Chapter 4: Livestreams, Lies, and Late-Night Calls

I dangled my slim legs, fiddling with my fresh manicure out of boredom. The live started. I immediately sat up straight and sweetly connected with fans for their dare.

One fan joined, super excited, and asked me a ton of questions. Finally, someone must've told her to get to the point, so she picked the deadliest one:

"Savannah, are you close with Caleb?"

I nodded. "We're alright."

Per my manager's script, Caleb and I were just good friends.

"Then can you send Caleb a message or video call him?"

Hmm? Given how things ended between us, I figured he'd just ignore me. Still, I pulled up my phone and messaged him: "What are you doing?"

He replied instantly: "Showering."

The comments exploded.

"Guys, instant reply from the movie star!"

"Shouldn't we be paying attention to the content?!"

"He said 'showering,' not 'just finished showering'!"

"I don't care, I'm shipping them already."

The comments pushed for a video call.

"If she dodges this, it's basically confirmed!"

"Sis, just say you and Caleb aren't a thing."

"Savannah's hesitating—maybe she's worried about what we'll see."

"Underage viewers, please leave the stream. The adults will watch for you."

No backing out now! I boldly hit the video call button, praying, "Caleb, please don't actually be in the shower."

[Savannah is inviting you to a video call]

He had a towel draped over him, strong muscles barely hidden under a semi-sheer shirt.

"What's up?"

I froze, my eyes drifting downward. Just a peek, just a peek! Purely to make sure my stream doesn't get banned. Huh, can't see anything. Boo.

Caleb's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"What, already can't wait to..."

Before he could finish, I ruthlessly hung up. I'm doomed now.

Viewership skyrocketed.

"Still saying they're not a thing? Instant reply while showering!"

"I want a boyfriend who texts back in the shower! Mine disappears for hours every time."

"America's sweetheart is pregnant! It's like watching our daughter grow up and get married."

"Yeah, it really feels bittersweet."

"I'm pretty happy with this son-in-law!"

"Even though I like both stars, I worry Caleb will bully Savannah—she's still so young."

Um, dear commenter, I'm twenty-seven.

Meanwhile, Taylor, who was watching the stream live, sent me a long text about upcoming PR moves. I turned the camera back on, putting on my most innocent face:

"I was shocked too! I was wondering when I got so close with Caleb. Turns out he knew about my stream and set up a script to prank me! Hahaha."

Comments: "Don't buy it—let's keep watching."

To make it up to them, I randomly picked another fan for a call. This one jumped right in: "Sis, how do you usually chat with the movie star?"

"We're not close; we barely talk."

Fan: "I don't believe it—you two are so in sync."

I shrugged: "Scripted."

Late at night, I wanted to punch myself for ever agreeing to a two-hour stream if the numbers hit target. I couldn't keep talking about this or I'd slip up.

Taylor sent a prompt: "Cat—Maple!"

Me: "Yeah, let's switch topics, okay? We've been live so long, can't just talk about Caleb. Let me show you Maple—she can do handstands!"

Comments: "Like I'd believe that!"

"Our girl is so cute when she lies with a straight face."

This stream, honestly—some are hyping, some are trolling, some are just awkward. I dragged sleepy Maple out of her bed.

"Sorry, Maple—I'll give you extra treats tonight."

Maple grumbled in protest as I scooped her up and scratched her cheeks.

"Oops, almost forgot she's pregnant—can't have her do backflips."

"Come on, Maple, smile for the aunties."

She sniffed at the camera, then let out a huge sneeze.

"Meow."

She stuck out a paw, pressing her soft pad against the lens while I narrated her daily life. The response was amazing—the comments filled with praise for Maple.

Finally, the endless two hours were over. I hung up, flopping back on the sofa, totally spent. It's easy to start a rumor, but clearing it up is exhausting. The internet was buzzing again, insisting I'd secretly had a baby behind Caleb's back, that our relationship was shady. I thought about it and decided it was time to bring up the divorce again. I texted Caleb, asking when he was free to go to the courthouse.