Page 136 of Bad Love

As I tuck the origami flower safely away, my phonebuzzes.

Nellie:Well played,asshole.

It’s accompaniedby a picture of a key card with a fancy C sitting on what looks like the conciergedesk.

It takes a minute for me to catch up. The key’s for the penthouse at theCharlotte.

My heart hammers in my chest, a heavy thud that echoes in my ears. “Iwon.”

Nellie:I didn't see your savior coming to therescue.

“What the hell?”Monty demands, staring at the link Nellie included with thetext.

It’s a link to a video on a major newsnetwork.

I follow it, and the videoautoplays.

“Is thatKendall?!”

I’m as floored as Monty, but he’s notwrong.

It’s just a woman’s face in theframe.

A gorgeous woman. A woman I never thought I’d see smile in my directionagain.

But there sheis.

And she’s not talking tome.

"I’m sending this video to you not because you’re a close friend, but because you’re a mom in my network. You’re trusting me by watching this, and to be honest, I’m trusting you by sharingit.”

She swallows, taking a steadyingbreath.

“My name is Kendall Sullivan, and I’m a mom. Since you are too, you know how hard life can get. No matter your family situation, career situation, there are so many pressures to do things right and not make mistakes. To be the person they want you to be on the outside. To put everyone else ahead ofyou.

“But recently, I met a man who showed me there’s another way. And before you start asking, I’m not talking about Jesus.” I choke on a laugh. “Although he and I still have a goodrelationship.

“This man came to me for my help, but really? He helped me. He showed me it’s possible to be yourself and love other people. To be bold in trying newthings.”

My hands tighten on thephone.

“And that thing he wanted help with? It was selling vibrators. If he sells ten thousand, he gets the thing he always wanted but never realized he did. And second chances are a beautifulthing.

“So, I hope you’ll consider buying one. It’s for a good cause. Two good causes,really.

“Before you start thinking this is exclusively some play on your emotions, let me assure you: the product is amazing. I can testify to that.” Kendall holds up the vibe in the frame as she explains how it works. My gaze drifts from her full lips to her earnest hazel gaze to the faint flush in her cheeks, and I'm so full of feelings I don’t know where to put them. “No matter what your sex life is like, this will help. If you’ve been denying yourself for a while—or forever,” she goes on, the pink spreading to her neck, “this could be what you need. Or if you have a dresser full of toys—no judgement here—then share this with someone who might need one in theirlife.”

Monty and I watch the thing through to the end. The numbness that’s taken up residence in my gut for the past few weeks melts to incredulity, then evaporatestoo.

What’s left is powerful enough I can barelybreathe.

Gratitude. Longing.Love.

"Damn, Logan,” Monty mutters. “I can’t believe she put her face on camera to sell vibrators foryou.”

"I know.” Not only does it sound like she sent this to the same parents’ networks she hit up to sell talent show tickets, but it seems her appeal’s taken off. The video’s seen nearly one million views since it wasposted.

“A viral vibrator love note,” Monty muses. “That might be the most twisted romantic shit I think I’ve everheard.”

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