Page 61 of Prince of the Palisades

My heart races as I type.

Remember the singing telegram part in the movie?

You laughed so hard.

I just wanted to make you smile.

His reply is instant.

ASJKLFDSJ! lol thank you!

sorry i was busy all day w fam…bday activities

can we talk @ school tmrrw??

I’ll see if I can make time for you

After Monday’s rehearsals, I cross through campus to Adler Studio. The halls and classrooms are all empty, except for the film and video lab. That’s where I find Reiss working at the last desktop station near the windows, bathed in late afternoon sunlight. Ajani waits outside. I ease into the rolling chair next to him.

When he notices me, his lips twitch a little, but he doesn’t fully smile. He swings his chair around to face me. Silence hangs between us for a beat. He fiddles with one of his helix piercings. I nervously bounce my left leg, stop, then start again.

This isn’t awkward at all.

“So, about that first date—” he tries.

“I’m sorry. I know the press can be a lot,” I blurt.

“—and that kiss,” he’s saying, but I’m too busy stammering, “No one knows it’s you. In the photos.”

Yet, I don’t add.

We both pause. I can see him rewinding what I said as I piece through his words. Then, we’re laughing, heads shaking.

He sighs, deep crinkles around his eyes. I slide my chair closer, our knees touching.

“You first,” I offer, softly.

His fingers drum on his thigh. “I don’t like attention.Thatkind of attention. It’s why my friendship with Karan works. He loves a spotlight.” His arm waves around the lab. “I like to be behind the scenes. Keep things just between me and whoever.”

I nod, forcing my eyebrows not to fall. “I understand. I’m sorry the photographers ruined that.” Carefully, I add, “But you knew who I was. I’m a prince.”

“I know, I know,” he groans, face pinched. “I didn’t think about that before I said yes to our date. Before we kissed.”

“Do you”—I swallow—“regret it?”

“No,” he rushes out. “Not at all. I still like you.”

I smile. “Is there an ‘and’ or ‘but’ coming?”

“Buuut,” he says, nudging my knee, “I’m worried too. What if cameras show up at the coffee shop? What if they find out where I live?” He frowns. “Fuck, what if they start following Dom around? I don’t want that.”

“I don’t either.”

“But you can’t control it, can you?”

I lift one shoulder. “In some ways.”

By not seeing you anymore, I don’t volunteer.

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