Unexpected

Chapter 25

JOANNA

Once I was done managing the manuscripts I'm editing, I took a quick break to get something to eat before I returned to writing my new book. Maria stayed holed up in her room for the entire day, and I was thankful for the space she gave me.

At four o'clock, she knocked on my door, informing me that she would cook us some dinner. She said she had already texted Gabe to tell him to get home earlier and that she could use my help in the kitchen.

Neither of us really cooks, so I took it as her way to make things less awkward between all of us.

The fridge was basically empty when we ventured into the kitchen, so now we're driving to the store to get a few things.

As we pull over, she grabs my hand. "Are we good?"

"Of course." I pull her into a hug.

She leans back and looks at me, her eyes shining with emotion. "I can't have you pull away from me if things go south with my brother."

"You're my best friend, girl." I grasp her hands, feeling how cold and sweaty her skin is. "There's no way I'm allowing a man to come between us."

A grin spread across her face as she opens the car. "You better."

As soon as we walk into the store, Maria immediately makes a beeline for the wine section. Amusedly, I push my shopping cart through the market, trying to come up with a meal recipe that could be simple and fast to prepare.

After a while, Maria comes in my direction, carrying four bottles of wine and a carton of ice cream. I roll my eyes playfully. "Are you looking forward to getting drunk?"

"Maybe." She sighs. "My boss has been a pain in my ass lately."

"Come on," I say, pushing the cart toward the checkout line. "I got the things for spaghetti and meatballs."

"Good choice." She follows me. "We can't screw up spaghetti and meatballs, right?"

Chuckling, I bump my shoulders to hers. "We are good at many things, girl. Cooking is not one of them."

"Oh, shit!" Maria comes to a sudden stop, startling me.

"Whoa," I pause, looking around.

With a gasp of surprise, she plucks a magazine from the rack by our side. "I can't believe this. Look!" She thrusts the magazine in my face, and my eyes widen when I read the headline.

"The Machine's members accused of having sex with minors during their UK tour," I softly whisper under my breath, my eyes locked on the image of Josh embracing a woman whose face is blurred. His photo is the focal point of the page, with Gabe, Dave, and Aaron's photos scattered below it. What the hell?

Maria and I both inhale sharply as she quickly flips the page of the magazine and we start reading the full article.

Allegations have arisen that Josh Reed, the lead singer of the popular rock band The Machine, supposedly took part in sexual activities with a minor at a private party during their UK tour. A reliable source has been able to verify that all of The Machine's members attended the event. The parents of the minor plan to take legal action...

"Holy shit."

Maria quickly shuts the magazine, clutching it to her chest. "That explains why they got their team here."

My heart races as our eyes meet. "Do you think that is true?"

"There was definitely an orgy going on at some point." She shakes her head. "But I don't want to believe they'd be capable of something so disgusting."