Page 13 of Love, Morgan

“I know. I just…”

I heard her swallow the words she’d been planning to say. I was glad of it. We weren’t going back there. I wasn’t a child. I was in control.

“How do I get rid of her?” I asked, refocusing the conversation and forcing my voice to come out calmer, stronger, more likeme.

“Get rid of her? Shit, Morgan, did you kill her?”

I halted again. “Did. I. Kill. Her.Those are words you just said to me. Really?”

“When was the last time you heard anyone ask aboutgetting ridof someone when it didn’t mean dumping a body?”

“Okay, I don’t know what the hell you and Alicia spend your time watching, but no, I did not come away on vacation and murder my favorite YouTuber. Thank you very much.” I shook my head. “However, the next time I call you and I actually need to dump a body, you better respond better than this. Because you know I’d be right there with a shovel if you needed help.”

“Morgan, I…”

“Actually, not a shovel. That’s a shit way to get rid of a body. A better way would be—”

“Morgan, stop talking.”

“Rude.”

“When that’s the topic of conversation, I really don’t think it is.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. I’m calling Harlow when I need to dump a body. I bet she’d help me.”

“Have at it. I’m sure you’ll both have a grand time. Alicia and I will be sure to come visit you both in prison.”

I laughed. “As if I’d get caught. Really, Ripley. Come on.”

“You know, sure. Whatever.” She let out a long breath. “Is there something I can actually help you with?”

I groaned again. “Iona. Please keep up. What am I supposed to do?”

“Well, if you’re not willing to be a grown-up and speak to her, maybe try ignoring her, like I’m sure you’re doing with everyone else there.”

“What?”

“Oh, you know, just going about your business, doing your thing, not paying attention to the other guests…”

“How would I do that with Iona?” She wasn’t making any sense at all. Maybe I should have called Harlow for this too.

Ripley laughed again. “It’s not like she knows you. I’m sure she’s just trying to have a nice vacation, and is expecting everyone to just get on with their own thing.”

“But… it’sher.”

“I am aware.”

As if that helped?

“If you’re aware, then you’ll realize your suggestion is impossible.”

“Because you love her?” Her smile was evident in her tone. Love did silly things to people. She hadn’t been like this before she and Alicia got back together.

“No,” I insisted. Because it was true. “I do not love her. But she’s… famous.”

“You’re at Pax on Anora Island,” Ripley said as if spelling out something impossibly simple. “Iona’s not even close to the most famous person that’s ever been there. She’s probably not the most famous person there right now. And you’re ignoring whoever is just fine.”

“You know you’re supposed to be my best friend, right?”

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