Page 55 of The Spotlight Effect

“Thank you,” Emerson says, walking to the left and I follow.

To the left, everyone is moving around the kitchen. “Sorry we’re late, Daddy,” Emerson says.

“It’s fine. I’m glad you’re here now,” her dad says.

“I’ll take your things,” Emerson says, and I hand her my jacket and book bag. Once Emerson comes back, she goes right over to Noah and kisses his cheek while hugging him.

“I missed you; I hated finishing filming before you,” Noah says.

“No ews this time?” I lean over to ask Grayson.

“Nah, it’s been a long day, no need to be an ass right now,” Grayson answers.

“Didn't think you had it in you,” I say.

“Hey, Lexi, wanna come help with the salad?” Charlie asks.

“I’d love to.”

I helped prepare the food with everyone while Scarlett and Raven set the table. Charlie and Grayson set up the movie room while Zara picked a movie, so after dinner we can watch it. It was nice of Shawn to bring her. Emerson said she’s always invited even though she rarely comes. She tries to be her friend as much as possible, but even with time, Zara is now skeptical because of what Jazzlyn did.

“Will you go get Charlie and Gray for us, Lex,?” Kenan says.

“Sure,” I agree, sitting the salad bowl down on the table so I can go to the living room.

As I walk closer to the living room, I begin to hear them talking.

“It’s called a crush, Gray. Those happen. Well, not you, you’re stone,” Charlie says and I hear him laugh a little.

“Iwasstone,” Grayson corrects.

“Ahh yes, that was before Alexia showed up,” Charlie says. I know this is wrong to listen in but They're talking about having a crush on me!

“I seriously don’t know what to do,” Grayson says.

“I have an idea… Tell her you are obsessed with her,” Charlie says.

“Yeah, because that doesn’t sound utterly weird,” Grayson replies sarcastically. He has a fair point.

“Or you could ask her out and see what happens,” Charlie gives another suggestion.

“Because asking a girl out randomly issoamazing,” Grayson says.

“Now you are just rejecting my ideas,” Charlie says. Grayson says nothing, so I take this as my opening to step in the room.

“Time for dinner,” I announce, looking in between them.

“Awesome, I'm so ready for your mom’s Moussaka recipe,” Charlie cheers, leaving the room.

“He really likes Greek food,” I say.

“Just my moms,” Grayson says, walking toward me.

“So you’re only half Greek,” I say, as If I didn’t know that already.

“Half Greek, half Italian American but it’s obvious right I look like a Greek god, don’t I?” Grayson says and I roll my eyes.

“Ever so modest,” I say, shaking my head.

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