I just shrug. “Only makes us tougher.”
“But you shouldn’t have to put on a layer of armor to face the world.”
“Some might say it’s the price we pay for being in the spotlight.”
“No.” She sets her pizza down. “You might be in the spotlight, but you’re a human first. Being treated like that is unacceptable.”
“Thanks.” I love how much she’s defending me. It’s very true, the spotlight can be a distant, dark place where loneliness quickly creeps into your soul. But no need to get into that. To lighten the mood, I say, “Maybe you should be my bodyguard and snap at the people who wrong me.”
“Oh, I would. I can be a keyboard warrior. I can put people in their place no problem. Just direct me where to go.”
“Why does it feel like if I unleashed you and Penny on the anti-fans that you would end up making them cry in minutes?”
“Because you’re aware of our superpowers. No one messes with us or the people in our group.”
“Am I in your group?” I ask.
“I mean . . . you and Sherman are for sure in the group. Maybe Sherman a little more than you.”
“I want to say I’m insulted, but I also understand the connection.”
“Is it weird that I was looking up plant clothes today? There was nothing, but I did find some bowties made for stuffies that could work for him. It would be adorable. A purple one for game days. He would be dressing up just like his daddy.”
“What did I say about that? He doesn’t call me Daddy.”
“As far as you’re aware.” She takes a large bite of her pizza. The melted cheese extends out as she pulls the pizza away. I reach out and help her, snapping the cheese string in half. She smirks up at me and my heart seizes in my chest. It’s the most beautiful smile . . . ever.
Her eyes light up.
Her lips are full of grease and cheese.
And there’s a tiny dimple cutting into her right cheek.
I like this girl so fucking much. The more time I spend with her, the more I realize it.
She isn’t just beautiful—on the outside—but on the inside, she has this uplifting spirit. Her warm personality makes you feel like you can be yourself without any passing judgment. It’s easy to relax with her.
It’s why I find myself letting my guard down and talking about Holden. I haven’t wanted to search for a book to escape into.The first time in years.
“Do I have cheese on my face?” she asks.
“Huh?” I’m shuffled out of my thoughts.
“You’re looking at me as if I have cheese on my face.”
Shit, you’re staring again, you moron.
“Oh sorry, no, I was just impressed with that bite.”
“Oh yeah?” She wiggles her brows. “Well there’s more where that came from.” She opens her mouth wide and takes a giant bite of her pizza. Impressive. She can unhinge her jaw and shove the pizza in there.
“Impressive, but check this out,” I say before attempting to shove the entire pizza into my mouth. ..but failing miserably when the pizza hits the back of my throat and my gag reflex kicks in, causing me to pull the whole thing out.
Mouth slightly full, she laughs, tears springing to her eyes. She takes deep breaths as she chews and then swallows. She washes it down with a lime La Croix and says, “Oh my God, you’re such a man. That gag reflex is strong on you.” She leans forward and elbows me like we’re chums. “Not something I ever had to worry about.”
Jesus.
Christ.
