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TOM
I second this motion.
I’m not sure if I’m ready to give Donnelly a friendship application. It feels more like a major regression in our relationship, and what if he prefers to only be my friend at the end of this? I told them that I’d consider it. I think they’re just excited to get to know Donnelly better. A lot of their knowledge comes from observations during family and charity events and things like the triple date.
With the car door open, I stand on the pavement and bend forward, reaching beneath the seat. “Come to me, little cellular device.” I stretch my fingers. “Accio.”
Nope, still don’t have magical abilities. But it doesn’t hurt to try.
“Back off.” I hear Donnelly’s threatening tone behind me.
I peek over my shoulder. Two middle-aged men hoist cameras, and their lenses would be pointed at my ass if it weren’t for Donnelly physically blocking them.Paparazzi.One has thin wire glasses, a lanky build, and pens are stuck in his blazer pocket, as though he’s a respected journalist. The other man is bulkier with thick shoulders and a scruffy beard.
“Do you think you’ll be fired soon?” the Thin One nearly shouts.
A college-aged girl hears from the neighboring pump and takes out her phone. Great. She starts snapping pics of us too.
I bend back down and hurry, trying to retrieve my phone.Accio. Accio!Mental spells aren’t working either, but my fingers brush the case.Almost there.
Donnelly pushes their lenses away with a firm hand. “I’m not doing this with you two today. Get the fuck outta here.”
“Why aren’t you with Xander?” the Thin One persists. “He isn’t here, is he?”
I catch the seediness of his voice, the pleasure he’s taking from each discomforting question, and a chill snakes down my neck.
Donnelly stands his ground, not letting them pass.
“Why are you with Luna instead?” the Thin One asks. “Is Loren Hale’s daughter involved in the friction between you and him?”
My pulse starts racing.
“She has nothing to do with this,” Donnelly retorts.
“Why so defensive?” It sounds like the Thin One is smiling. “Is her lip split? Who hurt her? I know you have these answers. You might as well tell your truth now. Never know what’ll be printed tomorrow.”
Thankfully Donnelly isn’t taking the bait.
“Luna!” the Thin One calls out. “What’s your reaction to your porn stories leaking online? Do you use them to get off? Are you addicted to porn like your mom?”
“Hey,” Donnelly snaps.
My face burns. I finally clasp my phone, right as the Bulky One tries to charge towards me for a close-up or maybe to provoke a frightened newsworthy reaction out of me, and my eyes widen—but Donnelly grips the camera by the lens, about to tear the equipment out of his hands.
The Bulky One tries to wrestle his camera back.
Instead of climbing into the SUV, I instinctively grab my mini backpack, shut the door, and race towards the convenience store several feet from the pumps.
We still need to get gas, and it might be safer if I’m inside. Paparazzi usually won’t breach the doors.
Donnelly separates from the Bulky One, locks the SUV, and jogs after me.
The belldingsas I slip inside, and I curve around shelves, aimed for the back near the slushie machines. The cashier stares right at me, but I ignore the double-takes and questioning looks as they try to place my face—wondering if I’mthat girlfrom the tabloids at the checkout.
I open a fridge door, stocked with single cans of beer and energy drinks.
Thedingsounds again, and I know it’s him, even as he appears beside me and breathes, “You alright?”
“Uh-huh.” I pick out a new cranberry flavor of Lightning Bolt!
