Page 86 of Mic Drop

“So, it seems your life has turned out pretty well, Bennett,” his father addresses me. “Congratulations on your wedding.”

I don’t want to mar his image about Jenna and me, so I simply give him a head bob. Besides, I refuse to believe we’re over. I can’t.Won’t.

His mother returns to the kitchen, carrying a small wooden box,which she places in the middle of the table. The lid reads, “She’s pregnant!” Mrs. Fanone opens the box to reveal a stick with two pink lines snuggled against some fabric. The lid’s interior says, “Lissa and Curtiss.” It’s dated after I joined UC, a year after I left high school.

Curtiss stares at the box, then clears his throat. “Is thatthepositive pregnancy test?

His mother replies, “It is. I wanted to commemorate the momentous occasion and had it sent out to be preserved. It came back after the miscarriage, so I never showed it to you, honey.”

Luke and I exchange a triumphant glance. This is it. The proof we need.

Chapter 24

Jenna

Iget into my car and drive away from Thaine’s software company, new plan at the ready to take Michelle down once and for all. I press Court’s number.

“How’d it go?”

“Better than expected.”

“Spill everything.”

“Thaine said Michelle got Dr. Marlow to hire his company for CRM help, so she’s still in his orbit somewhat.”

Court interrupts. “Are they still together?”

“Nope.” I get onto the highway. “Turns out, he dumped her after high school, when he didn’t want anything to do with the scene anymore. He wasn’t the one to pitch her boss for his business either, but wasn’t about to turn away a new client. Thainewaspissed about Michelle’s using his name online.”

“I bet.”

“So we decided to go to the press. Rather, he’s going to reach out to a friend of his who is a legitimate reporter, who will get the ‘scoop.’”

“Awesome. Once reporters sniff out this story, they’ll dig into howconnected the avatar Thaine Jasper is with Lissa Baker. I bet there’s much more to their story than what you’ve already uncovered.”

“No doubt. I don’t know if the media can get into their DMs or anything, but we bet there’s a treasure trove there. The mere fact of her fake avatar smells bad. For both of them.”

“I love how devious you can be.”

A smile starts to form. “Feels good to be on the offense.” My phone beeps with an incoming call from my sister on the other line. “That’s my sister. I’ll call you back when I get more details.”

“You better.”

I switch the call. “Hi, Kara.”

“Hi. How’s your day been?”

“Good. Better than good. I might have uncovered the way Michelle and Lissa have been communicating.”

“Really? Wow. Good on you.”

“Thanks.” I put on my blinker. “What’s up on your end?”

“I had some free time today and decided to spend it at Ma’s, going through her stuff and making piles. Think you could join me? This is so much fun.”

“I can only imagine.” I enter the next highway. “I can be to Ma’s in twenty minutes.”

“Thanks. See you then.”

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