Page 46 of Scandal

I sniffle for a while, letting that reassuring statement wash over me. “When are you leaving?”

“Got a flight out in two days. But I’ll come visit. And you can visit me.”

“You promise?”

“Absolutely, angel.”

Xander

I’ve become a social media stalker, because I promised myself I wouldn’t use my powers for evil anymore. AKA, I won’t hack Cam’s life. Gotta cheese on my man like everyone else, through a series of Instagram posts. Once I told him how much I enjoy seeing the pics though, I started getting a few extra every day, just for me, sent via text. So that’s something.

But pictures only do so much to make me feel close to my favorite person on Earth. The only person who ever wholly believed in me. Aside from Nayla. But I don’t want to think about her, because I was so focused on Cam before I left Glen Arbor, I didn’t have a chance to apologize to her properly. Might have something to do with the little grudge I’m carrying still. Since Cam is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, I feel even more pissed that she tried to keep me from dating him.

I’m just about finished for the day. Managed to trick AI into hiring someone through Task Rabbit to do the captcha to create a bank account. Ironically, the Tasker asked if it was AI, but the AI figured out on its own to claim to be a person with a visual impairment. It’s spooky, to reveal these kinds of weaknesses in the design. But it sure makes for an interesting day’s work.

Only four minutes to spare when I finish, to get ready for my video call with Cam. I’ve only agreed to do this every other day, because I want him to enjoy college. Make friends. Have a life outside of me. He complains every time I bring it up, but I’m a stickler. And I can tell he’s happier now, having more friends to spend time with. My man’s a social butterfly. At least one of us should like other people.

As I tousle my hair in the mirror, my phone rings, but it’s not Cam just yet. It’s my boss. “What’s good, Matteo?”

“Not the future of humanity, according to your log records today.”

His tone is serious, but I still laugh. “Yeah, kind of shocked myself on that one.”

“We’re sending a memo tonight to start that patch.”

“Very cool,” I reply as I study my reflection, already focused on the call with Cam.

“So, that’s really why I’m calling. We’re really happy with your work over the last two weeks. We’d like to promote you to team lead for the Ethical Hacking division. Got two more coming on we’ll need you to train.”

I look down at the phone on my bathroom counter, as if I’ll be able to see Matteo. It’s just a black screen with his name across it though. “Wow. Thanks, man.”

He chuckles. “Thanks for coming to CyberProbe. You could have gone anywhere, so I’m trying to suck up to keep you here.”

“Not going anywhere, Matteo. Don’t worry.” I seem to have to reassure Matteo about as often as I reassure my boyfriend.

“It’s just, you know, with the promotion, you will need to train people in the office a few days a week. I know you were trying to get back to your boyfriend.”

“He’ll graduate eventually. So long as we find a spot for him after graduation... and maybe this summer, for an internship?” I suggest with the grace of nested looping code. That’s to say, really fucking graceless.

“Of course. No problem. I’ll have HR email you about the summer. Thanks, man. I’ll let you get back to your night.”

Just as Matteo says that, my video call notification pops up. “You too, man.” I click the end button and answer Cam. His beautiful smile fills the screen. “Hey, handsome.”

“Holy hotness, your shirt is off,” he squeaks.

I give him my best smoldering look. “You like?”

“Hell, yes. New rule, always be shirtless on the phone with me.”

“Done. How was your day? Do I need to put a hit out on Leo, or is he behaving himself?”

Cam laughs, blinks those big, beautiful lashes at me. “He’s wholly afraid that if he pisses you off, you will release his photo roll to the public.”

“I could if I wanted to.”

Cam smiles mischievously. “I might have told him as much.”

“Good boy,” I praise immediately. Not a jealous prick, but I do expect people to treat Cam with respect. Or else.

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