Page 80 of Lovetown, USA
He hangs up, just like that, not even giving me time to verbally thank him for the flowers he sent me.
I roll my eyes and turn my attention back to my laptop. I’m down a digital rabbit hole with Mayor Daphne’s husband. According to his LinkedIn profile, Merrick Davis is a goodten years older than his wife, and he definitely looks it. He’s a “consultant in emerging technologies,” which makes my journalistic instincts tingle. It’s both too vague and too wordy for me.
I need to know more.
The name of his company is Cognilynx Inc. Never heard of it, but a cursory glance at their website tells me they’re in artificial intelligence.
Which…well, fuck.
That’s basically the bane of every writer’s existence. I’m predisposed to hate this company and that man already.
Before I can dig any deeper, Nadia’s name lights up my phone. I answer her on the first ring, too, and her voice floods my tiny hotel room.
“Girl! I need help.”
“With what?”
“I think I’m catching feelings.”
“For who?” I say, leaning back against the headboard. “Miguel? Amir?”
“No, Ashton.”
I pause to recall that name and come up short. “Who the fuck is Ashton?”
“I didn’t tell you about him?” She laughs. “Ashton’s the painter.”
“No, bitch. Never heard of him.”
“I know I told you.”
“You did not. Cut to the chase, I’m working.”
“Okay, so he’s been on the roster. And I know I shouldn’t be seriously considering an artist, but he’s been so consistent and sweet. He actuallylistenswhen I talk, you know? I think I like him for real. What do I do?”
I wanna laugh, but nothing comes out. “You’re seriously askingme?”
“Yes! I need advice.”
“Okay, well, here’s my advice. Don’t take advice from me.”
“I hate you.”
“Hate yourself for thinking I could help you. I’m a fucking mess over here. You know that.”
She sighs loudly. “What’s wrong now?”
I hesitate, then blurt it out. “I had a threesome.”
There’s a sharp inhale, then Nadia screams so loudly I yank the phone away from my ear.
“WHAT?!?!?”
I grin in spite of myself. “Yep.”
“With who?”
“Trey and Shayla, the woman I told you about.”
