Page 78 of We Own the Stars

44KALLISTA

Two weeks later

“Tonight, we mourn the loss of fifteen special souls who died at the Arclight Amphitheater in an attack that is being called one of the worst terrorist attacks in the past twelve decades,” the newscaster announces from the terminal.

Margot walks in front of it, blocking my view, and crosses her arms in front of her chest. “Alright, I think that’s enough doom-watching today, don’t you think?” she asks.

We’ve been glued to the terminal all afternoon, mainly watching the news. As it turns out, General Atraxis was the head honcho of some underground criminal gang. Should have known. Xavian wasn’t surprised when he found out. But we were both shocked when my agent was arrested soon after, along with the Denorrans who survived the attack. Turns out Luthor was dealing in Solace for this group. So, as it turns out, he really was bad news.

Lacie was arrested immediately. I mean, of course she was. There were other witnesses who saw her attack me at the amphitheater. When they investigated her, they found she’d also been working with the Denorran criminal gang for a little less than a year. It’s been one giant clusterfuck.

I’m going to be in court testifying for all these cases until I’m an old lady, but that’s fine. As long as the victims get justice, it’ll be okay. My career is at a standstill now, of course, but I can’t even begin to worry about that.

Snuggling up to Xavian on his couch feels heavenly after everything we’ve been through. It’s comforting, sitting with him like this. Except it’s never going to stop feeling weird that Margot is standing in his living room like she actually belongs here. I mean, up until recently, I still wasn’t sure if Margot and I would salvage our friendship and now she’s actually hanging out with us. It’s like old times, but different. Feels good, though.

I’m ready to argue when Xavian picks up the remote and turns the terminal off. “No, I think she’s right. What else can they possibly say? We already know everything. We were there.”

“Exactly. It’s just going to give you stomach ulcers,” Margot says. “Thank you, Xavian.”

“I hate it when you two band together like this,” I mutter, crossing my arms in front of my chest, but I’m grinning. “So unfair.”

“We’re not banding together!” Margot says. “Okay, maybe a little bit. But only because we care about you and your well-being.”

I roll my eyes. “Fine. You got me there. Now what?”

Before Margot can answer the question, Aiken crashes through the doorway holding a six-pack of beer and a plastic grocery bag filled with snacks. He freezes when he realizes there’s an extra person in here. Margot stares at Aiken, and he stares right back.

“Who?” Aiken rumbles the question.

I smile at him. “Aiken, this is Margot, my best friend. Margot, this is Aiken. Xavian’s best friend. Now that’s out of the way. Can I have one of those alcohol-free beers I see in there?”

Ever since Aiken found out I don’t drink, he’s been stocking the fridge with 0.0% beers so I don’t feel left out. Aiken nods, shuffles into the kitchen, and thrusts the six-pack into the fridge. “Yes. Not cold yet.”

I look up at Margot and grin. “His Universal isn’t great, but he’s really sweet. Promise.”

“I believe you,” she says, watching as Aiken shuffles back into the living room. But Aiken doesn’t meet Margot’s eyes. In fact, it looks like he’s actively avoiding looking at her face altogether.

“What’s wrong, Aiken?” Xavian asks. “Acara got your tongue?”

Aiken looks up at Margot again, and I swear I see a blush creep across his dark features. Seriously? I didn’t even know Gorcians could blush, but it’s pretty fucking adorable.

“Pretty,” he mumbles, then runs off to the bathroom in a hurry.

Margot blinks as she watches Aiken rush off, and her eyebrows shoot up. “What … in the world?”

“I think he likes you,” Xavian says, nodding. “But don’t worry. He won’t bother you. He’s a gentleman.”

Now it’s Margot’s turn to blush as she looks toward the bathroom door, then back at us. “O-Oh. Um. That’s … I’m flattered.”

Xavian and I laugh. The familiar beeping of his terminal interrupts us.

“Hold on, I’m getting a call,” Xavian says. Margot and I nod, and Xavian heads off to his bedroom to take his call, leaving us alone.

She watches me closely, like she’s waiting for something. I arch an eyebrow. “What? What’s up? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Lifting a single shoulder, she says, “Oh, nothing. Just … you look a lot better. Healthier. Happier. I’m happy for you. But are you sure you really want to retire, Em? You realize that the media probably won’t leave you alone even if you decide to exit the limelight.”

We’ve been over this so many times already, there isn’t much left to say. Once Xavian, Margot, and I were out of the hospital, I decided I was ready to retire. No, being an A-list celebrity was not worth it. If the studio execs couldn’t respect my need for autonomy, then I didn’t need them in my life. Or the industry, for that matter. All of it could get fucked, as far as I was concerned.

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