Song for this chapter: Dan + Shay - Glad You Exist on the multimedia.

_________

Nat

I sat in the conference room, surrounded by my team and Linc's representatives, the tension palpable even in Linc's absence. The large glass table between us was littered with papers, laptops, and half-empty coffee cups, but the real focus of the discussion was the aftermath of Linc's press conference from last week.

"Okay, let's get started," Annie, my marketing executive, said, her voice steady but laced with concern. She glanced at her watch. "We're still waiting on Linc, but we need to go over the press conference fallout."

A man from Linc's team, Miller, cleared his throat. "You wouldn't believe it if you weren't seeing it for yourself. That press conference was supposed to be a career suicide mission, but it's done the complete opposite."

I frowned, still trying to process the whirlwind of the past week. "I don't understand. How did something that was meant to ruin his career make him more famous?"

Miller nodded, scrolling through his tablet. "It's the strangest thing. The public was expecting a scandal, but what they got was this dramatic, almost romantic twist. Linc went from being perceived as a heartless celebrity to someone who, despite the controversy, was willing to risk it all for personal redemption."

Annie leaned forward, eyes wide. "And it's not just the public. The media, influencers, even critics have been praising him. He's gained millions of followers on social media overnight."

"I've seen the numbers," I admitted, trying to hide my frustration. "But why? What's the appeal here?"

Miller shrugged. "Linc's declaration of love, the way he handled the press, even his resignation to the potential fallout—it struck a chord. People admire his vulnerability and the apparent change of heart. They see him as someone who's come full circle, from a career-driven individual to someone who's choosing personal happiness over everything."

Annie added, "And let's not forget the timing. The wedding announcement, the mention of his intentions to be a better man for Sign and Ivy—it's all very compelling. It's giving him a kind of 'redemption arc' that's resonating deeply with audiences."

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "So, Linc's managing to turn a potentially disastrous situation into a massive PR win. And where does that leave us?"

Miller looked at me with an apologetic expression. "It leaves us with a challenge. Linc's image is now incredibly positive, and despite what happened, it's working in his favor. We need to adapt our strategy, both for Linc's continued success and for how we address the situation with Sign."

Annie nodded in agreement. "We'll need to recalibrate our approach, manage the fallout, and perhaps even leverage the public's newfound sympathy towards him."

I exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the situation settle heavily on my shoulders. "Okay, let's regroup. We need a clear plan moving forward. This isn't just about managing Linc's image anymore—it's about how we navigate the new reality he's created."

The team nodded in agreement, and as they began discussing strategies, I couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. Linc had turned everything around, leaving us to pick up the pieces of a situation that had spiraled beyond our control.

As the meeting continued, Chris, one of Linc's PR reps, stood up to offer his insights. He was a tall guy with a commanding presence, and his remarks added a new layer to the discussion.

"Look, I've been in this industry long enough to know when something unusual happens," Chris said, adjusting his glasses. "Linc's press conference wasn't just a fluke. The way he presented himself, the raw honesty—it's a strategy that resonated with people on a human level. We need to understand that it's not just about spinning the narrative; it's about engaging with the audience in a genuine way."

Annie nodded, clearly impressed. "That makes sense. It's like Linc's approach was so unexpected, it completely shifted public perception."

Grachel, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. "I understand that Linc's newfound fame is a result of his unconventional methods, but let's not lose sight of the bigger picture here. This could be a double-edged sword."

Travis, sitting across from me, looked particularly engaged. He and I exchanged comments, both of us reflecting on the dramatic turn of events with an almost disbelieving amusement. We laughed about how Linc managed to turn what was supposed to be a career-ending move into a triumph.

"This is just crazy," I said, shaking my head. "It's like he's playing a game and somehow ended up winning the jackpot."

Travis chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it's a wild ride. But it's clear that he's good at this, whether we like it or not. We need to be on our toes, especially with how things are unfolding."

Grachel, who had been watching us closely, finally spoke up with a stern tone. "Travis, I need to address something. I've noticed you and Nat seem pretty chummy today, and while I get that the press conference turned into a bizarre success, this isn't the time to get complacent. Linc may have gotten lucky this time, but the next move he makes could be disastrous. It's up to you to handle him carefully and ensure he doesn't push his luck further."

Travis' smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "I understand, Grachel. We'll keep a close eye on Linc and make sure we manage his public image responsibly. The last thing we need is another stunt that could backfire."

