The Game Changer(82)

“I know. We grew up out here, surrounded by celebrity rumors and paparazzi and all the craziness. You know that people enjoy tearing other people down. They get off on seeing you fall apart,” Melissa added with a snarl.

“I’ve never understood that. Why do people love seeing other people in pain?”

“I don’t know. Because people are petty, shallow, and jealous? Because they think they want what you have and when it’s not so glamorous, they’re happy it’s not all it’s cracked up to be?”

Dean sighed and I directed my glossy gaze at him. “It’s mostly girls, you know.”

“Mostly girls what?” Melissa shot back, her tone defensive.

“It’s mostly girls who read those magazines, watch those shows, and post on those websites. You girls love taking each other down a notch.”

I nodded in agreement. “It’s so true. You’re absolutely right.”

“Well, that’s never gonna change.” Melissa rolled her eyes and exhaled loudly. “Girls are competitive bitches.”

“But why? Why are we like that? I mean, if all those people who talked shit actually got to know me, I’m pretty sure they’d like me.” I looked between Melissa and Dean, longing for reassurance.

Melissa grabbed me by both of my shoulders. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you! They don’t know you. And they never will. You’re someone they see on TV, or in a magazine, online, or at a game even. You’re not someone who has dinner at their house on Sunday night!”

“So you’re saying I should start planning dinners with strangers?” I choked back a laugh.

“Bitch. I’m saying that these people suck. They suck. Not you. And you’re punishing Jack for what these people are doing to you.”

“She’s right, Sis,” Dean added with a smile. “People always posted things about Jack on Facebook and online and stuff. They were mostly lies, but Jack never read any of it. So it never affected him.”

“I tried to stop reading it all. Then this stupid Chrystle thing came out.” I turned to Melissa. “How can she say all these things, anyway? They’re outright lies.”

“It’s not like it’s a reputable magazine. It’s a trashy tabloid. They’re sort of known for printing half truths.” Melissa tilted her head.

“Can I sue her for defamation of character or slander? Something…” I pondered out loud, before propping my feet up on the coffee table.

“It wouldn’t be worth your time and effort. In those kinds of cases, you have to prove that you were affected by her story. You would have to prove that your character was defamed, by say, a loss of job or income due to the things she said.” She stopped to take a drink of water. “Same thing with slander. You have to prove that her statements were made maliciously to cause you harm. And you have to prove the harm it actually caused.”

I dropped my head back against the couch pillows. “I swear she knows all this before she does it. It’s the same shit she did to Jack with the annulment, knowing he would have to prove her claims were false.”

Dean made a quick sound of disgust. “I’m convinced that little bitch knows exactly what she’s doing before she does it.”

I yawned, covering my mouth with my hand before wiping at my tired eyes. “I’m so tired. Dean, can I come over and see Gran and Gramps tomorrow?”

“You’d better. They know you’re here.”

We all stood up at the same time, and I hugged Dean tight, thankful he stopped by, before walking into my old room. I looked around at the empty walls; the memories still existed within the confines of this space, even if the mementos didn’t. The front door closed and Melissa knocked softly before opening my door.

“Do you miss living here?”

I smiled. “I miss you.”

“Duh.” Her face crinkled with pleasure.

I moved to sit on the bed and patted the empty spot next to me. “So, tell me what the freaking deal is with you two.” I nodded my head in the direction of the door Dean just exited. Melissa shrugged her shoulders and I leaned into her. “I know you like him. Why are you torturing him?”

“Who said I like him?”

“I can tell you like him. What I can’t figure out is why you won’t tell him that.”

“I don’t know,” she admitted before changing the subject. “But I do know that you’re taking your frustrations out on the one person who would literally do anything for you. Breaking up with Jack won’t fix you or make you better. It will only break you more. And you know it. So stop pretending like you don’t.”