Brody’s jaw is tight, eyes sharp. “You okay?”
“It’s not what it looks like.”
“I know.” He squeezes my shoulder. “Flip wouldn’t do that to you.”
I drop into one of the chairs on his back deck.
The sliding door opens and Gage peeks his head out.
Brody pins him with a look. “Do not say anything stupid.”
“I wasn?—”
“Shut it.” Mac flicks his ear.
My phone buzzes again. I finally pull it out of my bag so I can check the damage. My Babe Brigade is on fire.
Rix
Stay off socials, please.
Hammer
All socials.
Hemi
Flip should have messaged me about this last night so I could get ahead of it, but I’m running interference now.
Essie
I’m sorry
Dred
I’m seeing what kind of strings my husband and his endless-pool-of-wealth family can do. I’ll report back when I have information.
Tally
Aunt Flo made an untimely visit and ruined my dress, and my reputation. So fun.
Another slew of messages follow, all with hearts and empathy. I wish it made this suck less. I exhale my anxiety and switch to the ones from Flip.
Flip
Are you okay?
I need you to message me as soon as you see this.
I’m taking care of this now.
I’ll pick you up as soon as practice is over.
My fingers hover over the keys. I don’t even know what to say. I’m scared, I’m anxious. How will I make it through the end of the semester if I’m the hot topic on campus again?
Tally
I’m at Brody’s. Fee is bringing my car here.
