Page 109 of You + Me – Against the World

The man puts his wallet away and leaves the hotel without another word, except for a few inaudible grumbles that Vadim imitates to make the receptionist laugh.

“Thank you,” she says, looking relieved.

“He didn’t mean that you’re not pretty,” I add quietly.

“And I didn’t mean to seem rude yesterday, you know?”

“Give us a discount and we’re all good,” Vadim jokes.

It doesn’t work, but at least it makes leaving the hotel a little less bittersweet.

Vadim drops me off at my house at the time set by my father, and we decide to meet up again online right away to drag that special night out just a little longer. I kiss my parents but dodge their questions, then ditch Lily on the stairs and shut my bedroom door in her face. After peeling off my clothes, I jump into the shower to wash the salt of the ocean out of my hair, then slip on a long, midnight-blue T-shirt that reaches mid-thigh. Finally, I collapse on my bed and turn on the computer.

Alma_from_paris: I’m here!

Arcadius: Me too. I just arrived.

Alma_from_paris: I just thought of something: we didn’t think to watch out for the photographer.

Arcadius: I did, the whole time. No way did they get any photos this weekend. We were always in total darkness or hidden behind something.

Alma_from_paris: Wow. Car thief, illicit homework dealer, top model, and now a secret agent, too? I’m impressed!

Arcadius: If only… It drives me crazy not knowing who did that.

Alma_from_paris: Well, we haven’t received a new one for ages. Maybe it’s all over.

Arcadius: No, that’s because we’re being careful. So, I think it must be someone close to us. Someone who knows that we know. And who has been trying to keep a low profile ever since we started trying to unmask them.

Alma_from_paris: You think? But Basile swore to us it wasn’t him. Or Tim. And you promised me it couldn’t be Felix. Who else could it be?

Arcadius: I don’t know. Maybe less close than that. A friend of a friend. But it has to be someone who has an interest in breaking us up.

Alma_from_paris: You can also cross my dad off the list now. Well, I think so.

Arcadius: Could you snoop around a bit at Abrams’s place next time you go?

Alma_from_paris: You think our film teacher is a paparazzo? No way! How would he follow us? He can’t even walk thirty feet without huffing and puffing or needing a coffee.

Arcadius: Well, he does detest me. And he hates the idea of you slipping away from him when he thinks he gave you so much and taught you everything you know.

Alma_from_paris: Okay, I agree he’s a little crazy, but not that crazy!

Arcadius: I’m sure he wants to set you up with his son. What’s his name again?

Alma_from_paris: Caleb.

Arcadius: Maybe it’s Caleb. He’s crazy about you and jealous of me, so he wants to find a way to break us up.

Alma_from_paris: No, the first photos were sent before I ever met him. Until recently, he didn’t even know you existed.

Arcadius: So, you talk to him about me.:)

Alma_from_paris: Yes, and I sure hope you bore Cheyenne every day with every detail about what I do, what I say, what you like about me, and what drives you crazy but you love anyway.

Arcadius: Hmm… I don’t think I’m going to answer that question.

Alma_from_paris: Did you see a question mark? It’s an order, Arcadi.