Page 56 of Enemies Off Camera
She looked me up and down like I was scum, then past me like I didn’t exist, and walked away.
Honestly,that’swhy I said what I said when she stepped out of the limo.
Petty? Yeah.
But even though she says she forgave me, I don’t think she really has.
Anyway. I don’t know what to say to Ashley.
“Listen up,” Barber says, hopping off his stool with ballet-like grace. “I gotta get back to the old lady.”
“Oh,” I say. “I’m telling Genesis you called her that.”
He points a finger at me. “Bro code, dude.”
I nod. Fair.
Barber turns to Ashley. “Nice to meet you,” he says, then heads out the door.
I watch him until he’s gone, wishing I could follow.
I don’t feel right being out in public with another contestant—especiallyafter ditching Zara today.
“How are you, Jaxon?” Ashley asks.
I snap my eyes back to her. “I’m fine.”
Why does she look so sympathetic? Like I’m in a bad situation with Zara or something.
“I heard you’re living with her now?”
Her bright, glassy eyes blink at me like she’s waiting for a fairytale confession.
“We’re getting close. Splitting our time.”
Then I squint at her. “But who told you we were living together?”
It just happened yesterday.
She drops her gaze to the table. “Top Rag Mag – Westmentioned it.”
I grunt, rubbing my chin.
Anne’s team must’ve leaked it.
“Do you ever…” She leans in close, draping her long hair over her shoulder between us. I can feel her body heat. “Do you ever think about me?”
In a million years, I can’t picture Zara asking me this question.
None of my exes, either.
And this is why I always had a bad feeling about Ashley. She’s justnotmy type.
Even with those tight pants.
Which, by the way, aren’t even makingmypants tight.
“Hey,” I say, scooting off my stool. “I gotta go. But—good seeing you.”
