Page 1 of A Very Addicted Christmas

PART ONE

DECEMBER 2030

ONE

THE VAIL LODGE

DECEMBER 2030

6 YEARS & 8 MONTHS BEFORE DAMAGED LIKE US

We listened to "Tomorrow" by Miner while writing this scene.

Character List:

Ryke Meadows - 41

Loren Hale - 40

Lily Calloway - 39

Daisy Calloway - 34

Maximoff Hale - 15

Sullivan Meadows - 12

Winona Meadows - 6

Bodyguards:

Declan - Epsilon Lead(Current Client: Maximoff Hale)

Greer - 20’s Epsilon(Current Client: Sullivan Meadows)

MAXIMOFF HALE

“YOU FUCKING SURE?” SULLI ASKS as she yanks the laces of her snowboarding boots. My younger cousin is twelve and almost as tall as me. Her biceps are pretty cut from swimming, and I lost 4 out of 10 arm-wrestling matches on the flight to Vail.

“Yeah.” I nod. “I’m sure.” My breath smokes the cold air, both of us outside the ski resort’s gear rental shop. “I’m going to sit this one out.” I zip up my gray snow jacket as a gust blows through.

And I glance toward the edge of the lodge. Near the parking lot, a new round of paparazzi climb out of their vans. Gathering their camera equipment.

I bet they flew in a couple hours ago once our location leaked.

It’s expected, and it’s my every day back in Philly. I don’t really give a fuck about paparazzi. As long as they keep their distance and maintain the mutual respect we’ve built.

Our bodyguards, Declan and Greer, are looming close and will make sure no doomsdays occur. Both are already eagle-eyeing the van.

Sulli follows my gaze and sighs deeply. “Fuck.” She was hoping they’d all stay back in Philly.

I lick my chapped lips that start to crack.Great.

I’m more worried about the fact that I’m in dire need of chapstick than the fact that a swarm of paparazzi are about to descend upon us.

She looks back at me, and I say strongly, “Don’t worry about them, Sul. They’re not going to bother you.”

I don’t mention how the paparazzi are here to film me and her dad.

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