These past few weeks have been a whirlwind. Thanks to that, I'm fully sucked back into the exposing world. Marquilla being out on the road to promote "Hearts Don't Go Together" is one thing, but Jason's arrest is another.

As of late, life is difficult for him. On the other hand, Marquilla's loving life and basking in his eminent destruction. The stark contrast between their lives is exactly why I feel the need to fully commit to Exposing MG. And the kids...can't forget them too.

Since Skylar called, I've also been trying to investigate what happened between Josh and her. When teal like this is poured right under your nose, you can't avoid it. You must sweep it up!

She still likes him. I could tell by her abrupt end to our conversation and the tone she used when she said "you really don't appreciate what you have until it's gone." I've called Skylar negative names before, but I feel for her. I want to help her end this mess with Marquilla just as much as I want to help Jason get over her. I feel obligated to help those Marquilla has wronged.

That's why I enlisted Reli Lowell, the person who knows Marquilla better than anyone besides her family. Reli and Skylar don't interact, but they have two things in common: Josh as an ex-boyfriend and Marquilla Guzman ruining their lives. With her help, I can obtain info on all things Bohous, from Marquilla's relationship with Nils to the Fedez and Josh fiasco. She just so happens to be in Paris this weekend, so I'm seizing this opportunity to speak to her vis-à-vis.

I left Fedez in charge of the twins for the afternoon (bless him!), and Reli should be arriving soon. She sent me a text fifteen minutes ago saying she's stuck in traffic and will arrive as soon as possible. I won't fuss if she's super late. I haven't seen her since I left the States; I've missed her so much! It'll be great to catch up and hopefully engage in a fruitful conversation about Josh.

Fedez sends me a cute photo of the twins and him at the Louvre. I smile small at their adorableness and how fun they're having together. Skylar's words stuck with me so much, I decided to give him a second chance. I don't regret it one bit. It really is like we never broke up; we picked up with ease. It just feels right to have him back in my life.

Geneviève and Guillaume absolutely adore Fedez! He won extra points after spilling the beans on Sofia. They definitely think he's cooler than me because he's a celebrity's brother.

I didn't take Fedez back because I know he's Sofia's brother. That's beyond shallow, and it'd be a low blow to her if that was my intent. I'm not Marquilla. I won't date someone for their connections when I don't need them. I'm not famous.

So why did I give him a second chance? Easy. We make sense. He surprised me that night and we instantly connected like there wasn't a break. Nothing was awkward about it at all.

Aptly put, it just feels right to be with him. Fate somehow brought us back to the same city so we could give us a second chance. It's coincidental that his sister happens to be one of my best friends now, and even she ships Lindez!

"Hey you, beautiful! Long time no see!" a very familiar voice exclaims as arms wrap around me. "I can't believe you left the country without telling me, Lindsay!"

"Sorry! I jus—I didn't think it'd mater if I told anyone," I apologize as I pat Reli's arm. "Sit! Sit! Or are you thirsty? We can get something if you need caffeine. I'll order for you."

"Caffeine sounds great. I need something strong, but sweet. I'll wait here."

I know what Reli usually orders at coffee shops, so I approach the counter with confidence. If Reli were ordering for herself, this would be disastrous. Maybe not totally. She doesn't speak French and she'd probably fumble over her words.

"Bonjour! Je vourais un café au lait avec amande et un capuccino, s'il vous plaît," I order with a warm smile. "Oh, et deux croissants au chocolats." (I would like a café au lait with almond (milk) and a capuccino, please. And two chocolate croissants)

As the barista makes our drinks, I keep a watchful eye on Reli. She seems absorbed in whatever's on her phone. I'm just glad nobody's bothering her. After hanging around Jason for a while, I know how difficult it can be to hang with a celebrity. Even with Marquilla, it was hectic!

A few minutes later, I'm back at the table with Reli and we're chowing down on croissants.

"What's with the move?" Reli finally asks. "LA too much for you to handle or what? Is it because there's no snow? I know Marquilla can be a handful to be around, but you had a pretty good paying job there."

"It's...complicated," I sigh. I sip my cappuccino and slump. "You can only take so much drama when you're living in the middle of it."

"You're telling me! You think working for Marquilla was stressful? Try growing up with her. I was covering her ass all the time when we were with Nils and Josh. But she was trying to help me. I know she meant well; she's like a sister to me. She had my back even wh—"

"The coke? Reli, true friends don't hook their besties on coke and nearly make them die from it. What she did is hardly classified as 'having your back.'"

