Page 19 of Fox
“What?” I sputter, “N-Noooot, exactly. There was just…We kissed and—”
“Okay, so what’s the deal? Are you guys wanting a third? Because I am not into daddies, no offense.”
I nearly drop my phone in shock. “What? No! I was calling to come clean and apologize!”
He is silent for a long time, and then I hear laughter, not the feminine giggle in the background, buthimlaughing.
“What is so funny?” I yell, feeling annoyed and embarrassed by his actions.
“Not funny,ha-ha, more sosadfunny.” His laughter dies away before he speaks again. “I mean, what have you been doing, Jai? You and I rarely had sex to begin with, but lately, it’s been embarrassingly nonexistent. Why? I don’t know. I’m easily one of the most popular thirst trap stars out there.” My cheeks flush at his remark as I stare at my trembling hands, knowing the reason we aren’t physical.
Still, I didn’t expect my aversion to be thrown back at me like this. “What are you saying?” I ask, a knot forming in my stomach. “Have you been cheating on me?”
“What?” Brody laughs again. “Jai, we would have to be exclusive for it to be considered cheating.” My phone drops from my hand. I don’t bother to pick it up.
We would have to be exclusive for it to be considered cheating.
Brody has been sleeping with other people this entire time.
“Areyou going to tell me what’s up?” Royce’s bored voice asks as she whips her Benz into theNuts About Doughparking lot,the gourmet donut shop I binged on yesterday and thoroughly plan to repeat today. Royce is another content creator. While I do trends, she is all about drama, tea, gossip, whatever you want to call it. Her feeds are full of photos and videos of other creators or famous people at their worst times. Royce is someone you definitely want on your side, but you must keep your guard up with her because she’s always looking for the next person she can step on to get herself seen just a little more. But there is one thing I know she hates—men. And she keeps arunning tally of all the shit men in our circle are doing. So, I’m about to find out if Brody is on her list.
“I’m just in need of some shame eating and a chat.” I shrug as we get out of her car. Royce is the quintessential SoCal girl. Tall, super thin, large breasts that someone bought for her. Her hair is… Well, I actually don’t know what her natural hair looks like because every time I’ve seen her, she’s been in this extra long, poker-straight, silvery-white wig that I’m sure cost an arm and a leg. Not that she bought it. It’s one of the perks that come with being a bigger influencer. Usually, if you want something, like hair, clothes, or shoes, companies will give them to you in hopes you’ll promote them.
She pulls down her large designer shades and looks at the sign above the small shop. “Nuts About Dough,” she says before her fake green eyes glare at me. “You had better have a damn good reason to pull me out of my penthouse and drive you down to a shop where I guarantee I will gain two pounds simply by breathing the carb-filled air.” Her voice is short and hushed as she and I walk in.
As I stare at the woman before me, I know that even though I desperately want to ask her about Brody, I can’t. I can’t because, like everyone else, I can’t trust her not to use it against me. Like I know she will do with the donut shop.
Oh, two days at a donut shop. Is this a cry for help?
No, there’s no chance in hell I can tell Royce anything going on in my life. I have more followers than her, and she’d love nothing more than to have enough dirt on me to boost herself.
But I didn’t want to be alone. Brody called me back several times last night, but I never answered. What Brody confessed to threw me. It’s not that I’m heartbroken. He and I aren’t in love, but for him to just go out there and screw other people.
Oh my god, I’m going to have to get tested just to make sure.
Walking up to the counter, I smile at the girl from yesterday.
“I told you they were addictive!” Her laugh is warm and infectious, and her smile brightens her entire face.
“They really were delicious!” I can’t help but perk up at her soft voice and welcoming accent. “Can we get some donuts and I want an ice decaf latte with a pump of cinnamon and vanilla and some oat milk for here?”
“Oh,” Royce scoffs while looking up from her phone and shakes her index finger. “I have a spin class in thirty. No way am I putting that poison and coffee in me.” I cringe and give the girl an apologetic look.
I’m startled when I see the kitchen door open, and a very short, older woman walks out. Her scowl is profound, and her squinty eyes are far too intimidating for someone of her age and stature.
“You,” she huffs at Royce in an accent I’m not familiar with. “You come to my home and say I poison? No poison. Nika want you dead, no waste the time on poison.” She slams a meat cleaver into a wood block on the front counter before smiling in a way I’d assume a sweet grandmother would, even though she sort of just threatened someone. Or at least I think she did.
“Baka,” the girl hisses before looking back at me. “Sorry about her, she gets confused. Go get your seats. I’ll bring your coffee out in a minute.” The old woman scoffs while waving her hand as the girl ushers her back into the kitchen.
“Ah, yes, Stefa, put your Baka in the kitchen. Always to silence Baka!”
I give Royce a nervous laugh as we sit at a small table.
“Alright,” Royce sighs as she puts her phone down and stares directly at me. “I’m giving you five minutes, Jai. I am serious about the class. And then, after my class, I’m going to make sure no one comes here again.”
“Please don’t,” I groan while sitting back. “I’ll consider it a personal favor if you keep this one to yourself.” I watch her perfect brow arch, and I know I’ve piqued her interest.
“I want the Christmas Countdown.” I frown at her and shake my head.
