Page 74 of The Spotlight Effect

“Cool.”

I walk over and climb into my bed, putting my phone on the charger. I’m not sure what to do, but I don’t think we will be doing much talking tonight. I need to tell Faith what happened because I have no idea what to say or do.

I lay down, turning away to face the bookshelf. Maybe the awkward tension will go away.

“Did you like it? The kiss,” Gray asks from across the room. I was not expecting him to speak.

“Yes, did you?” I reply.

“Yeah.” The room is silent again and all I can hear is the clock ticking.

“Do you think you like me or possibly could?” Gray asks. The most dreaded question, it’s not that I can’t answer it, but I didn’t come to California to leave with a boyfriend and what about when I leave. We are on two different sides of the country.

How would that even work? We would probably break up within weeks of me being home. On top of that, he’s a world-famous rockstar, and I know I’m not the only super fan out there. He could also fall for some super pretty model again. There are just too many things to consider.

“Yes, I think so,” I answer.

“For which one you like me or think you could?” he replies.

“I like you, but I don’t know if I want to try something just to get hurt,” I answer. It’s not that I’m not sure of my feelings; I like him, but I’m not sure if I like him enough to risk getting hurt.

“I wouldn’t hurt you,” Gray states.

“You can’t be sure of that,” I reply.

“I can be sure that I'll try not to,” Gray says. Him saying he can try really makes me want to try but I don’t want to start anything and it’s all just a hoax.

“Maybe we can see where things go,” I tell him.

“I can deal with that.”

PRISON DOESN’T LAST FOREVER

ALEXIA

The rest of the camping trip was painfully awkward as Charlie kept on making fun of us and making kissing noises and I tried my best to distance myself. Even going as far as riding back with Emerson and Noah. I know it probably wasn’t the best news but I’m just not ready to face him, to really talk about us or trying anything.

I’m too scared. I’m a coward.

I walk into the house carrying Chinese food for everyone. “Guys I’m home!” I yell out. I walk to the kitchen and everything out and set up so everyone can eat.

“Ouuu, Chinese. So how was set today?” Aaliyah asks, walking into the kitchen.

“It was pretty good today. Tonight, I’m going to a concert,” I tell her, sitting chopsticks beside a takeout plate.

“What concert?” Aaliyah asks.

“The MorningStars of course,” I tell her.

“What about The MorningStars?” Mom asks, walking in the kitchen as well.

“I’m going to a concert tonight,” I answer.

“That sounds wonderful, your sister and I will be going to find gifts to take back to the boys, ” Mom says.

“Do I have to go?” Lia groans.

“Yes, and before you ask why, because I said so,” Mom says and comes over to the counter with a stack of three plates.

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