Page 73 of Never Kiss Your Neighbors

“Definitely.” I take another bite, finishing off my first muffin, while Wyatt hands the camera off to Trish. As soon as I swallow, I gesture to it. “Trish, there’s some over-the-top stuff on there. I was just goofing around at one point. You’ll know it when you see it.”

She nods. “Okay.”

“Just ignore it. You know what type of stuff to include or not include. Definitely don’t put anything that goes too far. Especially now that we’re planning to transition our focus.”

“Of course. Got it.” She nods again once, but then looks at her watch. “Actually, I need to get going, but I can finish this from home and get it posted.”

“Can you? That’d be great. We’ve been slacking lately.”

“Don’t worry,” she says. “I’ve got you.”

“You’re the best, Trish. Sure you don’t want a muffin? They’re really good.”

“I guess I’ll have one,” she says, giving me a smile. “Thanks.”

CHAPTER53

WYATT

“Did you get anything yet?”

Cam shakes his head. We texted Stella a half hour ago to ask if it’s okay to stop by, but she hasn’t responded. “Maybe she’s busy with Jessie,” he says, unconcerned.

Another half hour passes, then an hour, still nothing. The message is unread.

“I’m getting worried. It’s not like her not to respond.”

Cam gets up from the sofa. “Let’s just go over, then. I thought I heard Jessie and Goldfish in the back yard a while ago.”

At her door a few minutes later, we ring the bell, but no one answers.

“They must have gone out,” Cam says, but with a bad feeling in my gut, I ring again.

I hear Jessie’s voice inside, but can’t tell what she’s saying.

Finally, the door opens a few inches and Stella’s face is there. Her expression doesn’t ease my worries.

“Stella! What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” Her tone is ice cold.

“Is Jessie okay? Are you?”

“We’re fine.” Her eyes are cold too, and I don’t know what to make of it.

I exchange a quick glance with Cam, whose easygoing expression is long gone.

“I’m busy right now,” she says.

Jessie is behind her, saying something about wanting to see us, but Stella ignores her. Something is obviously very wrong, but I don’t want to push for answers in front of Jessie.

“Are you sure you’re all okay?” Cam asks.

“We’re fine,” Stella repeats, and then she closes the door in our faces.

CHAPTER54

STELLA

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