Chapter Twelve- Things Don't Always Turn Out That Way

Felicity knocked on Gwyneth’s front door.

“Hey. How was your weekend get away?” she asked as Felicity stepped inside.

“Here.” Felicity said thrusting a piece of paper at Gwyneth.

“What’s this?” Gwyneth asked.

“A check for all the money you were going to pay me.” Felicity said.

“Wait. I thought we agreed you were going to finish the deal here.” Gwyneth said.

“No, I’m ending this stupid plan now.” Felicity said.

“I’ll just tell Lance what you did. He’ll hate you.” Gwyneth threatened.

“He’ll never believe you.” Felicity shot back.

“That’s what you think.” Gwyneth said.

“I’m not afraid of you. So just leave me alone from now on.” Felicity said walking away.

“You won’t get away with this.” She screamed after her.

Felicity just waved her hand and headed back to her car. As she sat down inside she said a silent prayer that Gwyneth wouldn’t talk to Lance.

*****

Gwyneth was fuming. She couldn’t tell Lance herself about the scheme he’d never believe her. But Gwyneth knew what to do.

“No one messes with Gwyneth Porter.” She said aloud.

*****

“Today’s the big day.” Felicity said as she hopped up on Lance’s kitchen counter.

“I know.” Lance told her.

“Are you nervous?” Felicity asked.

Lance smiled at Felicity’s excitement. She acted like her album was being released.

“A little.” He said. “I’m glad you’ll be there though. The party always is a bit nerve-wracking.”

“You’ll be fine. The album is going to blow everyone away.” She said.

“Should I trust you?” Lance asked. “You have to say stuff like that being my girlfriend and all.”

“You got me. The album suxs.” Felicity said sarcastically.

Lance leaned forward and gave her a kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She said.

Just then the phone rang.

“Hello?” Lance asked. “Sure. Hold on. It’s Natalie.”

“Hey. What’s up?” Felicity asked.

Lance kissed her cheek and then tried to kiss her lips again.

"Lance.” She whispered.

He just smiled and kissed her neck.

“Sweetie. Seriously.” Felicity said shooing him away. “Read this.”

Lance took the newspaper out of Felicity’s hand and sat down at the kitchen table.

He thumbed through the pages as Felicity continued to talk to Natalie. Lance’s eyes settled on a picture of Gwyneth in the entertainment section.

‘What did I ever see in her?’ he thought to himself.

He scanned the article that accompanied the picture of Gwyneth. He stopped suddenly when he saw Felicity’s name. Lance began to read the article more closely.

“Okay, see you tonight.” Felicity said hanging up the phone.

She turned to face Lance. “She didn’t know what to wear…are you okay?”

“What the hell is this all about?” Lance asked.

A look of confusion crossed Felicity’s face. “A picture of Gwyneth?”

“That I can see. I mean this article about how Gwyneth paid you to date me and that you were going to break up with me at the party tonight.” Lance said.

Felicity felt nauseous. She didn’t know what to say.

“Felicity. Answer me.” He said.

Tears were forming in Felicity’s eyes.

“Tell me it’s all a lie.” Lance said walking over and standing in front of her. “Felicity.”

Felicity shook her head, she couldn’t lie to him. “It’s true.” She whispered.

“What?!” he exclaimed.

“Let me…” she started.

“How could you? What would possess you? You said you loved me.” Lance stuttered.

“I do love you Lance.” Felicity said.

“You really expect me to believe that?!” Lance shouted.

Felicity began to cry harder. “Please.”

“Don’t start crying. I’m not going to feel bad for you. God, you’re just like Gwyneth.” Lance said.

“Will you let me explain?” she asked.

“Five minutes. Starting now.” He said.

“I needed money. Gwyneth found out about my situation and said she’d pay me if I dated you and then broke up with you publicly at the release party. She wanted me to humiliate you the way you humiliated her. I really needed the money so I agreed to the plan. But then it backfired because I really started to like you. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I didn’t mean to fall in love with you and when I did I went to her house and told her the plan was over. I gave her back all the money and then some hoping she wouldn’t say anything to you.” Felicity said.

Lance was silent for a moment.

“Lance?” Felicity asked.

“First of all you know nothing about my breakup with Gwyneth. And secondly you’re telling me this whole relationship was based on a lie?” he asked.

“It started that way. But I really do love you. You have to believe me.” Felicity pleaded.

“How can I?” he asked. “You basically used me.”

“Please Lance. I’m sorry. You don’t know how sorry I am. Please forgive me.” Felicity begged.

“I think you’d better leave.” Lance said.

“Please Lance, please.” Felicity said.

“I don’t want to say anything I’ll regret. Just go home.” He told her.

Felicity nodded and walked out the front door.

Chapter 13