Page 73 of Moonstruck Kiss

“That’s a shame,” Josie says. “Ollie, especially, will be disappointed if you’re not there.”

My eyes water instantly and I squeeze them shut. I pretend it’s from a stomach cramp by doubling over.

“You better hop in the car with us,” Dad says. “Nothing worse than a stomach ache while trying to drive yourself home.”

“But take your time in the bathroom first,” says Mum. “We’ll wait for you.”

“Okay. I won’t be long. I’ll meet you at your car.” I hurry back to my studio. Thank God they bought my excuse.

I do let a few minutes pass before I reemerge and walk to my parents’ vehicle. I’m about to get in when I hear someone call my name.

“Joey!” Voovoo is walking out of his Oddities and Curiosities Shop, waving something in his hand. “Try this!”

My brows furrow. “What is it?” I call out.

“One of my herbal concoctions! It’ll stop your diarrhoea in no time!”

I blush to the tips of my hair and glance around to see if anyone heard him.

Yup, a few people have stopped to watch. I cringe.

Mum sticks her head out of the car window. “Thanks, Voovoo! That’s so nice of you.”

“You told him?” I say in a low, accusing voice.

“Of course not,” she whispers. “We all know he has no sense of decorum. Someone must have forwarded my text to him or something, thinking he’d have the quickest solution to your problem.”

“Who did you text?”

“The usual suspects.”

I suppress a sigh. That means everyone on her contacts list who might be able to help.

Cutie comes trotting out from inside the shopping arcade. “She’ll get sleepy with your blend, Voovoo! You don’t want her to get sleepy when she’s got a party to attend!” She reaches me and hands me an over-the-counter drug. “Just take this. You should be fine. We don’t want Ollie wondering why you’re not at his farewell party.”

“Thank you,” I say, putting the medicine in my bag.

“Joey!” another person calls out.

I scratch my head. It’s Gia, hurrying out of her place. She must have heard Voovoo.

“Hi,” I say weakly.

“I’m so sorry to hear you’re not feeling well.” She gives me a quick hug. “Have you taken anything for it?”

Sending her a smile, I nod. “Cutie just gave me something for it as well.”

“Good. You’ll hopefully feel much better in a couple of hours. Those tablets work quite fast. It’ll be a damn shame if you miss the party. Ollie will be very sad if you’re not there.”

“I’ll see how I go.” These people sure know how to prod my conscience, albeit unknowingly.

When the fussing over my fake condition is finished, I’m relieved to be heading home. By the time Dad parks the car in their driveway, I’ve succumbed to the guilt.

“I’m actually feeling much better,” I say. “Maybe the tablets I took have taken effect.”

“Do you feel good enough to go to the party with us?” asks Mum.

“I think so.”

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