Page 48 of Reverb

I have very bad news for you.

There was a pause, and then the dots moved.

Stone

What do you want, Maplethorpe?

I couldn’t help smiling, and my unease drained away. Maybe we’d attacked each other in bed last night, but this was easy. This meant we were good.

Sienna

The magazine wants to give me regular assignments.

Stone

I get that’s bad news for whoever you write about. Why is it bad news for me?

Sienna

Because it means you have to admit I’m a real journalist.

Stone

I never said you were a fake journalist. I said you ask too many questions. That is not the same thing.

Sienna

Now someone is going to pay me to ask questions. So I’m not going to stop.

Stone

There’s no telling what people will do with their money, I guess.

Sienna

Exactly. Also, they said something about a photographer. Which means you get to have your picture taken.

Stone

No.

Sienna

Sorry, you already agreed, so it’s going to happen. I’ll make sure you look nice.

Stone

Where can I pick up some Ebola? Because I’d rather get Ebola than have my picture taken.

Sienna

You’re so cute, though.

I added a heart-eyes emoji, just to piss him off.

Stone

I am deleting your number, Maplethorpe.

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