Page 89 of Loaded

“I know, but I’ve already wasted most of my morning with you, and I’m meeting Octavia for lunch.” I glance at my watch. “Really soon, actually.”

“Octavia?” His brow furrows.

“Octavia? Why does that name sound familiar?” Jake has slowed down enough for us to catch up. “Wait, isn’t that the snooty singer who voted your song down?”

“Someone voted it down?” Easton’s frowning. “OH!” He nods. “With the burned face.”

Jake glares at him.

“What?” Easton looks confused. “Is that who you mean?”

“That’s who I mean.” Like Jake, it bothers me that people would identify her that way, but I can’t quite figure out why. I mean, it’s probably her most distinguishing characteristic, but it’s sad that it is. It makes her whole persona about something traumatic that happened. That’s probably why it bothers me.

“Why are you going to lunch?” Jake asks.

“I have an idea I want to run past her,” I say.

“About the song contest?” Easton asks.

“You and Octavia sent me information for the exact same contest,” I say. “But I wonder whether either of you noticed that it requires us to perform the song, and that part of the prize is cash, but it’s also a record deal.”

“That’s kind of awesome,” Jake says. “So is she on the team that makes that decision too?” He snorts. “You should make sure she’ll be on your side this time.”

“She’s not affiliated with this contest,” I say. “Sheworks for the agency that put together the jingle thing for Jello.”

Jake has always been doggedly fixed on anything he doesn’t understand. “Then what are you going to ask her?—”

“Jake, after our lunch, if my idea works out, I’ll let you know. Okay?”

Easton and Jake exchange a glance, which is kind of cute and a little irritating. I’m not some high-strung diva who’s hard to manage. “I have to shower quick. I’m low on time.”

I take off as fast as my stubby legs will carry me.

“Wait, I could join you? It’ll be time economical and save water.” Easton’s smiling, at least. “I’m all about saving the dolphins.”

“Nice try, lover boy.” Jake grunts. “But I really don’t think you’re there yet.”

I should just be happy that Jake gave up on his idiotic insistence that I belonged to him. He’s like a Golden Retriever dropping his slobbery ball, only I’m the ball. As it turns out, the dog’s even more annoying after it lets go of the ball.

It takes me forever to blow dry my hair, and when I race out the door, I check the clock. I should havejustenough time to get to Toss’t and Press’t. Thanks to lights, I’m a few minutes late, and when I get there, Octavia’s already sitting in the corner with a jacket over the seat next to her. I can’t help noticing that she’s turned so that the non-burned side of her face is toward the window.

“Octavia,” I say.

She turns, a half-smile on her face. “You made it.”

I nod. “Parking’s always a challenge, but thanks for meeting me here. I’ve been craving their oxtail tacos.”

“I ordered a salmon taco already.”

“Just one?” I arch one eyebrow. “I’ll order you a second. You’ll want it—trust me.”

A moment later, I sit down next to her.

“I bet you’re wondering why I asked to meet with you.”

“You’re angry,” Octavia says. “And I think it’s probably justified. I’ve wondered several times whether I did the right thing. I’m not someone who usually meddles in other people’s lives.”

“Why did you?” I ask. “Why me?”

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