“Flip? What’s going on? Why are you calling me? Is Tally okay?”
“Tally’s fine. She’s at the dance studio with Charles and Arya.”
“Okay. Good. That’s a relief. What’s up?”
“Are you at the apartment?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I have some stuff for Tally. I’m almost at the university. Do you think you could let me in so I can bring it up?”
“Totally. Of course.”
“I’ll be there in a few.”
“I’ll meet you at the front doors.”
Like magic, one of the ten-minute spots is open as I pull up in front of her building. I barely have the car in park before the fucking reporters are on me.
I dial Hemi.
It doesn’t even finish ringing once. “What’s going on?”
“I know you’ve scheduled an interview for later today, but I’m out front of Tally’s building and I’m about to be swarmed.”
“Is Tally with you?”
“No. She’s at her dance studio. I’m dropping something off for her and I’m going to confront these assholes. I just wanted to prepare you since I’m sure it will cause you some headaches.”
She’s quiet a moment. “Keep the focus on Tally’s safety, but you have my blessing.”
“That was my plan. I appreciate it.”
“Flip.”
“Yeah.”
“You’re really kicking ass at this boyfriend business.”
I smile faintly. “Thanks, Hemi. That means a lot.” I end the call, summon some fucking calm, and open the door.
“Has Tally gone into hiding?”
“Have you and Tally broken up?”
“Is it true that Vander Zee is planning to trade you at the end of the season?”
“Is Tally moving in with you?”
I round the car and pop the trunk.
Students notice and start to flock toward us. I address their questions, pointing to each reporter. “No, no, no, and that’s actually none of your business, is it?”
“Why is Tally the first woman you’ve dated since you joined the Terror?”
“Have you and Tally been secretly dating for years?”
“For the love of.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Why is my love life so intriguing? Why are you following my girlfriend around her university campus? Do you have any idea how terrifying it was for her yesterday when you bombarded her after class? And for what? So you can ask her personal questions about our relationship that neither of us will answer?”
