Page 86 of The Keeper

Another pillow smacked me in the face.

Victoria

“This is the one. A vision in satin and lace.” Killian placed both hands over his heart and smiled. “Perfection. Bellissimo.”

I smoothed my hands over the slate gray dress and nodded in approval. “I still can’t believe I’m going to the Met Gala. It doesn’t feel real.”

“Oh it’s real, baby girl. Real and spectacular.”

“You know what else is real and spectacular? A pesto chicken sandwich at The Lunch Basket. I’m starving.”

After I changed back into my jeans and sweater, we walked the two blocks to our favorite lunch spot. Killian went to order the food while I grabbed a table outside. Spring felt like it was finally here to stay. And it meant people watching season has returned. I’ve always been fascinated by catching a glimpse of a person for a few seconds. If I paid close enough attention, I’d imagine what was going on inside their minds.

Charlotte and I used to make up stories about people as they’d walk by. Her stories were always so much more down to earth than mine. I pictured almost every person as living a secret life, and trying to keep up appearances by blending in.

A new notification popped up for the picture I posted last night. I grinned, opening the app. Noah already commented on it. So did Tre and several other guys from the team. This latest notification was from Hannah. I also gained a significant amount of new followers.

“One pesto chicken sandwich for my ginger princess,” Killian arrived with our food. My stomach snarled. Day-after-drinking hunger was also real but not quite as spectacular.

We ate in silence, enjoying the warm weather. Both of our phones vibrated on the table.

“This must be His Highness checking in,” Killian reached for his phone.

I laughed, grabbing mine.

Mildly Hot: You ok?

I froze mid-chew. My mind raced. Killian tapped my leg under the table with his foot.

“Mildly hot?” he asked.

I nodded, showing him the phone.

A small smile touched his face. “Brief but to the point. Now maybe you two can talk.”

“Right now?”

“Now. Later. Whenever. Talk to him if that’s what you want.”

I chewed on my lip. The swelling and bruising were gone but I still remembered how it felt. Still craved more. I sighed. Doing this through text messages bugged me but it’s now or never.

Me: I’m ok. Just out having lunch with K. You?

Mildly Hot: Getting a lecture from Bennet. And getting pillows thrown at me. Usual Sunday stuff.

Me: Lectures are a usual sunday thing? Sounds awful

Mildly Hot: Loads of fun. You should try it

Me: The pillows sound fun ;)

Mildly Hot: Bennet seems to find it endlessly entertaining.

Me: Why are you being lectured?

Mildly Hot: Sort of went into ignore life mode for a few days

Me: Please don’t do that. I feel so bad about what happened.

---