“IamAela’s son. She raised me to be better than that.” He clears his throat. “I won’t let you down again, Victoria.”
I cluck my tongue. “You never could, Shay. We got this.”
He sticks out his pinkie finger for me to curl mine around his. “Forever.”
Relief hits me at his acceptance. “Forever.”
EMAIL EXCHANGE
From:[email protected]
Subject: Derek Dyers
Dear I Told You So,
My name is Victoria Lyanov.
I study at Oakwood College and I’ve recently received intel that suggests you’re studying here too.
I am in no way interested in breaking your cover.
However, I was wondering if you’d help me right a certain wrong shaped like Derek Dyers.
He’s a bully. A rapist. An animal.
My friends and I are looking to take him down, publicly, and we wondered if you’d help.
I know you’re on hiatus but… any input would be appreciated. You must have seen the picture he doctored of Denver Parilla that he spread around campus.
We do NOT need brutes like him here.
Wishing you all the best this holiday season,
Many thanks,
Victoria Lyanov
FIFTY-NINE
IS IT OPERATION LEX <3 CALLAN OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND?
Slumpingin the booth Lex guides me to, I plead, “A Dopie’s special, please. I need it five minutes ago.”
“Wow, I never knew you were so dramatic.”
Shay, elegant as ever, slides into the booth opposite me. “It’s the Russian in her. They just think they’re cool.”
As I slot my shades onto my face, I slip my middle finger along my nose and waggle it at him. “Bite me.”
“I might catch rabies.”
“Oooh, is this fighting talk I’m hearing?” Wynter sings as she takes the seat next to Shay.
As I ponder the likelihood of her having a crush on my best friend, I declare, “No fighting talk. I already won.”
“Says who?” Shay jeers.
