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They speak to the pilot, but I can’t hear what they’re saying. Alex’s hands clamp over his hips, and he radiates a don’t fuck with me energy. Gabe brings up something on his phone, and all three of their heads bow over it, pointing and gesturing.
Wow.
Competency porn is real.
I settle back into the supple leather, my heels sinking into the carpet, and I try to assimilate what is happening. And why none of my nervousness has to do with Alex or Gabe.
It’s like the whole evening has been a dream.
I’m just not sure if it’s a nightmare or not.
My phone buzzes again in my purse, and I finally feel strong enough to take a look. I’m positive I know everything my mother is going to say about the evening’s events, so I scan the list for people I’d rather hear from.
Starting with LaShonda.
There’s a reason we became such fast friends. In a world where everyone has a stick up their ass, she decidedly doesn’t. Her irreverence is like a breath of cool, spring air. So refreshing. It’s better than any spa treatment I’ve ever had.
LaShonda: What. The. Actual. and I say this with my full chest. Heck?
I can’t help but smile because I see her expressive face in my mind, saying those words, hand pressed over her heart in exasperation.
Katherine: You saw?
Three dots immediately appear.
LaShonda: It’s everywhere.
Great. I rub my forehead. That’s not what I needed to hear. I was really hoping for a simple ‘Your dress looks amazing.’
A screenshot of me on the stage pops up. It was taken from midway back in the ballroom. It’s not a great shot, but I look somewhere between poised and deer in headlights.
LaShonda: there’s video from the auction. socials are blowing up. you’re the #twomilliondollargirl
Ohmygod. My muscles go slack, and the phone falls from my hand, cartwheeling across the floor. This is not happening. I cannot be a trending hashtag.
Anxiety spiking again, I glance out the door at Alex. He must feel my gaze because his eyes lock with mine, and he reads something in my expression. He says something to his best friend and then climbs inside.
“What is it?” He reaches for my phone, offering it as he crouches in front of me. Those massive hands close over my knees, sending a streak of heat through me.
“Look.” I nod toward the screen where LaShonda’s message is displayed.
He glances at it, reading quickly, his brow going from lifted in concern to knitted with annoyance. The wretched device buzzes in his hand, and I see another text bubble pop up at the top of the screen.
“We’re going to get out of the city. Somewhere safe and private and then we’ll see what’s what. Okay?”
He’s handling me.
That soothing tone. The steadiness in his voice that calms my nerves. He really is good at this.
I nod, and he hands over my phone.
“You’re not alone in this... adventure, Katherine.” He gives my knee a reassuring squeeze, and for a split second, I can almost believe him. Does he really think this is an adventure?
Gabe climbs in and shuts the door. He stares at us as he takes the seat across from me, his tall, tuxedo-clad body folding into the seat. His long fingers work the seatbelt, securing it tightly across his lap.
Is he afraid of flying?
My phone buzzes again, and I glance down to see my friend’s latest text.
