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My focus snaps to the docent and the asshole’s arm that just slid around my shoulders. I wiggle away and open my backpack to get away from Thumper. He keeps saying shit like, “Now that you dumped the meathead jock, it’s time to get on my...”

He winks instead of saying the word cock. Ugh. He’s the worst. I slammed the door in his face last night. He wasn’t happy, but he wouldn’t leave me alone. He leans down while I’m rifling through my bag.

“Let’s break off from the group. Come on, good girl, time to mess with a bad boy.”

“Ew. Stop.” I bristle.

“You say that, but you don’t mean it.”

I whisper, “I do. I mean it. Stop.”

“Mme Fox, veuillez faire attention.”

I hate being yelled at.

I apologize and move away from him and towards the Rococo gallery. I can’t concentrate since I’ve seen Danny. I want to fix this, which gives me an excuse to shake off Thumper.

LIZZIE: Hey.

I’m so stupid. I don’t talk to him for a week, after moaning with my nipples on his tongue, and now the only thing I can come up with is “hey.” I groan at how dumb I am.

He answers immediately. At least I know he’s not making out with anyone right now. I wonder why he’s here. He has class.

DANNY: Hey!

Well, that’s unhelpful. Did he miss me? Has he already moved on? Will I have to nurse heartbreak in Paris alone? We got so close to something, and I fucked it up. How do I say that without saying that? I’m walking and looking at my phone, and I don’t realize I’ve completely lost the group. Great, now I’ll flunk Art History next year.

I try again.

LIZZIE: What are you doing here?

I scurry into the next gallery and fucking run smack into Thumper. He’s staring at The Death of Sardanapalus. Of course, he is. Lots of naked women. He sees me and points to the painting.

“Boobs.”

Oh God.

“Where is Madame Jeanea?”

He walks into my space. This part of the museum is closed for our school today. There are six classes here today, but currently, it’s empty.

“I’m here. Let me see if your tits are as good as hers.” He motions to the painting. He’s gross and kind of predatory. He pushes into my space and I back up. Warning bells rattle in all my nerves, but I’m not sure what I can do.

“You haven’t talked to that asshole all week. What’s the deal?”

I’m backed into a corner when my phone dings.

DANNY: If you ever want to know what I’m doing here, I’d be happy to show you. I was trying to give you space.

My chin is to my chest as I stare at my phone, elated he answered. I’m hoping my lack of eye contact gives this asshole the message to leave, because I don’t have an escape route he can’t block. I put my phone in the front pocket of my jeans.

My voice is stronger than ever before. “Back off, Thumper.”

He lifts his other arm and his nail touches my cheek.

“That’s no way to act. I mean, we’re in a public place. You’re perfectly safe. And I see the way you look at me. I get it. And you can totally get it, if you go with it.”

I pull my face away from him. “GO AWAY. Get the fuck away from me.” I slap his face and he licks his lip. I know we’re in a public place, but I’m still scared. He grins and grabs my arm hard, and I can’t pull away.