Everything stops.The chaos, the shouting—gone.All eyes are on him as he writhes in pain on the ground.For a moment, I forget how much I hate him.
13
Thrifting
Fenella
Alan and I sit at a picnic table under a tree stripped bare by winter.The wood is cold even through my jeans, and my breath fogs in front of me as I speak.
“That was insane.I’ve never seen those ladies go off like that,” I say, shaking my head.
“Luckily, it all worked out.All you need is a magic megaphone.”Alan grins, brushing snowflakes off his jacket like nothing happened.
“Ugh, you started it, though.If you hadn’t come up with that stupid idea out of nowhere, they wouldn’t have gone so wild.”I groan and almost kick his leg under the table.He winces as he dodges my leg, clutching his calf.
“Hey, I was just trying to do something nice, Fenella.What’s wrong with donating and doing something good for those old ladies?”
“You should’ve looked at the situation first.You always do this, start something messy, then act like the hero.”I glare at him.“Was that also your evil plan with the ad?Were you planning to be the hero saving the scandal?”
“Come on, there was no evil plan.It’s my job to fix it.If not me, then who?”He shrugs with a half-laugh that sends a puff of white mist into the air.
“I don’t know.That young PR genius you and Mallory hired to make everything look spotless again?Damn.Must be nice to have all that money.”I scoff and look away from his face.
“His name is Adrian Lee, and he’s working to save us all.You don’t have to worry about it.If only you’d come and talk to work this out together.”He widens his eyes with excitement, making me almost believe him.
“I hate you,” I mutter, folding my arms.
We sit in silence for a while.The wind stings my cheeks, and laughter drifts from my mom’s tent, sharp and loud against the quiet snow.I shouldn’t even be near him, but he’s hurt, and I can’t just walk away.His pants are rolled up to his knees and still damp from the spilled eggnog.Thank God his scream cut through the chaos like thunder, snapping everyone out of it.He saved me.
“Thanks, Alan.”I glance at him, still frowning.“Or should I call you Clark?”
He looks at me for a long time, eyes softer now, breath spilling in slow white clouds.“It’s been a long time since anyone called me that,” he mumbles, his gaze heavy with something that screams sadness.
Oh no.Why is he getting sentimental now, of all times?I sigh, the cold air biting my lips.I’m still mad about everything he pulled with me and Laird, but after what happened, I can’t stay angry at him.He’s always been the best at showing off his so-called sacrifices.
“How’d you even know I was here?”
“I asked your neighbor.Don’t tell me you forgot your mom’s address is listed as your emergency contact in the talent file,” he says, his tone half amused.
I pout, not ready to admit he’s smart enough to find me that way.He’s like a fox, too clever for his own good.“Can you at least keep Jessy with Gene instead of throwing him away?”I ask, watching my breath fog up between us.
Alan exhales slowly, moving his hands off his leg.He leans forward, resting his elbows on the frozen table, his posture uneven with one leg stretched out.
“As long as you don’t toss us into your trash first,” he says with a grin.
I gape at him, then huff out a laugh, shaking my head.“How could I not, when you dug the hole yourself and made me fall into it too?”
“Pretty sure it’s the other way around.I built the staircase, but you’re the one who kicked it down.”He shrugs again, his breath curling in the air like smoke.
“Yeah, yeah, Alan.I know you’ve been throwing projects my way.Even Mike said yesterday I’ve been stealing too many.Was that you?”I narrow my eyes, and he falls silent.
I roll my eyes, already knowing the answer.He doesn’t have to say a word.His silence is proof enough.
“How could you do that to them?They’re all my friends.”
“I didn’t steal anything from anyone.Just listen to me.”He shakes his head, denying it.
“Have you even seen the comments on my socials?People call me a thief.An arrogant bitch who’d do anything to get ahead.”My voice cracks as I cut him off.