Grachel nodded, her face softening slightly. "Good. I just want to make sure we're all on the same page. We can't afford any more surprises."

The meeting continued with a renewed focus on strategy and planning. As the conversation shifted towards next steps, I couldn't help but reflect on the strange dynamics that had unfolded. Despite the chaos, there was a certain camaraderie that had developed, and as unsettling as it was, it was also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the industry we were all a part of.

After the meeting, I caught up with Travis as everyone started to pack up their things. He was busy making notes in his notebook, still processing the day's discussions.

"Hey, Travis," I said, walking over to him. "Are you free later? I need to go shopping, and my manager and personal assistant are swamped with other work. I could really use some company."

Travis looked up, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, so now you're hiring me as your personal shopping assistant? I hope you're prepared to pay me for my time."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Isn't that what friends are for? I promise I won't ask you to carry too many shopping bags."

He grinned, his demeanor lightening. "Alright, alright. I'll help you out. But don't expect me to be too impressed by your fashion choices."

As we walked out of the building, I found myself enjoying the ease of our conversation. Ever since Travis had come to my rescue at the airport, I'd felt a newfound comfort around him. We had bonded over shared frustrations and personal stories, and it felt good to have someone who understood, even if only as a friend.

"You know," I said as we headed toward the nearest shopping district, "I'm really grateful for you stepping in the other day. It's been a rough time with everything happening back home."

Travis nodded, his expression softening. "I'm glad I could help. It's not often I get to be the hero, so I'll take it."

As we walked to the car, Travis opened the door for me, and we both climbed in. The drive to the shopping district was filled with light banter about the meeting and Linc's surprising success. Travis was his usual witty self, making me laugh with his offhand remarks about the industry and celebrity culture.

When we arrived at the shopping mall, the place was bustling with people. I led the way, heading toward a high-end boutique I had been eyeing for a while. Travis followed, looking around with mild curiosity.

Inside the store, the atmosphere was calm and sophisticated. I began browsing through racks of elegant dresses and accessories, occasionally pulling out a piece and holding it up for Travis's opinion.

"Do you think this one would work for the gala?" I asked, holding up a shimmering dress.

Travis squinted at it, a playful grin on his face. "If you want to outshine everyone, then absolutely. But maybe something a bit more subtle for a change?"

I grinned, "You think subtle is my style?"

He shrugged, "It could be a refreshing change."

As we continued shopping, I noticed a few people glancing in our direction. Some recognized me but hesitated to approach, likely because I was with Travis. He had this protective aura about him, and I could tell it made people think twice before interrupting.

We were interrupted briefly by a woman who came up with a shy smile. "Excuse me, Nat, I hate to bother you, but could I get a picture?" she asked hesitantly.

Travis stepped in, giving her a friendly but firm look. "Hey, sorry, but we're just trying to have a quiet day. Maybe another time?"

The woman nodded, looking a bit disappointed but understanding. "Of course, I completely understand. Thank you!"

After she walked away, I turned to Travis, appreciating his subtle but effective way of handling the situation. "Thanks for that. I didn't want to be rude, but I also needed a little breather."

"No problem," he said with a grin. "I've got your back. Just focus on finding something you love."

We continued through the store, Travis offering his unfiltered opinions on various items. Despite his earlier claim of being terrible at shopping, his comments were surprisingly insightful.

After a while, we took a break at the store's café, grabbing some coffee and pastries. As we sat down, Travis leaned back and observed me with a thoughtful expression.

"You seem more relaxed than I've seen you in a while," he remarked, stirring his coffee.

I smiled, "Well, shopping with a friend can be pretty therapeutic. And it's nice to have someone to talk to who's not involved in all the industry drama."

Travis chuckled. "I'm glad I could be that friend. And don't worry, I won't start giving you career advice. I'll leave that to the experts."

We continued chatting about everything from trivial daily concerns to more personal topics. The more we talked, the more I realized how comfortable I felt around him. It was easy to forget the weight of everything going on in my life.

As we finished up and headed back to the car, I noticed Travis seemed to be in a particularly good mood. "Thanks for coming out with me, Travis. I really appreciate it."

"No problem at all," he said, his tone sincere. "I actually had a lot of fun. Just don't ask me to come shopping again anytime soon. I might need a break."

I laughed, "Don't worry, I won't. But I'll definitely keep you in mind for future outings."

As we drove back to the office, the conversation continued to flow effortlessly, and I realized how much I enjoyed spending time with Travis. It was nice to have a friend who could make me laugh and take my mind off the stress of work and personal issues.

