Page 17 of Prince of the Palisades

“Reiss Hayes.” He doesn’t offer me a handshake or fist bump, or bow like some of my teachers have. Just that crooked smile. “In case you need to know who to avoid on Monday.”

He watches me, waiting for a reaction. As if I’ll confirm I’m like everyone else at this party—above him. Like I can’t wait to get away. Which is how I felt ten minutes ago, under the spotlight of Morgan’s friends. But not now.

I kick a foot up on the fire pit’s ledge. Get comfortable. I’mstaying.

“I’m Jad—”

“I know who you are,” Reiss cuts in. When my eyes narrow, he stammers, “Not in a stalkerish way. I’m not into gossip or anything either. It’s just—”

I interrupt this time. “My reputation arrives a whole time zone before me?”

Another laugh. “People talk. I don’t listen. Unless they give me a reason to.”

“Is that so?”

“Guess you’ll have to get to know me to find out.”

Something coy and shy crawls into his eyes. He’s blushing again. Like he has zero confidence in what he’s doing.

I bite down on my lower lip, steadying my expression. I’ve been in LA for almost two weeks, and this is the mostmeI’ve felt around someone new.

We go quiet. My head absently nods along to a dreamy melody coming from a wireless speaker. Tangerine from the fire and blues from his phone screen dance across Reiss’s face. Smoke and chlorine fill my lungs. Underneath that, there’s a faint, earthy scent clinging to him that I want to ask about.

He speaks first. “Is your first Willow Wood rager everything you expected?”

For a beat, I get lost in the traces of silver moonlight in his pink waves.

“It’s…okay.”

“Okay?” He snorts. “Not as interesting as the other parties you’re invited to?”

I pause. His eyes are still on his phone, which is lifted just enough that the lens is pointed at me. Like that night at GOLDRUSH with Kofi.

Is he trying to get me to shit-talk the people here?

A familiar flame sizzles in my chest. Without thinking, I say, “Are you recording this?”

Of course he is. Why wouldn’t he? Another amateur with acamera selling me out to the media. Fuck. Five minutes talking to a cute boy, and I let my guard down.

I gave one more person permission to ruin my life.

Reiss blinks. “What? No, I’m—”

I don’t let him finish. “I’m not interested in being in another shitty video for…whateverit is you’re doing.”

Something cold creeps into his eyes. It matches the iciness of his tone. “Are you serious right now?”

I glare at him, jaw stiff. “You tell me.”

He shakes his head. When I notice the hurt tugging at his lips, I’m too late to say anything else.

“It’s a good thing you’re nothing like the guy people say you are.” Reiss stands, pocketing his phone. “Being that much of an asshole would be exhausting.”

“Wait,” I attempt.

“Enjoy the party, Your Highness,” he whispers, walking away.

I breathe deeply for a moment. Let my chest cool down. Refocus on my priorities. I don’t care what Reiss said. It doesn’t sting because no one here matters.

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