Page 19 of SnapShot

“Wow. Are you a photographer on the side? Because if not, you should be. This is incredible.”

“I think the subject of the art is what makes it so incredible, but no, I’m not a photographer.”

When I open the SnapShot app to Rick’s messages, I decide to see how much he’s willing to pay for it.

Haedyn: I’ve got something for you, extra special.

A small green dot appears by his name, letting me know that he’s online.

Rick: Name your price, beautiful.

I look to Charlie who’s now sitting beside me reading the conversation.

“What do you think?” He meets my eyes as he says, “Don’t take anything less than $500.”

“You’re insane! Who in their right mind is going to pay 500 bucks for one picture?”

“Ask him, and you’ll see.”

“Fine.”

Haedyn: $500

A sound comes through with a notification telling me I just received five hundred dollars from Rick Judson, and my eyes bulge out of my damn skull.

I quickly send the picture to him, and his response is almost instant.

Rick: Worth it. I also like the red. Clever fox. Although I do wonder who was lucky enough to put that beautiful mark on your flawless skin. Thanks, babe.

“Tell him your girlfriend did it.” I look at Charlie, confused. “Why would I lie?”

“Just trust me. You don’t want him thinking another man did it.” I guess that makes sense, though I don’t know why it really matters. It’s not like I owe these guys any explanation of my private life.

Haedyn: I enlisted one of my girlfriends to help. No worries.

Rick: Good. I wouldn’t want to have to hurt anyone for touching you.

Where the fuck did that come from? He’s never talked to me that way before. I decide to play it off as a joke to end this conversation.

Haedyn: Haha, Yeah. Good thing. Anyway, I’m off to bed. It was a long day. Enjoy your night.

Rick: I sure will, now. Goodnight.

“Fucking creep,” Charlie mutters under his breath. “Maybe so, but he did just send me 500 bucks, so there’s that.”

“I guess so. If you’re happy, then I won’t complain, and I’ll help you out with whatever you need, anytime.” He shoots me a crooked smile and a wink before leaning over to kiss me.

Ride or Die

ten

Ride or Die

Haedyn

I’m not a cuddler, by any means, but laying here with this man after the most mind-blowing sex of my life, feels like peace on earth. Like nothing could ruin the dopamine flooding my veins. Like I’m a person who is lovable and deserves to be cherished. Like maybe I don’t want to start a spinster club with Kate as my platonic partner. Maybe I could eventually find someone and settle down.

Not this someone, not right now, anyway. I’m not a psycho or anything. I’m not planning a wedding with someone I just met. That would be certifiable.

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