Page 32 of Kiss Me, Maybe

“We’re just friends,” Krystal says, rising to put herself between me and Natalia. “I’m helping her put on the scavenger hunt. Why would I do that if we were something more?”

I’m still wondering why she’d go through the trouble myself, especially after what she told me about her past relationships. If she really believes love isn’t for her, why is she so interested in whether I find it or not?

“Where did you hear these rumors from?” I ask Natalia.

“For better or worse, my For You page is now a fan of any topic relating to you. There are people claiming to know you in some capacity making videos about you now. For good measure, I searched your name on Reddit and found even more bullshit.”

“They’re not true,” Krystal says. “Obviously these people will say anything for their ten minutes of fame.”

“You really think these people care about the truth?” Natalia lets out a sharp laugh. “Anyone familiar with comphet can put two and two together to explain the way Angela has interacted with these men in the past. As for whatever’s going on here”—she waggles a finger between me and Krystal—“maybe you’re friends, maybe you’re something more. What I do know is there’s nothing that breaks down a parasocial relationship faster than even a whiff of deception.”

“How am I deceiving my audience by being friends with Krystal, exactly?”

“I don’t know. How many friends do you hold hands with and make moon eyes at?”

Oh no. Do I have a habit of making moon eyes at Krystal without even knowing it?

“I get it, okay? You smell smoke, and that’s why you don’t want to help me. You’ve been through your own internet dogpiling already. I can imagine you don’t want anything to do with another in the making. I’m sorry to have wasted your time.”

“You still don’t get it.” She shakes her head before I turn to leave, and when she looks up at me, her eyes are shining. “I’m not your enemy here. I’m not saying you’re deceiving anyone.” Natalia steps forward as I step out from behind Krystal’s back. “I wasn’t either, but they still came for me.”

“This is ridiculous!” Krystal protests, crossing the room to face Natalia. “Are you really this bitter over what happened to you? The internet has the memory of a gnat when it comes to stupid shit like this. Are you really gonna let it ruin your spirit like you let it ruin your career?”

“Hey!” Stephanie steps in front of Natalia. “You’re going to need to watch your tone. This isn’t what I invited you here for.”

“Whatdidyou invite me here for anyway?” I ask her. “I don’t get it. I thought Natalia was on board to help with the scavenger hunt. Clearly she has no interest in having anything to do with me.”

“Stephanie still has hope for me.” Natalia rolls her eyes before facing her roommate. “Which makes her more foolish than you, Angela.”

“I may not have liked the way she yelled at you, but Krystal has a point,” Stephanie says. “You don’t have to let them win. It hurts me to see the way you mope around this apartment. You haven’t picked up a brush inweeks. Dropping out of First Friday was the last straw. I had to dosomething.”

“Wait, you dropped out of First Friday?” I ask her.

“Even if I wanted to help you, I couldn’t.” She shakes her head. “This slump has been killing me.”

“If you would justtry—”

“Nothing isworking!” Natalia kicks the coffee table so hard, the glass falls and shatters. The three of us stand here, stunned and silent, until Natalia exits the living room without another word.

“We should…” Krystal looks between me and Stephanie. She nods her head toward the door and her voice lowers to a whisper. “We should probably go.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Stephanie motions us to follow her. Outside, she shuts the door behind us with a soft click. “I’m so sorry about… well, about everything. She’s been like this since she quit social media last year. I didn’t understand it. She was at the height of her career, but I guess it’s true what they say.” She holds my gaze, and a shudder runs through my body as she says, “What goes up must come down.”

There are so many questions I want to ask, but I don’t even know where to start.

“You thought I’d be able to get through to her,” I realize. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Don’t be sorry yet,” she says. “I still think you can.”

“But why me? Natalia and I don’t even know each other.What makes you think I’ll be able to change her mind?” I ask. “Because of the mural?”

“Because there’s nothing that matters more to her than community,” she explains. “There was a time when she would’ve jumped at the chance to be part of this scavenger hunt. She’s not herself, and I…” She sucks in a breath. “I’m worried she won’t ever be the same again.”

I want to ask her again,what happened? Natalia has already proven she wants nothing to do with me. Stephanie is wrong, and so am I. There’s nothing I can do to convince her to be part of this.

“I’m sorry there wasn’t more I could do.”

Just as I’m about to turn away, she reaches for my arm. “Wait.”

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