Page 103 of A Reluctant Boy Toy
Eventually, Molly took pity on me. She made a small plate of finger foods like grapes, berries, bites of cheese, ham, and salami. They were salty, though. Soon I was thirsty. That’s how I found myself at the table with soft drinks and bottled water and bowls of gummy bears and cookies. I glanced toward the wine table before choosing a bottled water.
I turned to find Sadie standing next to me.
“Hello,” I said. “You’re Sadie, right? We met briefly earlier.”
She gulped. “You're Sebastian Keye.”
“That’s me.” I shrugged.
“My friends and I bingedBeyond the Nightlike, a hundred times. Is it true you got fired fromBlood Academy?”
“I think we’re still in negotiations at this time. It’s possible they’re only writing me out of the show for a couple months.”
“You met, um, Hades and Persephone in California?”
“Your Dad introduced us.” I almost smiled at the obvious omission. “You must have met the newestBlood Academycelebrities here at the Sanctuary. Do you follow their Insta?”
“Yes. They’re cool, but actually, this is the first time I’ve been here. We don’t come because—” She broke off and glanced around furtively. “We don’t come here.”
“Because your Dad lives here?”
“Uncle Taggart visits us sometimes. He’s nice.”
“Are you glad to have a new baby cousin?”
“Yes!” she gushed. “Artemis is adorable. Mom says she’s going to teach me to crochet beanies for her. I wish I had a goddess name.”
“Sadie’s a great name. Isn’t it a nickname for Sarah?”
“Yeah. But everyone’s called Sarah these days. There are three Sarahs in my history class.” She bit her lip. “Is your real name Sebastian?”
“It is. You can call me Bast, if you like.”
“Okay, Bast.” She smiled shyly.
“Hey, loser.” Molly came over holding a glass of wine. “The wine is very tasty this afternoon. Too bad you’re cut off.”
“Don't rub it in.” I needed a drink or a pain pill soon. Everything had started to hurt again. “Did you meet Sadie yet?”
“Of course.” Molly smiled. “Sadie told me all about her friends and how much they likeBeyond the Night.I’m supposed to be sure to make you autograph something for her.”
“I have the pilot script at home. If Dad can find it, I’ll have him send it here and autograph that for you. Would you like it?”
Her eyes widened. “Yes. Oh, yes, please. You’d sign it to me? Sadie Wilder?”
“Sure.” She'd kept her Dad’s last name. Perhaps Serena’s new husband wasn’t interested in adopting them. Or Serena wasn’t on board. Maybe I was overthinking things again.
“My friends will just die,” said Sadie. “Could we take a selfie? Nobody believed me when I told them you were here.”
“Sure. Where?” Sadie picked under the arbor.
Molly offered to take the pictures. “Got it. Let’s get a couple more to be safe.”
Sadie and I posed. One silly picture, one super serious, and one relaxed and casual.
“Thanks. Oh my God. Everyone’s going to shit kittens when they see this.”
“You’re welcome, Sadie. My pleasure.”
