“Well that went about as well as Fyre Fest.” Corey plops into the seat across from me.
Tessa and May take the other two open seats at the table, Tessa handing me a fresh glass of champagne.
“Should we even bother asking if you’re okay?” Tessa gently rubs my shoulder like I’m a scared puppy.
“She’s not going to give me the column.” I down the entire glass of champagne, hoping it might erase the conversation from my memory. “I’m pretty sure she was going to declare Seth the winner whether he got the votes or not.”
Corey twists her gorgeous face into an ugly grimace. “Of course. Then she gets exactly what she wants. Seth was always going to move to theChronicleat some point, and at least now he did her some good while he was here.”
“And you’re still stuck writing the same bullshit love stuff you’ve been doing for years.” May crosses her arms over her chest. “Want me to go punch her?”
“I’m perfectly capable of punching her myself.” Over the past several weeks, I’ve been back to Duke’s a few times and my arms only hurt for a day or two after each session now. I consider it progress.
“Fuck yeah, you are.” Corey holds up her hand for a high five.
When I fail to respond, she turns to Tessa, who weakly taps her palm.
“What are you going to do?” Tessa asks softly.
I shrug. “I don’t know.”
It’s not a total lie, but it’s also not the full truth. I have a few ideas, but I need to think about it, and write about it, before I make any rash decisions.
I push my chair back and stand. “I think I’m ready to go.”
—
Once I’m backat home, face scrubbed clean, fancy outfit hanging in the closet, I climb into bed and open up myphone. I don’t know what to say to Seth just yet, but I know I can’t say nothing.
Me:You didn’t have to do that.
Me:I would’ve been okay with you winning.
Me:Are you still going to get the spot at the Chronicle?
Seth:It’s okay.
Seth:I don’t know. I’m not sure I even want it anymore.
I bite my lip, tapping my fingers on the edge of my phone case.
Me:Are you going to stay in LA?
I hold my breath as the little dots pop up, blinking at me like some kind of evil serial killer clown.
Seth:I don’t know.
Seth:Good night, Parker.
Well, I guess that’s the end of that.
Me:Good night, Seth.
I put my phone on Do Not Disturb, plugging it in to charge, and bury myself underneath my comforter. I don’t sleep much. But when I wake up the next morning, at the very least I have the beginnings of a plan.
31
Is there anything scarier than professing your love for someone? And is there anything more wonderful than learning your feelings are reciprocated?
