Page 122 of Over the Edge

“Hey, you called yesterday. But I’m not opposed to more birthday wishes,” I tease my brother.

“Ev,” Drew says.

“What’s wrong?” Panic quickens my pulse, mixed with the weird vibes I’ve been picking up today, I already feel like I’m going to throw up.

“Are you dating Garrett?”

“What?” I blurt. “Did you hear from Avery and Wes?” Avery and my brother might be on good terms and Wes might be his old bandmate, but I doubt either of them would say something to him.

“No. Wait, how do they know?”

“I told Avery, and well, Wes was kind of just there.” My thoughts stumble. “How do you know?”

“God,” he says on a huff.

“I really doubt God told you,” I say because I can’t help myself. “How do you know?”

“Fuck. Just. Fuck,” he says, almost to himself. “I’m not the only one who knows.”

“Great, keep it vague,” I say, rolling my eyes even though he can’t see.

“There was an engagement video that took off overnight because the guy got her favorite singer to sing her favorite song, I’m assuming you know the rest because you were in it.”

I realize exactly who he’s concerned about. “Mom and Dad.”

“If they haven’t called yet, does that mean you aren’t…” He trails off, letting me fill in the implications of his words.

“Yes, we’re together,” I say. I won’t ever deny it, not now when it’s inconvenient. If I do, how do I deserve him when it’s easy and straightforward.

“Do you want me to call them?” Drew offers, and I’m tempted to accept.

“I mean, that would be nice,” I say, “but I should deal with it.”

“Ev, I am happy for you,” he says, and it’s a nice consolation prize considering what’s to come.

“It is nice that you’re not going to threaten to punch the guy,” I prod because I can’t help myself.

“I mean, I’d win in a fight,” he says easily, “but that would be a lot of effort to get all defensive over my adult sister. I’ve got to go. Love you.”

“Love you.”

I push into Love is Brewing and take my spot at the back of the line. For the last few weeks I’ve been so good about not checking Lyla’s name in headlines, but now as I check for my real one, I’m sucked back into the vortex.

“Viral Proposal with Fool’s Gambit Favorite reveals secret relationship.”

“Sparks fly with Fool’s Gambit bassist and drummer's younger sister.”

“Avery Sloane’s close friend. Garrett Larson’s new fling. Who is Evelyn Mariano?”

Each time I tap a new article I feel like I’m slipping further and further from my body. This is what I’ve been avoiding for so long. Three seconds at the end of a video did this. Three seconds caused my name to trend on social media and send an influx of followers. In less than a day journalists and gossip blogs have discovered enough information to make me feel exposed in front of millions of digital eyes. If this is the reaction to something so small, what would happen if they found out that I’m Lyla?

In some ways, I’ve known. I’ve seen how Avery and Drew have dealt with media attention. I was already terrified of it, how people will pick apart every small part of my life. I can’t help but think about Oliver and Quinn, how being close to me would put them at risk of similar privacy violations.

I shuffle along with the line on autopilot. The barista’s voice startles me back to the moment when I order and it takes me long minutes to remember the names of drinks I’ve asked for hundreds of times over the years.

“Don’t you usually get the matcha with oat milk?” the barista asks.

“Oh, yeah. Thanks,” I say.

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