Does an engagement exist away from the public gaze? There is no credible evidence to support that theory. Neither Briney nor Machado has filed public notices, shared celebratory photos, or confirmed any shift in their relationship status during press appearances. During publicity runs for both The Summer I Turned Pretty and the musical adaptation of Mean Girls, where Briney starred as Aaron Samuels, reporters occasionally asked about his home life. He consistently described Machado as his girlfriend, grounding his responses in their shared routine in New York.
Publicists for rising actors typically announce engagements through exclusive placements in mainstream trade outlets like People or Variety. Alternatively, contemporary stars post direct, candid photographs to their personal social channels. In this case, neither has happened. Representatives for the couple have declined to comment on social chatter, a standard policy when addressing baseless digital gossip.
