.?"

I can't help the grin that tugs at my lips. "Do I not look the part?"

He gives a dramatic sigh, playing into the act. "I dunno. I guess I was expecting more... of a western charm."

I laugh, trying to keep my balance as the black horse picks up her pace. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Jonah gives a crooked grin, alongside a shrug. "Y'know. Flip-flops, big hair, makeup. The stuff that's in the movies."

I straighten my back, stepping into the role. "Well, look at you, Mr. Hallmark, in your flannel and boots."

He chuckles, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth banter. I relax deeper into the saddle the more we ride. Between the late afternoon chill and Jonah's oddly relaxing presence, it was hard to not feel lighter and at ease. 

After a while, Jonah leads us back to the stables. My feet are heavy as he helps Nilla settle back in. Something's buzzing inside me as we reach Caleigh, and I'm trying to shake off the lingering warmth from his touch. 

She notices Joan and I walking toward her and immediately straightens. "Well, thanks for the ride, Jonah," I say, giving him a smile. "My pleasure, city girl," he replies smoothly, tucking his hands into his pockets. "Hey, I'll see you around, alright?"

I wave as he walks away, still stunned by the way his presence seems to change the entire atmosphere around us. As he saunters away, Caleigh turns to me without missing a beat. "Girl," she drawls, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "He's so into you."

I freeze, unsure how to play it. "No," I answer, trying to sound casual. "Don't play dumb," she gasps, slapping my arm playfully. "You two were vibing! He was all over you, and he was drooling!" She leans in to lower her voice, "Country boy and city girl, it's the perfect rom-com."

My stomach twists slightly, but I shrug it off. "I don't know, Caleigh, I think he was just trying to be friendly." She snorts, rolling her eyes. "Oh yeah, he was friendly, alright. Don't worry, I won't tell Morgan."

I blink as my heart skips a beat, "What do you mean?" I try to sound nonchalant, but it's hard to keep my voice steady. "We're not really dating, so why would it matter?"

"Exactly," she shrugs, her voice carrying a different tone than her body language. "It just might... get a little complicated. If Morgan finds out you're getting on so well with Jonah."

 The thought of Morgan feeling that way over Jonah and I causes my good mood to slip away, a shadow of guilt looming over me. She's right, of course. I don't know why I suddenly feel so... wrong for having a good time with him. We're not even dating.

We spend the rest of the evening chatting around the bonfire, but that fluttering in my chest keeps nagging at me. No matter how hard I try to ignore it, it's hard to forget how guilty Caleigh's observation made me. 

guess who scored tickets to Morgans new tour!! :)))))) I went last year for one night at a time and it was so fun, im so excited for this one! im also obsessed with  'i'm the problem' , its SO GOOD