Page 106 of The Sun and Her Star

“Ah, you and your love stories. Just make sure you highlight and send me all of the sex scenes. They’re my favorite part.”

I roll my eyes and don’t answer.

“Apollo? Is that you?”

I close my eyes briefly before I look up. I would recognize that voice anywhere. I’m only surprised I didn’t smell the fire and brimstone when she entered the store.

“Hello, Nanette,” I say with a tight smile on my face.

“Well, you always did have your nose in a book. Good to see some things never change,” she says, looking down her nose at me. I give her a once-over. If I’m being objective, she looks great. But that calculation that was always in her eyes is still there now.

“Nice to see you,” I say and then pick up my kindle again. What the hell is taking Reena so long?

“You too. We should have dinner. Graham’s living here now, so maybe you can join us and make it a threesome. You seemed to enjoy being a third wheel.”

My kindle nearly falls out of my hand, and I can’t disguise my shock at her words.

“Oh, didn’t you know he was in town?” she laughs, icily.

“Of course, I did. I just don’t understand how you do?” I say acerbically.

“You’re so naïve, Apollo. What? Did you think you were finally going to get to live out your schoolgirl crush with Graham?”

Just then, Reena’s door swings open and she walks out. Her expression is comical. She can’t glower to save her life, but she’s trying her darnedest now.

“Why are you talking about Apollo’s boyfriend like you know him?” She demands as she storms up to where we’re talking.

“Reena, it’s okay.” I pick up my purse and stand up.

“Yourboyfriend?” Nanette bursts out laughing, and my heart feels like it’s pressing against my lungs, trying to hide from what’s coming.

“How do you feel about your boyfriend paying for this new purse I just bought?” she holds up a Louis Vuitton purse and waves it in my face.

“You’re lying,” I say and hate how scared I sound.

“Of course, she’s lying,” Reena chimes in and then leans over my shoulder toward Nanette.

“If I wasn’t worried about getting your makeup all over my hands, I’d slap you,” she says, glaring at Nanette.

“Do you have something in your eye?” Nanette says as she looks at Reena like she’s an insect.

“No, but I’ll put something in yours if you don’t shut your piehole.” She turns and hooks her arm through mine.

“Come on, Apollo. It smells like unwashed,dirtyvagina here now.” And then she drags me away.

I look over my shoulder and Nanette is glaring at us.

“Why did you look back? Youneverlook back,” Reena hisses at me as she pulls me through the swanky department store.

“Sorry, Iknow.I just don’t understand what the fuck she’s doing here.”

“Is thather? The one you told me about? The old crone?” she asks as soon as we step out onto Fifth Avenue.

“Yeah.” I steer us toward East Fifty-Sixth.

“Apollo, I hate to break it to you, but she’s not really a crone. In fact, she’s quite pretty if you like blondes with great skin, incredible tits, and legs that never end.”

“Jeez, thanks. Wanna go back and ask her out?” I slip my arm out of hers.

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