Page 87 of Anyone But the Superstar

First, I build up my courage and decide to come clean to Felix about everything, but then Johnny Douchebag takes over Felix’s body again. And now my family decides that this is the perfect time to ambush me.

I mean, I guess I should feel lucky that they waited until after my storyboard duties were over. But it would’ve been nice to meet my sister before coming clean to my brothers about what I’ve been up to.

Even so, what with everything that’s happened and everything that I’ve learned these past few weeks, I’ve realized I need to stop pushing my family away. Even if that means telling them why I did so in the first place.

I snap a picture of Mike curled up next to me on the couch and text it to Chase, giving him both proof of life and letting him know that I got his warning.

But just as I’m about to put my phone down, it buzzes with a text from an unknown number.

This is Trish.

From last night.

I chuckle, wondering how many Trish’s she thinks I know.

I got your number from Em. Hope that’s OK.

With nothing better to do other than whittle away time before I either kiss or kill Felix and then get swarmed by Moores, I call Trish instead of texting.

‘Hey there,’ Trish’s Georgian accent sing-songs over the phone.

I put it on speaker so I can cuddle Mike closer. ‘Hey Trish from last night.’

She snorts. ‘Did you get home okay? Has Mike recovered from his adventures?’

Mike flicks his tail with acknowledgment of his name being called.

I nuzzle the top of his head. ‘Yeah, that was just another day in the life of Mike Hunt.’

Her laugh sounds like bells. ‘I see.’ There’s some murmuring in the background.

Remembering her questions on illustration last night, I ask, ‘Is there something I can help you with?’

‘Um, actually, yes. I was wondering if we could meet?’

‘Now?’ I glance at the clock.

‘I was thinking brunch. I know we talked about how webcomics are created last night, but I wanted to look over your sketches and discuss maybeyoucreating the webcomic for me.’

My mind pauses, then fast-forwards with a million thoughts. The most pronounced isawesome. ‘You know I’ve never made awebcomic, right?’ My self-doubt can’t help but pipe up. ‘I just read them and can draw.’

‘Yes, but Amanda said that storyboarding is similar.’

Damn Amanda. It’s hard to dislike her when she talked me up so well. ‘That’s true.’

‘And plus, I invited Jackie to brunch.’

Fuck a duck. My brain stutters again as her words sink in.

‘You can meet your favorite astronaut.’ Trish says the last as if trying to bribe Mike Hunt off his humping doll. ‘You looked so disappointed last night when Rose said she wasn’t coming. And since us girls usually have brunch together anyway, I thought you and I meeting up today would be great for everyone.’

‘Yes.’ I nod my head, nearly bashing Mike with my chin. ‘I can meet.’

More bells. ‘Great. I’ll send you the link to the restaurant. Is ten o’clock okay?’

I have just two hours to put together a portfolio from the work I have saved on my tablet and get ready to meet my sister. ‘Perfect.’

‘Okay, sugar. See you soon.’