Page 5 of Magnetic God

I sit, unsure why I’m feeling like I’ve done something wrong.

And what in the crap was that?

The eye contact.

The sizzling feeling as if he knew me.

I pause. Maybe that’s it. Maybe he thinks I’m someone else. As much as I’d hate to admit it, it would make the most sense.

Brooks makes his journey to the last turnbuckle before jumping out of the ring and making his way backstage. The letdown that I feel is shocking, but I don’t have time to dwell on it because Peter reaches around me, grabbing Matt’s arm.

“Bro, we have to hit the merch stand before we go!”

Matt is just as enthused as Peter. “Hell yeah! Let’s go!”

Even Jess seems to be swept away in the excitement.

“I hope they have a shirt in pink!”

I follow the three silently as I try to gather my composure. So what if Brooks looked at me? It’s not like I’ll ever see him again.

2

Hannah

After spending nearly an hour in the merchandise line, we finally make our way outside. Most of the people who were at the show are already gone, so the streets are surprisingly empty. Okay, maybe it’s not a huge shock. It’s late on a Monday night, and most people have to work tomorrow. Or, in my case, have class. I groan when I look at the time. It’s nearly midnight, which means tomorrow is going to be a long day.

We cross the street, but instead of turning left, Peter and Matt turn to the right.

“Where are you going?”

Peter says, “This way.”

As if I didn’t surmise that on my own…

I’m tired enough that the struggle is real right now to not be snarky.

“You parked in the lot over there.” I point in case he’s forgotten.

“I know where I parked, but one of my buddies just texted. Looks like the wrestlers are staying at the Sheraton.”

“And?”

Matt answers for Peter, “And that means we can meet them. Get a few autographs.” He turns to Jess. “Didn’t you say you wanted to meet Grave Keeper?”

I look at Jess and bite back a groan. No! I swear I can see the wheels turning in her head. She’s thinking that if we go to a hotel with the guys that she can spend more time with Matt.

She’s already nodding, though. “Yeah! I do want to meet him!”

The three of them stare at me, waiting for me to break. I hold out an entire three seconds before sighing.

“Lead the way.”

Somehow, I end up behind the three of them as we walk. I glare at the back of Jess’ head and send her a text.

Bestie

Wow, Jess. Way to remember Girl Code.

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