Page 75 of Alice Chen's Reality Check

“Oh, shut up,” Selena says from where she’s cuddled up with Chase. “Who we date isn’t any of your business.”

“Girlie, the four of you are fucking with my chance to win a million dollars, so I’d say it’s very much my business,” Dominic sneers.

“Hey now, let’s take down the temperature,” Chase says, holding his hands up. He’s got an affable smile on, the kind he’d wear to break up a bar fight. Beneath the friendly expression, though, I can tell even he’s starting to get pissed. “We’re just trying to ride out this storm, okay?”

“Sure. Whatever.” Dominic focuses his attention back on me, and my skin crawls as he says, “I don’t know what your game is, but you’d better sleep with both eyes open.”

I’m spared from having to tell Dominic to go fuck himself whenTrevor enters the room carrying an armful of throw pillows and a giant comforter.

“Did Mikayla come through here?” he asks us. We all exchange blank looks.

Daniel answers, “No, haven’t seen her tonight.”

“Weird,” Trevor says. “I told her I’d pack up our stuff to come down here. Figured she’d be here by now.”

“Give your girl some space,” Jaxon says. Ironically, he’s got his head in Brittany’s lap as she crochets an elaborate lace top. “You’ll be just fine if you’re apart for more than five minutes.”

“You don’t get it,” Trevor insists. “This is our brand. It’s what Trekayla is all about. We’re always together.”

“Always?” Jaxon repeats skeptically. “Even when you’re takin’ a dump?”

Brittany prods him with her crochet hook. “Don’t be gross, honey.”

“I get you, Trevor,” Selena says. “Everyone is different. Some people want space, and some people don’t. Plus, for content creators, your identity is your brand, and that’s how you make your living. You have to take that seriously.”

Trevor shoots her a grateful look. “Yeah, exactly. We’ve got the followers, but that doesn’t always translate into dollars. Which is why we’re here, to take our relationship and our platform to the next level.”

“Oh, I know,” Selena says. “I love your reels. I watched your announcement video on the ride over before Seth took my phone away.”

“God, what I would give for my phone back,” Jaxon groans.

Ava and Noah arrive just then, dragging their hardshell suitcases behind them.

“Jesus!” Noah glances at the rain sleeting past the window. “I’m sick of this weather. You guys know where the food is? I need to fuel up.”

“You don’t want to see what he’s like when he gets hangry,” says Ava. “He’s like the Hulk, if the Hulk managed to keep his shirt on. One time he broke the Peloton.”

“Sounds like an anger management problem, not a nutrition issue,” I mutter to Daniel.

Selena says, “We’ve got sandwiches on the table over there if you want. They’re looking a bit sad from sitting out, though.”

“I’ll take it.” Noah immediately walks over and inhales a sandwich, then makes a face. “Guys, no offense, but how can you screw up sandwiches this badly?” he asks.

“Yeah, it’s sticking to the roof of my mouth,” Ava says. She’s chewing like a dog trying to eat peanut butter.

“Oh, is Miss Gaslight Gatekeep Girlboss too good for sandwiches?” Zya asks in a mocking tone.

Ava rolls her eyes and turns her back to Zya. It’s clear that we’re all sick of whatever Zya and Dominic’s deal is.

“At least Tarun and Kendall aren’t here to see this,” Daniel says.

“Pour one out for the homies,” Chase says solemnly. He waves Ava and Noah over, and soon we’re all gathered around the heater in a circle. I get the distinct feeling that someone is about to ask if we should all play truth or dare.

Brittany speaks up. “I’ve got a question,” she says in a hushed tone. “What do you think happens to the losers?”

“Murdered,” Daniel deadpans.

A hush falls over the group for a second before everyone bursts into laughter.

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