Page 115 of Fake Game

“Do you guys mind turning around?”

The security men nod, giving their backs to me. I unzip my skirt, letting it pool to the ground. I’d specifically worn something easier today for this exact reason. I step into the black pleated mini skirt, zipping it up before grabbing the black hoodie and slipping it on, tucking my pink hair into the hood.

“Okay, done.”

I move to the mirror and check myself out, confirming everything looks good before collapsing onto the couch.

I don’t move for a solid minute, letting my weary bones settle before forcing myself to sit up.

I grab my phone and check my notifications. There are hundreds, people tagging me in all their pictures from the meet and greet yesterday. My mods will go through it all and make sure there’s an emoji commented on each of them for me, but I still like to pop in and interact when I can.

I swipe out and pull up my text messages.

A wave of nausea rolls over me, making my lightheadedness feel even worse.

RICK:Hey, just wanted to let you know we’ve had a bunch of new DH accounts spawn this morning and they’re all commenting on your recent post at the con. Nothing threatening tho

Yeah, Rick, not threatening at all.

I guess, in the grand scheme of all the stuff they’ve done, it is the least creepy?

ME:Thanks for flagging it. Keep me posted if anything else crops up.

RICK:of course. Don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated

ME:I knowww

There are only a few more hours. I just have to get through it.

The door to the green room opens, and the three guys burst in, all of them immediately ripping off their LED masks, with Sydney hot on their heels.

I’m quick to school my face, reaching forward and grabbing my HP energy drink to twist it open and take a sip to hide my unease.

Parker tosses his mask on the coffee table and launches himself at the couch, causing the blue liquid to slosh around mid-sip. The drink goes down the wrong way and I choke on a giant mouthful.

“Parker,” Syd warns.

“Sorry, Deer.” He reaches up and pats between my shoulders.

I swipe the back of my hand across my mouth. “It’s fine.”

“Damn, my face looks sexy on that.” He eyes the energy drink with a grin. The bottle has his masked persona plastered on one side of the plastic branding band and his gamer signature printed next to it. I have to give Syd credit; it’s a killer sponsorship.

“Is that your way of asking for a sip?”

“Maybe.”

I hand the drink over and he takes way more than a gulp, downing half of it—classic dude move.

“Looks like you’re ready to go on a stakeout.” He nods to my outfit as he hands it back.

“I’m going to visit some of the booths.”

“Incognito, nice.”

“Alone?” Sydney’s voice carries an edge of worry.

“I’m going with her.” Jackson’s protectiveness rings out.

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