Page 39 of Red Flag
The photo had been posted hours ago.
But looking at the bottom of the screen, at the twenty-three notifications I had on the app, it wasn’t the only activity.
It changed to twenty-four.
I clicked to see the same notification over and over.
@NixonArmas18 liked your photo.
The last one he had double-tapped was from two years ago, Ben and I at the beach.
I kept scrolling, only for the next notification to make my stomach flutter with anxiety.
@NixonArmas18shared your post to their story.
Under my outfit of the day post, he’d added the text of ‘thebest publicist ever.’
My heart was beating so loudly that I was surprised my brother didn’t rush into the room, already dialling 999.
And then he’d posted another story. Him. Naked, the screen cut just at the thick v to his pelvis. With the audio of heavy breathing.
I may have watched the short clip a few times, breaths rising with my heartbeat.
A text came through, ruining my view.
NIXONARMAS: Stop ignoring me. Who’s the guy in the picture? Greece.
I sat against the headboard, the photo I’d gawked at having woken me up but I blinked out some of the tiring alcohol before reading his texts from earlier in the day.
NIXONARMAS: I did what you asked. Went without a hitch.
NIXONARMAS: Hope you’re okay and everything’s alright in England.
An hour ago, he texted me again.
NIXONARMAS: When are you back, Livid?
NIXONARMAS: I even posted the picture you wanted and no response?
NIXONARMAS: Never seen you without your phone for so long.
In India, it was at least three in the morning. He had to be drunk. Texting me drunk in his hotel room.
LIVIE: I’m flying tomorrow. Tell me more about today.
The three dots of him penning his reply were immediate.
NIXON ARMAS: What time?
NIXONARMAS: Would have been better if you were there. If you were here.
I didn’t doubt that. From a publicity angle, of course. I was pretty nifty with a camera lens.
LIVIE: Well, I’ll be there soon. You shouldn’t have posted my account.
NIXONARMAS: What if I got my plane to come and get you now?
NIXONARMAS: Already had men in myDMsasking if you’re single.