As we pulled up to the office, I noticed Juls waiting outside the entrance. I was taken aback—Juls never came by the office unless it was absolutely necessary, and he'd always been so swamped with work that travel was rare for him. Seeing him there, holding a bouquet of flowers, was both unexpected and heartwarming.

Travis noticed my surprised expression and followed my gaze. "Looks like you've got a visitor," he said with a hint of amusement.

Juls saw us approaching and gave a small, friendly wave. "Hey, Nat. Travis."

"Juls!" I exclaimed, my surprise evident. "What are you doing here?"

He smiled, holding out the flowers with a slightly sheepish grin. "I thought I'd drop by and see you. I brought these for you. I know things have been a bit hectic lately, so I figured a little surprise might brighten your day."

I accepted the flowers, touched by the gesture. "Thank you, Juls. That's really sweet of you."

Travis stepped back, giving us some space. "I'll leave you two to catch up. See you around, Nat."

"Thanks, Travis," I said as he headed inside. I turned back to Juls, who was watching Travis with a mix of curiosity and something that looked like recognition.

"So, what's up?" I asked, still holding the flowers. "What brings you to the office?"

Juls shrugged, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. And, well, I heard you were back from Australia. Thought I'd bring you these."

I could sense there was something more he wanted to say, but before I could probe further, he glanced inside the office. "I didn't expect to see you with Travis," he said, his tone casual but with an undercurrent of tension. "I know Linc mentioned he was working closely with you."

I nodded, trying to keep things light. "Yeah, Travis has been really helpful. He's been great to have around."

Juls raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on the door where Travis had disappeared. "I'm sure he has."

We walked into the office together, and I couldn't shake the feeling that Juls was holding something back. I decided to change the subject. "So, what's new with you? Any exciting developments?"

Juls seemed to relax a bit, his attention shifting away from Travis. "Oh, you know, just the usual. Busy with the restaurant and all. But I'm glad I could come by today. It's been a while since we had a chance to catch up properly."

We settled into the conversation, and the flowers found a spot on my desk, brightening up the room. Juls and I chatted about everything from work to more personal topics, and I couldn't help but appreciate how thoughtful his visit was.

As the conversation continued, I felt a sense of warmth and familiarity that was comforting amidst the chaos of my current life. It was nice to have a moment of normalcy and connection, even with everything else going on.

Seeing Juls today standing there with those flowers...It was such a thoughtful gesture, and for a moment, I felt a surge of happiness. But then, the recent strain in our relationship quickly reminded me of the reality.

Juls noticed the change in my expression, his eyes searching mine. "Hey, you okay? You looked a bit... distracted for a moment."

I forced a smile, trying to push the tension away. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind. Things have been a bit overwhelming lately."

Juls studied me for a moment, his concern evident. "Actually, that's kind of why I'm here. I wanted to invite you to come home with me. To my family's house here in L.A. I know you've met them before, but it's been a while."

I was taken aback. "You came all the way here just for that?"

Juls nodded, a hint of fatigue in his eyes. "Yeah, I thought it might be nice for you to spend some time with my family. I know you've been through a lot lately, and I figured you could use a break. Plus, they've been asking about you."

I hesitated, considering the chaos of work and the issues between us. But Juls' gesture was genuine, and he'd come all this way to make the effort. "I'd like that," I said softly. "I'll make sure I have time for you. Let's go."

We headed to my car, and as we drove, I noticed how tired Juls looked. The flight and his workload had clearly taken a toll on him. His face was lined with exhaustion, and he seemed weighed down by the day's events.

"You look pretty tired," I said gently. "It's been a long day for you, hasn't it?"

Juls sighed and nodded. "Yeah, it has. But it's worth it. I wanted to see you, and if that means dealing with a bit of fatigue, then so be it."

I reached over and squeezed his hand, hoping to offer some comfort. "Thank you for making the effort. It really means a lot to me."

He glanced at me, a small, appreciative smile crossing his face. "I'm glad to hear that."

As we drove towards his family's house, I felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation. The familiar sights of L.A. gave way to the more suburban streets where his family lived. Juls' eyes brightened slightly, despite his tiredness, as we approached.

Pulling up to the house, I felt a pang of excitement. It had been a while since I'd seen them, and though reconnecting was important, I knew I had to address the issues between us soon. For now, though, I chose to focus on the present, hoping that spending time with Juls and his family would provide us with some much-needed clarity and connection.