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How the fuck am I supposed to stay away from her now?
Am I wrong for lusting after a married woman? No doubt.
But I’m still holding on to my theory that things aren’t what they seem. There are too many signs proving it. Like the fact that she hasn’t so much as mentioned the guy in conversations, and the vague responses she gives anytime someone asks about him. Plus, I’ve noticed that the only time she wears her wedding ring is in the office.
I’m not married, but I think that’s kind of odd. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Scout without her ring on. My mom either, now that I’m thinking about it.
I raise the binoculars to my eyes as I watch her set down her book, then toss a ball across the pool. A moment later, Matilda launches over the water, snatching it mid-air before crashing back into the pool with a splash.
Kira giggles, holding a hand over her head to shield herself as water drops rain over her, then goes back to reading her book.
It looks like a self-help book of some kind, but I can’t make out the title. The same unanswered questions keep turning over in my mind. What is she really doing here? What was she doing at The Château Mystique? Why did she allow me to believe she was a sex worker?
There’s definitely more to the story, and I’m going to figure it out.
My protective instincts kick in when I think back to that viral video of her ramming her car into the paparazzi. She and Augustus had been fighting about something, and whatever it was had her really upset. Whatever they were fighting about was clearly enough to send her over the edge, which is why she lost her shit on those paps for antagonizing her.
That video went viral, and the next day her arrest was all over the news… And now she’s here for the entirety of the summer, working as my assistant.
It can’t be a coincidence.
On the side table beside me, my phone buzzes with a flurry of texts. I let out a frustrated sigh as I reluctantly set the binoculars down on the table.
Mom
Just wanted to get a final headcount for tonight. We’ve had some last-minute additions, and I don’t want to oversell.
Luka
Scout and I will be there
Guy
I’m pretty sure I can make it… Got to check my calendar first
Mom
Not funny, Guy Francis. You better be here in plenty of time for dress rehearsal. And please don’t forget to wear underwear this time!
Guy
I didn’t forget. It’s called an artistic liberty! It felt true to my character
Mom
Then consider your artistic liberties officially revoked. You either wear your own underwear, or I’ll find some for you to wear…
Guy
Yeah, right. Who seriously cares enough to give me their underwear?
Dad
Do you really want to find out?
Mom
Your father is willing to do whatever I ask of him.
