Knox looks like he’s debating walking directly into traffic.
What the hell is he talking about?
Tuck, meanwhile, chooses this moment to lie down dramatically across my feet like he’s claiming me. Or maybe apologizing. Or maybe both.
“You got that?” Eli whispers to Jude.
“Already edited and uploaded,” Jude grins. “Should we add sparkles?”
I open my mouth to object,somehow, but Eli holds up a finger. “Too late. It’s already live on Stories. And the main grid.”
“What grid?!” Knox growls.
“TheSilver Peak NowInstagram,” Jude says helpfully. “You follow us, right?”
Knox’s silence is answer enough.
“I can tag you!” Eli adds cheerfully. “Or just tag your dog. What’s his handle again?”
“He doesn’t have a handle.”
“He does now,” Jude says, typing. “@TuckTheGoodestBoy.”
Knox turns slowly to face me, expression grim. “What have they done? Is it really online already?”
I glance down at my phone, which is exploding. Notifications pinging like popcorn in a hot pan.
“Yup,” I say. “That was live. Now we’re town viral.”
Knox closes his eyes like he’s summoning the strength of a thousand stoic ancestors.
“And before you ask,” I add quickly, “no, I didn’t plan this. I’m not scheming. I don’t evenknowhow to make a reel.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think you’d do this.”
Jude and Eli high-five like matchmakers who’ve sealed a deal with the universe. Tuck barks joyfully, oblivious to the storm he’s caused as Knox leads him to his car and away from all ofthis.
And me?
I stand there, pink-cheeked and mortified, my hair still half falling out of its bun, one sneaker still missing, a viral hashtag apparently hanging over my head.
…and all I can think is,Crap.
I’m pretty sure my mom isactiveon Instagram.
By the time I limp my way to the car, with my stupid sneaker in hand, my phone is vibrating like it’s trying to escape my purse.
I dig it back out, expecting maybe a few more notifications because of Eli and Jude.
What I get instead is Maya, blowing up my screen like I just soft-launched a fiancé on Instagram without telling her.
>>Josie! What. The. Hell!
>>Is that the food booth guy?? Are you KIDDING me right now?? THIS is how I find out you’re working for Knox freaking Knightly??? The football thirst trap???
My brain sputters as I respond.
>> Football?
