Page 153 of You're The One
The truth? I’ve been dreading tonight since filming wrapped. Not just the edit. Not just what they’ll keep and cut. But the fact that once it airs, it’s notoursanymore. Those moments with Mia… they’ll belong to everyone else. Strangers will dissect them, twist them, meme them, decide what we meant when we were still figuring it out ourselves.
I don’t care what they say about me. They’ve been spinning stories for years. But I’ll be damned if it happens to her.
King leans against his cubby, arms crossed and smirking. “What time’s the viewing party?”
Guess that doesn’t extend to saving her from my friends, who show love by roasting me.
“You’re not invited.” I manage between gulps, then look at Lo. “Neither are you.”
“Ha!” He loops an arm over my shoulders, giving me a shake. “Bud, you’re crazy if you think we aren’t going to bear witness to this. I already texted Hannah. I’m sure the whole gang will be there.”
“Is it not odd to watch your ownlove”—Volk spits the word like it curdles in his mouth—“story on playback? Like game film. It must have been painful enough having the first-hand experience.”
“You know who’s in town, Volk?” Logan beams. “Natalie.”
“I will spare you the embarrassment, friend.” Volk slides farther down the bench and pats my knee. “I will not come.”
“Oh no.” King points at him. “You will most definitely be there. I’ll make sure of it.”
“If you have snacks, I’ll be there,” Helm calls, finally tugging on a shirt.
“I’m not sure wewantyou to come.” I toss my empty bottle into the bin.
“He’s coming around, boys,” King shouts.
“Will Emma be there? She could be snack enough.” Helm waggles his brows.
“No.” I deadpan. “And even if, by some illogical reason, she was, I’m pretty sure she’s taken.”
“Summer?” He’s not deterred.
“Do you just want to date one of his exes?” Lo asks, leaning forward, elbows on his knees.
“They’re not really my exes,” I say over King’s huff of, “Probably.”
“You’re all assholes.” I stand, grabbing a clean towel and turning toward the showers.
“So, what time’s the party?” Helm jingles his keys.
Volk swings his bag over his shoulder. “Guess I’ll see you later.”
“No,” I call at his retreating back.
King scrolls through his phone as he pushes the door open. “We’ll bring beer.”
“No.”
“And snacks,” Helm adds. “Can’t have a party without snacks.”
“No.”
“See you soon, neighbor.” Logan tosses a grin over his shoulder, the last one out.
I drag a hand down my face. “Can’t wait.”
FORTY-EIGHT
“Areyou ready to make your TV debut?”
