The next shift in the group came a few months later when Jade met someone new. His name was Ryan, a few years older than her, and he worked as a script editor on a show she had started running on. They had an instant connection over their shared passion for horror movies, bonding over obscure films, favourite plot twists, and the kind of eerie thrills that made them both feel at home. Ryan was easy to talk to, intelligent, and grounded in a way that complemented Jade's personality. He was part of the world she had always dreamed of—more established in the industry, yet still humble enough to be down-to-earth.
He fit into the group effortlessly. At first, it was just casual introductions here and there, but after a while, it became clear that Jade was serious about him. She'd talk about him in passing, not in a way that was overly gushing, but it was obvious she had found someone who not only shared her interests but also respected her ambitions and independence.
Cat, during this period, was in the middle of filming a small part in a movie. The filming was in Europe so Cat hadn't been around as much. During this time, Jade's new relationship developed while she was away.
When Cat finally wrapped up filming and returned home, the group had already met Ryan. Tori, Andre, Beck—everyone had already had the chance to get to know him.
Cat was a little caught off guard at first, but she could see how happy Jade was. She'd noticed the way her eyes lit up when she mentioned Ryan, the slight flush in her cheeks when she talked about him. Cat was glad for her, really, but there was a quiet pang of jealousy that she didn't quite know how to navigate. That Jade, someone who had once been so deeply entwined with her, was now finding happiness in other places.
The group dynamic shifted again, but this time it wasn't so much a tension as it was a quiet acknowledgment that life was moving on. Jade had a boyfriend now, someone who wasn't in their tight-knit circle of high school friends, but someone who brought something new into the fold, and with this, Tori had felt more comfortable bringing Evan along more too. And for the first time in a long while, there wasn't any awkwardness. The boys both fit in just like he belonged, joking around with the group and adding their voices to the banter. But it also made the contrast between Cat's life and Jade's even more apparent.
Cat didn't mind, of course. She had long since stopped trying to be everything to everyone. But seeing both Tori and Jade in their happy relationships made her pause for a moment. About how she'd thrown all of that away for the sake of her career. And maybe she was in too deep now to ever find anyone who would like her for her, and not her fame- or being a part of some PR stunt.
This change made group hangouts feel a bit different now, almost like an experiment in balance. Tori, with her boyfriend Evan by her side, had the kind of relationship that felt solid and comfortable, the two of them talking easily between bites of pizza and shared laughs. Jade and Ryan were still in that early, fun stage, where their chemistry was undeniable, and they leaned into each other often, sharing private jokes and subtle glances. It was clear they enjoyed each other's company, their dynamic a bit like an inside world that was just beginning to unfold.
Cat sat on the edge of the couch, her legs tucked up underneath her, occasionally chiming in but mostly watching her friends interact. Andre, sitting next to her, talked about this new song he was producing and how he'd love to hear her input on it. Beck was meant to have joined them but he was pulled away for another shift at his new bar job- so it ended up just as the two couples, Andre, and Cat.
Tori and Evan were intertwined in a way that made them almost seem like a pair of magnets, drawn together in everything they did. Jade and Ryan were the same, their laughter filling the air as they took turns teasing each other and sharing private jokes. Andre leaned back into the corner of the couch, his arm resting on the back, looking comfortable, but detached, in the way he always did. It wasn't like before, when it had always been an easy mix of just 'the group.' Now, the shift felt almost impossible to ignore. Cat missed the old dynamic—the one that was just a bunch of High Schoolers who continued to be friends beyond the classroom. Now it felt like everyone had their own lives, their own partners, their own worlds. It was the one bit of her life that she thought would be a constant. But maybe even that was changing.
The conversation in the room was light-hearted, nothing particularly serious—just the kind of chatter that friends engage in when they're comfortable and everything is easy.
"So, I hear you're going to be in a movie after all?" Evan asked Cat, taking a sip of his beer.
Cat nodded, glancing at Tori, who had clearly told him, despite the fact it was meant to be hush hush. "Yeah. It's not a main role, but was fun. Took about 3 weeks to film, nothing big. My team thought it would be a good way to branch out a little."
"I still don't get it," Ryan chimed in, raising an eyebrow. "You're already a pop star. Why do you need to act too?"
Cat shrugged, looking between her friends. "I guess it's just another way to try something different. You never know until you try, right?"