"She didn't realize it," Reli justifies while rapping the side of her mug. "Marquilla really was trying to help me. It sounds insane cons—what happened was terrible, but it's true. I was so insecure about my size back then and she's the only one who I confided in about that. She helped me through so much, Lindsay. The coke was a mishap in the plan. That's in the past. We've moved on from that."

"Does that mean you forgive her? That was massive, Reli! And the fact that she lied to you about being clean should h—"

"It's all good! We'll always have a messy friendship. After what happened last year, I don't think she'll be back on it again. How could she when it affected her health like that? Skylar and I have hardcore kept our eyes on her and I raided her house from top to bottom before I left. She's not deteriorating, Linds. No way are we letting her go down that path again."

Wait a second...Reli and Skylar have been in contact. That means she should know what's happening between them. And if she doesn't, she's in for quite the news.

"Hey, you've been around Skylar for a good chunk of time, right?" I allude.

"Yeah. We were both around Marquilla loads after she left rehab. Skylar's actually a sweetheart! I can't believe Josh let that one go when he was so into her. And he still is!" Reli extols. "Wait, what about her? Is she why you want Josh's number? Is this why you want to talk?"

"Well...yeah," I confess. "I think she still likes him. That's why I want his number. I want to hear his side of the story so I can draw a conclusion on them without seeming biased. Skylar and I have a rough relationship as it is, so anything I say about her m—"

"What's up with you and Sky?" Reli presses, leaning in with peaked interest. "Did you insult her or do something that upset her? You know she's a pro at holding grudges, right?"

"Oh, I know. Believe me, Reli. I'm very familiar with her grudges," I chuckle. "She uh, she didn't insult me and I didn't do anything to upset her. She um...Skylar might have hit on me at the hospital and threaten me. She also pushed my relationship with Jason into something more."

Reli stares at me, eyes fully bugged out and jaw to the table. Her fingers tightly grip the white mug and she doesn't move an inch. This news baffles her. I'd react this way too. Skyar just screams "straight and narrow" thanks to her perfect image and the effort her team puts in to preserve it.

"Should I elaborate or...?" I ask.

"Are you sure we're talking about Skylar Rose?" Reli questions. "I need full deets if it really is the same girl we're talking about."

"Thank goodness you're already sitting!" I laugh. "She tried to make a pass at me at the hospital. It wasn't a big deal, but I was shocked. Then there's the whole thing with Jason, which makes everything more confusing. Apparently Jason likes me, so that's not weird or anything with Marquilla being my former boss. I wouldn't want to break girl code, anyways. But it's not like we'll actually get together wh—"

"You're dating Sofia's brother!' Reli squeals a little too loudly for my liking. "Who's a major hottie too. The Gigante genes are hella strong! How did you meet him?"

"It's a long story. I don't know if you'd want to hear it," I mumble. I don't want the focus to be on Fedez and me when we're in the lane I ant to be in. "It's not interesting. Long story short, we met in college. We had the same English class, and there you go."

"Wait, you went to school together?"

"Yes!" I groan in annoyance. "I didn't know he was Sofia's brother until recently. He never told me about her and he never told her we used to date. Okay, let me clarify that. We were together for like, a year and broke up because he was graduating and moving to Italy. I never thought I'd run into him again, but here we are back together and going strong. I can't believe we found our way back to each other!"

"This is confusing and exciting," Reli concludes with a pout.

"There's more to it," I transition. "Like Marquilla using Feez as bait to make Jason jealous. Oh, and she also tried to hit on him and Josh. That's when Josh was with Skylar, though."

"Hold up. Marquilla and...Josh?" she breathes in disbelief. "NO WAY! She was with Nils and Skylar is one of her best friends!"

"Skylar's insane about people who use drugs. I've been around her long enough to know that," I explain. "Marquilla threatened Josh about his past, telling him that she'd tell Skylar he used to experiment with drugs if he didn't sleep with her. Josh broke up with Skylar instead because he didn't want to betray her or risk being blackmailed. That's why I want his number.

"Skylar told me something that made me think she still likes him. It was a suggestion about getting back with Fedez, and it made me think about Josh. Problem is, she's so close to Marquilla that Josh won't go near her."

"I don't understand...how do you know all of this? No offense, but it's kinda insane."

"Fedez told me about it," I easily lie. "Well, Sofia and he told me about Marquilla in relation to them because I was curious. Fedez is the one who helped me get my job. I never understood how he knew Marquilla, so he explained that he worked on that Bo Bros tour when Josh broke up with Skylar. You learn a lot about the people you work for."

