Page 47 of Level Me Up

My jaw drops. “Are you serious? That is the worst question ever,” I say in shock.

Simon turns to him laughing, “Dude, that wasn’t fair.”

“You know the rules, Morgan. Answer it.” Link looks back at me.

“I can’t. I can’t possibly answer that! You know I love JT, but the Pope? I…I can't…I can’t answer this.” I turn back to face the front. I know this is just a silly game, but JT is…JT, and while I’m not Catholic, it would be like asking me if I would prefer if it were the president who’d die.

Dex grabs my hand with laughter in his eyes, but says with sympathy, “You don’t have to answer it, babe.” The way he says “babe” instantly zaps the distress from my body.

Then Link says, “Yes, she does,” in a sing-song voice.

I whisper to no one in particular, “Don’t make me say it.”

They all laugh, Dex squeezes my hand. I quickly turn around in my seat again and look Link straight in the eyes.

“You are evil, Lincoln Witt. You know how I feel about JT. If I say the Pope, I will forever be a horrible person and will for sure go to Hell. But if I say JT, then I will for sure have a panic attack at the thought of my dream husband, number one celebrity crush, and the most amazing entertainer there is and ever will be, taken from this world,” I blurt and then take in a deep, replenishing breath. I know I’m being dramatic, but it is what he is looking for, right?

“Geez, woman,” Dex chuckles next to me.

I keep the look of horror and distress on my face as Link huffs out, “God. You’re worse than Ruby. Please, don’t answer it. I wouldn’t want to get you all worked up.”

Simon fights back laughter. I let my face relax and then smile sweetly. Then I turn back to face the front of the car.

Dex murmurs, “Nicely played Lawson. Nicely played.”

---