Page 33 of We Are the Stars

“And what isthis?”

“Do people stare at you often?”

“Um…” He shifts uncomfortably. “That was random.”

“I was thinking of how we met. Or, kind of met. Whatever. And then of how when I told my parents and my brother about you they—”

“Freaked?”

“No. Well, Fish sort of did.”

“Fish?”

I nod. “My brother.”

“Your brother’s name is Fish?”

“Nemo, actually.”

“No shit.”

“Shit.”

“That…”

“Poor kid? I know,” I agree.

“So your parents didn’t freak?”

“No. And Fish only sort of freaked, just so we’re clear. I think it surprised him more than anything. But my parents? Thecoolestparents ever, but don’t tell them I said so.”

“What did they say?”

“Nothing.”

His brows shoot up in surprise. “Nothing?”

“Nope. They are adamant that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and they absolutelydo notbelieve in gossip.”

“So, they’re unicorns?”

I chuckle. “Yes, very much so. Anyway, I was wondering how people… You said you’re used to…certain treatment. What’s it like working here? Or for Bryan? Both are very public places and I wanted to know—”

“If people treat me like your jackass did?”

Heat floods my cheek. “Yes.”

He hisses in a breath. “A lot of people stare or won’t make eye contact, or they’ll whisper behind their hands. They don’t come right out and say anything as eloquently as your friend did. Other people treat me with indifference. It’s not outright hurtful, but it’s not exactly…warm. It’s almost like I don’t exist.”

“And how does that make you feel?”

Carsen grins at my question, an obvious play on the whole therapist thing. I realize then that he hasn’t frowned or scowled since he sat back down. He’s relaxed and easy to talk to.

I like it.

“Cute.”

“Couldn’t resist.”

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