Tori, always one to look on the brighter side, grinned. "I think it's awesome. You're basically taking over Hollywood."
Jade laughed softly from where she was sitting next to Ryan, her hand resting against his thigh. "Next thing we know, she'll be writing a book or starring in her own reality show."
"I'll leave that to you, Jade," Cat teased. "I couldn't focus enough to write a book."
Jade shrugged. "Yeah, it's nice to make things up sometimes."
The group chatted for a while longer, mostly about their plans for the next few weeks. Evan and Tori were planning a weekend getaway to the coast, while Jade and Ryan were talking about checking out a new horror movie that was getting rave reviews. Andre shared a few stories from his latest client, and everyone listened intently, impressed by the things he was learning.
At some point, the topic turned to relationships—naturally, considering the couples were in the throes of their romance.
"So, any new people in your life, Cat?" Tori asked, giving her a teasing look.
Cat rolled her eyes, "If you're asking if I'm dating anyone, the answer's no. And I'm not really interested in it at the moment."
Jade shot her a quick, curious glance but didn't say anything. The group moved on to other things, but the weight of the question had made the air a little heavier.
Unsure if this is what pushed her or not, but Cat did start subconsciously weighing up the idea of another relationship in her head. And after a few weeks, it just happened. Austin, a professional football player she'd met at a game she'd been invited to attend, was the complete opposite of the people she was usually around. She'd never been into sports at all, but when she was introduced to him, they quickly hit it off. Conversation flowed effortlessly, and before she knew it, she was handing him her phone number.
The first date had been simple, just dinner at a low-key spot in LA. They talked about everything—sports and music, of course, but also the world outside of their famed paths. They connected over their shared sense of humour and how they both felt out of place in the high-pressure environments their careers placed them in. It wasn't complicated; it was easy and natural. The second date followed soon after, and before Cat could even process how things were developing, the press had gotten wind of it.
The headlines appeared almost instantly. "Pop Star Caterina Spotted with Football Star Austin Malone," "Is Caterina Dating A Football Player?" The rumours took on a life of their own, with speculation swirling about whether this was just a fling or something more serious. Paparazzi were everywhere, and the public interest in her love life seemed to skyrocket even further. It wasn't long before she was seeing articles speculating on her every move with Austin—where they went for dinner, what kind of car he drove, who they were seen with. It was exhausting, but at the same time, she couldn't stop the excitement of it all.
Their relationship was… refreshing. He was accustomed to the world of flashing cameras and intrusive questions from his own fame. But unlike the chaos Cat often found herself in, his fame operated in a parallel sphere. She wasn't the centre of attention at his games; she was just a part of his world, sitting in the stands and cheering like everyone else. That was what drew her to him more —how different it all felt.
Austin was also protective in a way that made Cat feel safe but not stifled. When they were out together and the paparazzi inevitably appeared, he didn't shy away. Instead, he played into it. He'd put his arm around her, pull her close, flash a confident smile at the cameras. It wasn't for show—at least not entirely—but more about owning the moment, not letting the attention rattle them.
Cat found herself feeding off his energy during those moments. She wasn't used to feeling confident when the cameras were on her outside of a performance. With Austin, it felt easier. His unshakable self-assurance reminded her that she could have that too.
Their lives complemented each other in unexpected ways. He had his games; she had her music. They were both busy, which meant they could understand the pressures of each other's schedules. But when they were together, it felt simple. Cat could just be herself, not having to measure every word or worry about how it might be spun in the tabloids.
When she watched him interact with his teammates or his fans, she admired the ease with which he navigated everything. He made fame look fun, something to lean into rather than tiptoe around. She didn't know if it was something she'd ever fully emulate, but it was comforting to know that someone could balance it all and still be grounded.
At his games, Austin always made a point of looking for her in the stands. The cameras would inevitably catch the moment, and it would send a ripple through social media. He loved to show her off, not in an overbearing way, but with a pride that was hard to ignore. And Cat, who had spent so long hiding parts of herself, found herself leaning into it. She didn't mind being his arm candy when the situation called for it either- it was nice to fade into the background of it all.
Their relationship wasn't perfect—no relationship was—but it was easy. And for someone like Cat, who had spent the last few years juggling the chaos of her career and personal life, easy was exactly what she needed.