Page 30 of Somewhere Only We Know
Until I spent so much time with someone who didn’t know who I was, I didn’t realize how much I missed it. The luxurious normality of it. So that every reaction from Jack—flirtation, interest—was merit based. It was because ofme. Not my fame, not because he wanted something.
When you were famous, it didn’t matter what you looked like, what kind of stuff you were actually made of—grit, kindness, intelligence. Everyone wanted a piece of you. They were willing to tolerate any behavior if you shined some of your light on them. To warm them, to make them feel part of something special.
After he paid for breakfast, I felt a melancholy settle in. I didn’t want this feeling to end. Only an hour earlier I had wanted to book it back to the hotel, to make sure I wasn’t caught. And now…
Now I had tasted the joy of a carby breakfast and wanted more.
Jack pushed his chair back and stood. “So what kind of punishment is in store for you? Are they going to make you recite Bible verses?”
And as he stood over me, hands tucked into his back pockets, expression expectant and full of good humor, I felt a pang of regret. At having to lie to him. At the circumstances that made regular things impossible.
“Something like that,” I muttered. I actually had no idea. I’d never done anything to get punished before.
“What’s their plan today, anyway?” he asked as I finally got up from the table.
Hm. “Practice,” I said. It was true.
“On a gorgeous day like today?” he asked, stretching his arms out in a wild gesture. “What a waste.”
Itwasa waste. How many nice days had I spent inside fluorescent-lit dance studios?
“Well, you’re already in trouble. Why not take it further?”
I startled. “What?”
He shrugged. “Let me show you around Hong Kong. Church choir practice sounds thrilling and all, but… would you be in huger trouble if you got in a couple hours later?”
It would be absolutely stupid and selfish of me to do this. It was already eight o’clock—my absence was definitely noted by now. Joseph was probably losing hismind. Ren was most likely combing through the entire city, breathing fire.
And to get into that kind of trouble for a day with this guy? This random, smooth-talking stranger?
It was a fairy tale, a dim idea dreamed up by a tired girl who hadn’t had a day off in weeks. Months.
Years.
I deserved a day off.
“Okay, Jack. Let’s do it.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
JACK
HOLY CRAP. IT WORKED. I TRIED TO KEEP MY EXPRESSIONneutral when, inwardly, I was aggressively pumping my fists in the air.
When Lucky ducked in the restroom, I sent Trevor a text:I have a huge story. Spending the day with K-pop star Lucky. She has no idea I know who she is. Stay tuned.
While looking at my phone, I noticed a few missed texts from my parents. They asked how I was feeling, if I needed anything. Guilt seeped through me as I texted back saying I was fine and needed a couple days at home.
My dad responded with:Don’t forget we have a meeting Monday morning. Set two alarms so you don’t sleep in like last time.
Ugh. Monday felt light-years away. The thought of waking up early to go to a bank meeting? Made me want this scoop more than ever.
Then my little sister, Ava, texted:You’re lying about being sick, right?
I smiled. Ava was the only one in my family who knew how much I hated this internship. How this gap year was an excuse to stave off college for as long as possible.
Why would I lie about that?
