Page 38 of Hot Girl Summer

“Spinach, prosciutto, caramelised onions, wild mushrooms, eggs and rocket on a sourdough base.”

“Sounds delicious. It was a pretty bold move of you to assume I like pizza.”

“Who doesn’t like pizza?”

“Spoken like a true Italian.”

I shoot him a pointed look. “We can’t be friends if you don’t like pizza.”

“We’re friends now, are we? I had no idea you felt that way.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

Danny picks up a slice, and after taking a bite, his eyes grow wide and his mouth curls into a satisfied smile. “Mmm, that’s too good,” he says, barely breathing between bites. He pauses to swallow the last mouthful. “So, I’m curious. Why the alter ego?”

“Buffy was taken,” I say, taking a bite of my own.

Danny shoots me a pointed look, and I roll my eyes. There’s no denying that this man has seen through my facade from day one.

“I grew up watching angsty teen dramas about American rich kids. I always envied that carefree California girl lifestyle. Summer’s my favourite season, and it just happens to be my favourite slayer’s surname, and my favourite O.C. character.”

“A Summer trifecta," he muses. "You know, a privileged lifestyle isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”

“Says the rich person who surrounds themselves with equally rich people,” I deadpan. “So anyway, a few years ago, I was out with my friends, and this guy kept following me around. He wouldn’t leave me alone until he knew my name. I got freaked out, panicked, and Summer was officially born.”

Danny’s eyes darken.

“Did he try something?”

“No, nothing like that. But he scared me. I thought if I just told him my name he’d leave me alone, but he didn’t. He slipped something in my drink. I don’t remember anything, but Ryan said he found me barely conscious, slumped against a wall. I guess he scared him off.

“I thought that was the end of it, but he stalked me on social media. I had to get the police involved, and now I have a restraining order against him. It was really stressful for all of us. We didn’t know it at the time, but that’s when Kiki’s illness took hold. At first, she started excusing herself to eat in her room, but really she was hiding her food. Eventually, she was hospitalised with anorexia. I felt so responsible. All the signs were there, but somehow, I was so wrapped up in my own shit that I didn’t notice how thin she had gotten. I should have known.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you, but you can’t blame yourself.”

“It’s hard not to. I feel like I have to constantly put on a brave face for Kiki’s sake. I feel so guilty for letting her down.”

“It’s not your fault. The psychology of eating disorders is so complex. You can’t feel guilty for something out of your control.”

“That’s the thing. If I hadn’t been so wrapped up in my own issues, I would have realised that Kiki was hurting herself. That’s what hurts the most.”

He places a hand on top of mine, pain etched on his face. “I’m sorry this happened to you, and your family.”

“Thank you.” I let out a breath. “Sorry, I got carried away. You’re surprisingly easy to talk to. Maybe because you’re old and wise, huh?” I let out a small, pathetic laugh.

“Less of the old, thank you.” Danny’s smile is infectious. I’m glad he’s here. “So, effectively, Summer is a shield.”

“I guess so. Like my protection.”

“Protection from what?”

I don’t answer, because every answer in my head sounds ridiculous. What have I always run from? Men, feelings, commitment, love, myself. The list is endless. He doesn’t ask again, and for that I’m grateful. In the quiet, we tuck into another slice of pizza while a backdrop of waves crash against the shore in the distance.

“Does that happen a lot? Guys harassing you?” he finally asks, breaking the silence.

“All the time.”

“On behalf of all men, I apologise.”

---