Page 22 of A Very Addicted Christmas

“We weren’t exactly discreet,” Tom admits.

“You were there?” I ask. Scratch everything—theydid this for me.

He nods. “Eliot did all the painting. I was the getaway car.”

“Which is whyI’mtaking all the blame,” Eliot says, eyes heavy on his brother. I’m guessing this has been a point of contention.

“You don’t have to do that,” Tom snaps. “Just let’s say we did it together.”

“Then we both get in trouble, and that’s absurd when only one of us has to. Give me all the credit.”

“That’s the problem, Eliot Alice,” Tom says. “You’re a credit whore. You won’t ever let me return the favor.”

Eliot doesn’t deny this. But I learn that Eliot and Tom don't know if their parents have found out yet, but they suspect they will soon. Hence, Eliot's gearing up for a punishment. No FanCon involvement.

“I’m sorry that either of you are getting in any kind of trouble. For sticking up for me.”

“Luna with No Middle Name,” Tom replies, “that’s the kind of trouble welovegetting into.”

“The best kind,” Eliot agrees with another mischievous grin.

I’m smiling, and the fire is starting to die down. Tom has stopped stoking it with twigs and branches, and the moon glows brighter.

We are getting older.

Once we graduate, our lives will look mighty different, but I know no matter what, our friendship will always remain.

I admire Tom and Eliot for doing what’s in their hearts, no matter the consequence, and maybe that’s why they’re my friends. They remind me to take bigger leaps and run in dangerous directions—or maybe that’s always been inside of me.

Maybe that’s why we’re friends—not because I need reminding to take leaps—but because I’ve always had it in me to choose not the right thing, not the wrong thing, but the perilous thing. Like them.

I imagine myself driving out to the tour bus, away from the messiness of Caden and school, towards a blanker slate and the comfort of people I know and love.

And I begin to smile.

FOUR

CHRISTMAS EVE ON TOUR

DECEMBER 2037

DURING CHAPTER 27 IN LOVERS LIKE US

Character List:

Jane Cobalt - 22

Sullivan Meadows - 19

Luna Hale - 18

Bodyguards:

Thatcher Moretti - 27 Omega Co-Lead(Current Client: Jane Cobalt)

Akara Kitsuwon - 26 Omega Co-Lead(Current Client: Sullivan Meadows)

THATCHER MORETTI

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