“I never knew so much work went into these pictures,” he says.
“Most people don’t. Bookstagram is time-consuming but intensely worth it. And the sense of community is magical.”
“It sounds cool. So what do you think, should I moon the camera in the background? That’d be a fun Easter egg for your followers to find.”
“That would be a no,” I answer, looking over my shoulder. “But Iwilltake your watch.”
“Prude.” Ryan slides the watch off his wrist and hands it to me. I check the image through my screen one more time and opt to place the watch just above and to the right of the book. I then stand on my bed to hover over the scene and start clicking away. I take about twenty pictures, altering my position every few shots so I’ll have variety when I choose which ones I want to edit.
Once I’m satisfied, I plop down beside Ryan to start scrolling through my options when my phone starts ringing. Jen’s picture appears and I accept the call.
“Hello?”
“Kara? Why are you wide-awake so early?” I lower my phone and look at the top of the screen to check the time. It’s 8:15 a.m. Sex on the reg is really affecting my morning routine.
“I don’t know,” I say, bringing the phone back to my ear. “I had night terrors.”
Ryan and I look at each other and I quickly remember that Jen knows about him. No made-up excuse was necessary.
“You what? No, whatever, okay, don’t hate me, I had no idea she was doing this.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Mom!”
“Mom?” I repeat.
“Mom is on her way to your apartment!”
“What?” I immediately leap onto the floor. “Why is she coming here?” Fear echoes in my voice as I run my fingers through my bed-tangled hair.
“Yesterday she told me she’s been calling you and you haven’t answered or called her back. I told her you were busy writing and I thought she was okay with it but when I called her cell a few minutes ago, she was already on the train.”
“When did she leave?” I ask, holding my breath and entering full-blown panic mode.
“She got into Penn Station a few minutes ago. Depending on whether she’s taking a cab straight to you or taking the subway to Grand Central, she could be there any minute.”
“I have to go. Thanks for the heads-up.”
“Wait, wait, Kara!”
“What?” I ask.
“Is Ryan still there? Are you guys together?”
“Yes, and I think so.”
“Oh, my God! Did you have sex with him?” She sounds desperately curious and I’m too frenzied to lie.
“I did. Many times.”
“I love it! Call me ASAP. I want to know everything, positions included!”
“Gross, no!”
“Please?”
“Fine, goodbye.” I hang up the phone as horror continues to rock through my system. Mom could be knocking on the door at any given second.
