A/N: Double Update ♡
𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The flashing lights and buzz of conversation filled the air as Anna and I made our way into the venue. It was one of those glamorous but slightly overwhelming brand events I'd become accustomed to.

Rows of influencers, actors, and big-name brand ambassadors mingled under the shimmering chandeliers, their laughter blending with the soft hum of background music.

Anna nudged me as we stepped onto the carpet, her lips quirking into a teasing smile. "Don't look now, but the photographers are already eating this up."

I rolled my eyes but adjusted my posture anyway, offering a polite smile to the cameras. "It's part of the job, Anna. You should be used to it by now."

"Oh, I am," she said, looping her arm through mine as we walked inside. "But you're the one they're all whispering about."

I gave her a side-eye, feigning nonchalance. "What are they saying?"

She smirked. "Oh, you know. The usual—'Is she dating Madelyn Cline?' 'Are they soft-launching their relationship?' 'What does Scarlett think?'"

At the mention of Scarlett's name, my steps faltered for a split second, but I recovered quickly. Anna noticed, of course. She always did.

"Y/n/n," she said, her tone softening as we found a quieter corner near the bar. "How are you? Really?"

I sighed, leaning against the sleek countertop and swirling the drink the bartender handed me. "I'm fine, Anna. I promise."

"Are you, though?" she pressed, her gaze piercing. "I mean, after everything at Chris's dinner and Scarlett... I just want to make sure you're okay. And that you're not carrying any unnecessary guilt."

I sipped my drink, the cool liquid soothing my dry throat. "I am okay. It's just... complicated. Scarlett has her own stuff to deal with, and I've accepted that it's not my responsibility anymore. And Madelyn..."

Anna's expression softened as I trailed off, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Madelyn's good for you," she said simply.

"She is," I agreed, a warmth spreading through my chest at the thought of her. "She's... everything I didn't realize I needed. I just don't want to mess it up."

Anna nudged me playfully. "You won't. As long as you're honest with her and yourself, you'll be fine. Besides, she's totally into you."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Thanks for the pep talk, coach."

"That's what I'm here for," she said with a wink. "Now, let's mingle. These people are paying you, after all."

𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The midday sun cast a warm glow over the set, but the tension in my chest made everything feel cold. I picked at my salad absently, watching as extras milled about, their chatter blending with the distant hum of equipment.

Chris's arrival at the lunch table was as subtle as a bull in a china shop. He plopped down across from me, his tray piled high with enough food to feed a small army.

"You've been weird," he said without preamble, pointing a fork in my direction.

I sighed, not in the mood for his relentless curiosity. "Nice to see you too, Chris."

"I'm serious," he said, leaning back in his chair. "You've been quiet all day. That's not like you."

"Maybe I'm just tired," I offered, hoping he'd drop it.

He didn't. "Tired of what? Being passive-aggressive at dinner parties?"

My gaze snapped to his, and his expression was knowing, though not unkind. "I never got a chance to ask you about the other night," he continued. "What was that all about?"

"It was nothing," I said quickly, too quickly.

Chris arched an eyebrow. "Scar, come on. You're not fooling me."

I shoved my salad aside, my appetite long gone. "I had too much to drink. That's all."

"Bullshit," he said bluntly, though his tone was softer than his words. "You were sober enough to pick a fight with Madelyn in the middle of my living room. That wasn't the wine talking."

I bristled, my jaw tightening. "Why do you care, Chris?"

"Because you're my friend," he said simply. "And because I hate seeing you like this."

"Like what?"

"Like someone who's clearly not over something but won't admit it," he said, his gaze steady. "You don't have to tell me everything, Scar. But at least be honest with yourself."

I looked away, the weight of his words settling over me like a heavy blanket. "It's complicated," I muttered.

"Life always is," he said, leaning forward. "But it's not going to get any less complicated if you keep pretending everything's fine when it's not."

I hesitated, my fingers twisting the napkin in my lap. "It doesn't matter. I've moved on"

"And you're miserable," Chris finished for me.

"Scarlett, you're allowed to feel things. You're human. But bottling it up? That's not going to help anyone. Least of all you."

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. "What do you want me to do, Chris?"

"Figure out what's going on with yourself, you were out of line."

His words hit harder than I expected, and for a moment, I couldn't speak. Finally, I nodded, though I wasn't sure if it was in agreement or resignation. "Thanks, Chris."

"Anytime," he said, his expression softening. "Now, eat your damn salad before you waste away."

𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

Later that night, I sprawled on my couch, my laptop open beside me as I scrolled through Instagram. The OBX cast group chat buzzed with activity, notifications piling up faster than I could keep up.

Drew Starkey 🙃:
Y/n, how's the master plan coming along?

Madison Bailey 🏳️‍🌈:

Austin North 🤠:
Yeah, no pressure or anything.

I laughed, typing back.

Madz's Boo ♡:
You guys are relentless.

Carlacia Grant 👑:
We just want Maddie to get the proposal she deserves.

Jonathan Daviss 🏀:
No clichés, though. We don't want to cringe.

Shaking my head, I switched to FaceTime and called Madelyn.

"Hey," she greeted, her face lighting up as her screen appeared.

"Hey, baby," I replied, grinning like an idiot.

She was curled up on her couch, her hair tied back loosely, a cozy sweater draped over her shoulders. "What are you up to?"

"Just surviving," I said, leaning back against the cushions. "What about you?"

"Missing you," she admitted, her voice soft.

My chest tightened, the distance between us feeling insurmountable in that moment. "I miss you too," I said. "It's way too quiet here without you."

She laughed, the sound warm and familiar. "You mean you don't miss me stealing your hoodies and eating all your snacks?"

"I miss all of it," I said honestly. "Even the annoying parts."

Her expression softened, her eyes glimmering with emotion. "You're sweet, Evans."

"Don't tell anyone," I teased. "It'll ruin my image."

She laughed again, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Your secret's safe with me."

We talked for a while, our conversation flowing easily. At one point, I caught her staring at me, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

"What?" I asked, my voice low.

"Nothing," she said, shaking her head. "I just... I really like this. Us. Even when we're apart."

"Me too," I said, my heart swelling. "But I'd much rather be there with you."

Her smile widened, and she tilted her head. "Soon?"

"Soon," I promised, already making plans in my head.

After we hung up, I posted a screenshot of our call to my Instagram story with the caption: Missing this one way too much right now 🥲.

A/n: For those of you loving Madelyn, I published a brand new Madelyn Cline story called "Lifeline" and updated it again today ♡