"Josh was heartbroken when he broke up with Skylar," Reli sadly notes. "He literally cried for days about it. I remember everyone asking him why he was so upset when he dumped her. He told everyone they wouldn't understand. I honestly felt sorry for him. Josh genuinely does like Skylar, bu—"

"She's too close to Marquilla," I firmly reiterate. "Look, I know she misses him. Skylar's just too up Marquilla's ass to do anything about it, which is also why Josh won't attempt speaking to her. They can work things through again like Fedez and me. They just need convincing and an opportunity."

"How do we do that?"

"I'll work on Skylar, you work on Josh," I bluntly propose. "We'll go from there. I might need Nils too. Meanwhile, I have a broken pop star to mend before he does something stupid."

***

I anxiously pace around the living room, heart raging at high velocity and palms sweating profusely. Fedez watches on with deep concern etched onto his brows. He doesn't need to stay since the twins are in bed, but he insisted and now he probably thinks I've gone mad.

In a way, I have. It's partially my fault Jason's slowly wrecking havoc. I led him on when I should have told him we'll never be more than friends. Then again, I never knew he liked me! I was technically being a good friend by comforting him. Despite Marquilla being the primary reason for Jason's damage, she's not taking all the blame.

"Linds, you need to calm down," Fedez calmly instructs. "Sit down. Why don't you just tell me what's bothering you?"

I can't because you won't like it, I think as I finally stop pacing and join him on the sofa. God forbid you think I want to cheat on you with him or something! I definitely don't.

"I'm worried about Jason," I glumly confess, snuggling into his arms. "Lorraine and Sofia told me things are getting worse because of the altercations. He's like the little brother I never had, you know? I'm just scared he'll do something that will completely jeopardize his life. He's been through so much because of Marquilla. The way he's acting isn't healthy. He's depressed, Fedez! What happens i—"

"Hey. It'll be okay. Our sisters won't let anything happen to him," Fedez vows. He tenderly kisses my forehead and smiles. "I promise, Linds. Nothing will happen to him now Skylar and Marquilla are out of his life."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that," I rebuke. "You know how they can be. You know how Marquilla wants to sabotage Sofia too, right?"

"She'll be fine. Marquilla's just jealous Sofia's a better singer. If you don't believe me, why don't you check the news or ask one of the girls how he's doing? You should probably call your sister since Sofia's out doing promo. I think she's somewhere in Australia, but I'm not too sure. Don't hold it against me if I'm wrong. I don't keep up with my sister 24/7. That'd be weird."

"You'd either be a hardcore fan or a stalker!" I laugh. "I don't think you fit either category, babe. I don't think Lori's too busy right now. I'll give her a ring."

I've mastered the time difference, so I know it's early afternoon in the West Coast. It's also a Saturday, which means she's most likely doing absolutely nothing if she's not at work. Knowing my luck, she's probably swamped since she works at a café and it's around lunch.

I impatiently wait for her to answer, staring hungrily at my phone. Fedez pouts at my frustration and kisses my cheek before leaving to check on the twins. They've been known to stay up till the wee hours of the morning watching Netflix on their iPads or popping a movie into the Blu-Ray. I'm guilty for condoning this behavior and joining them a few times. Their dad would not be content if he knew what I've allowed his precious kids to do.

After what seems like forever, Lorraine answers. Her long, blonde mane surrounds her face, sticking up every which way. She probably just woke up—her hair definitely wouldn't look like this if she's been awake for over an hour.

"You look lovely," I joke, to which she sticks out her tongue. "How long have you been awake, sis?"

"I literally just got to the kitchen for brunch!" she exclaims. "God, this week has been mental for me, Linds! Look, even Jason is more awake than me because he didn't just get up fifteen minutes ago!"

Lorraine turns the phone over to show me Jason. It's true he appears more awake than her, but he also appears haggard. His face seems paler and eyes sunken into their sockets. I don't know if it's possible, but even his hair color has faded a shade or two lighter; that can't be from sun exposure since he rarely leaves the house. Things have really taken a toll on him.

"What's with you, the twins, and your boy toy?" Lorraine questions.

"Hey, I am NOT her boy toy!" Fedez protests as he slides beside me. That was fast. He drapes an arm around my shoulder and pulls me into him. "How many times do I have to tell you that Linds and I are legit again? Even Sofia knows now."

