Page 25 of Anti-Player

Juliet: Where are you?

Juliet: Paige? Paige answer me.

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Hunching over my keyboard, I type.

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Me: I'm fine. Justshaken up.

Juliet: WAS THAT HIM????

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I hesitate, but Julietisn't stupid. She has to know the answer already. If not, she'll figure it out soon. Maybe talking this out with her will make me feel less nauseous.

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Me: Yeah. Mikel Hause, that was him.

Juliet: Is he TRYING to ruin your reputation?????

Me: I don't think so.

Juliet: Then is he just dumb as shit?

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Quirking a half-smile, I let my fingers run over the keyboard faster.

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Me: He's incrediblyintelligent. He just has no clue how to behave socially.

Juliet: No duh. But I'm not so sure it's just that. Even tech-bros know better than to throw their money around like they're ballers in a strip club.

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I clench my jaw.

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Me: It's not like that.

Juliet: Oh? You don't think he was trying to show off? Make your viewers know you belong to him?

Me: Hey, stop. That's really gross.

Juliet: The truth isn't pretty.

Me: Mikel isn't trying to make me look bad.

Juliet: Does intent matter? He's threatening your career.

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It feels like coldice is moving through my veins in painful sharp chunks. I hold my breath, then suck in raspy air as if I can't get enough. What she's saying... is she right?

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