Page 20 of Prince of the Palisades

I frown. “That’s the name? You can’t be serious?”

“He is,” Morgan and Grace say in unison.

“I’m listening,” Nathan singsongs.

I hold in a sigh. As much as I want to walk away from this silly conversation, that’s not what Annika would do. What arespectableprince would do. I study Nathan: hair pulled into a sloppy topknot, small acne breakout on his chin, his uniform slacks one size too big. Resting under his scuffed Vans is a brand-new skateboard.

“Isn’t there a skatepark nearby?”

I saw it in a handful of Mom’s old photos.

“Venice,” Nathan volunteers, smirking like he can already see where I’m going.

“What about an episode focused on its history?” I suggest. “How it’s changed. Interview some of the nonwhite skaters. Get their takes.”

Nathan whoops and Grace’s cards go flying. I almost laugh. “Genius, Prince J,” he crows, stretching to offer me another fist bump.

With the face of a boy who’s betraying generations of royal decorum, I reciprocate.

“Now that that’s settled…” Grace snaps her fingers.

A random sophomore appears out of nowhere. She swiftly gathers Grace’s fallen cards like a cartoon minion desperate for praise.

Grace doesn’t give it to her, instead turning to Morgan with a sweet smile, as if nothing happened two minutes ago. “Babes, can you help me with my Honors English paper later?”

My face twists up. Morgan’s considering it.

Nathan says, “Yo, why don’t you just buy a paper off—”

“Some of us want toearnour grades,” Grace says, turning back to Morgan. “We can go shopping for our Sunset Ballgowns after. Which reminds me—my dad says you’re giving a speech at the ball, Jadon?”

I almost forgot about that. I didn’t plan on being here that long.

“Yes,” I say casually.

“Do you have a date yet?” Grace asks.

“No.” I scratch the back of my neck. “Is that required?”

“Of course! You’re a guest of honor.” She trades her index cards for her phone. “I’ll help. Are you on any dating apps?”

“I’m aprince,” I deadpan. “And seventeen.”

She rolls her eyes as if those aren’t real barriers. “No worries. Are you into college guys? Actors? I know this one pop singer, total twink—”

“Are you allowed to use that word?” Nathan says, head cocked.

Grace waves him off. “Anyone at the party catch your eye?” One of her dark brows curves up. “You disappeared for a hot min.”

“Ooh!” Nathan coos before I can deflect. “Smashing at your own welcome party? Sweet.”

My nose wrinkles.

“Who was it?” Nathan eagerly asks. “Alex? Wilhelm, the exchange student? Wait—was it Eddie?”

“It wasn’t—” I stand, shaking my head. “Nothinghappened.”

I didn’t hide in a corner. Talk to a beautiful boy. Get dragged by said beautiful boy for accusing him of selling me out to the highest-paying news outlet.

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