"Yeah, but you failed to tell her the first time around," Lorraine argues in a smart-alecky manner. "You should trust your sister with things like that, Freddie. I knew about you because this one couldn't keep her goddamn mouth shut. If Linds can tell me about you, then why not you and Sofia?"

"First off, don't call me Freddie," he angrily instructs. "Marquilla calls me that a—"

"Point taken. Yeah Federico it is. Or can I call you Rico like Rico Suavez?"

"Can we stop arguing about his name?" I chime in. "No offense guys, but that's not why I called. Fedez's name is the least of our worries. I was wondering what's been up with you guys."

"Same old, same old. Nothing's changed," Lorraine shrugs. "School, work, babysit the pop star, repeat. Fantastic, right?"

"I don't need a babysitter!" Jason complains. "I'm twenty, Loraine! I don't need anyone to look after me when I'm capable of doing it, myself!"

"Says the boy who threatened to kill himself if he saw another bad headline about him," Lorraine retorts. "You're lucky I didn't call anyone about what you said, Jase. The media would be all over your ass and Skeeter would have my head if I did. You'd be in the hospital right now if I had."

"Why? Why would it matter? The world would thank me if I kill myself," he sneers. "I don't have Marquilla anymore or my fans, and the media's making me look like some asshole because I cracked a few times. None of that would have happened if I hadn't been provoked! It's not my fault, but everyone thinks it is!"

"Jason," I sigh. "Lorraine, he didn't really threaten to kill himself, did he?"

"Ask him yourself. I'll hand the phone over," she sadly says.

Seconds later, I'm directly faced with Jason. Up close, he looks more depressed and haggard than I imagined .I haven't spoken to him since that one call, so this should be interesting. In other words, this could end in a disaster.

"How've you been, Jase?" I ask. "It's been a while."

"I could be better," he grumbles. "I was arrested for self-defense. How's THAT for a start? That asshole invaded my bubble and those girls ganged up on my sister! I didn't do anything wrong!"

"I saw a video of that," Fedez comments as he pops into view. "They did you wrong, dude. You didn't hurt that paparazzo or those girls."

Jason's expression swiftly shifts from angry to bitter. He glares into the screen and hastily folds his arms. I glance at Fedez and read confusion from his body language.

Oh dear, I think as I look at Jason again. He's jealous of Fedez. He HATES HIM because he's your boyfriend. Wait a sec—haven't they met? Sofia toured with Jase and that was her intro to the pop world. They had to have met last year! Th—

"I'm sorry that happened, Jase," he somberly continues. "You didn't deserve that or any of the other shit media are throwing at you."

"Don't call me Jase like you know me, " Jason sneers. "I was talking to Lindsay, not you, Freddie."

"Dude, please don't call me Freddie. That nickname holds bad memories a—"

"GET OUT OF THE SCREEN SO I CAN TALK TO LINDSAY!"

Frightened that Jason might strangle him through the screen, Fedez stops out of view. He squeezes my hand and wishes me luck with "the brat" before leaving the room. Jason appears calmer and less likely to smash a plate now that he's absent.

"He's not a bad guy," I vouch in Fedez's steed. "I mean, he grew up with Sofia. He's a really nice person, Jason."

"There's something off about him. I don't know what it is, but something's not right."

"Funny. We said that about Marquilla, didn't we, Linds?" Lorraine enters the conversation.

Jason turns around and raises his arms in what I believe is disbelief.

"Really, Lorraine? Did you have to bring her up? She's not a monster, you know. Marquilla isn't that bad," he voices.

"Actually, I must agree with my sister," I admit. They both stare at me, desperate for my thoughts on the matter. "She did play you, Jason. She cheated on you, she used you, sh—"

"She might have done those things, but at least she's not out to destroy me like everyone else is. I just wanted a break this year! Now I have to deal with this crap! I swear the whole world wants me dead!"

Jason abruptly shoves the phone into Lorraine's hands. I hear footsteps bolt out of the room, then my sister reappears, shaken by the turn of events.

"That did not go how I expected," she says.

"Yeah. Well, you should keep an eye on him," I instruct. I can taste the bitter bile rising in my throat as I fearfully add, "he might do something destructive if you don't."

A/N:

This is from the updated edited version of the story, which is why Jason mentions an arrest that definitely didn't happen in this version. Thank you guys so much for getting this to 900 reads. It's amazing that some people are actually supporting this story. You guys are amazing.

Leave your thoughts and predictions below, and I'll see you next chapter!