Page 196 of For the Fans

I’m really not in the mood to get dressed up right now. But there’s no stopping Zeb where fashion is concerned. I might as well just sit back and let him do whatever he wants to me.It’s what he’ll end up doing anyway.

“Ohhh my God, it’s gonna be like Cinderella!” he squeals, walking me into Frankie’s bedroom, where a garment bag is hanging up over her closet. “Baldwin the Eagle, who everyone’s been shitting on all season, shows upstunningin designer labels, like the belle of the ball!”

My brows zip together and my lips slant into a frown. “Who’s been shitting on me all season??”

“I’m just saying,” he rasps. “You’re the underdog. No one probably even expects you to show up. And thenbam!In you strut, looking fucking gorgeous. That’ll show that grumpy stepbrother of yours.”

At the mention of Kyran, I gulp. “Kyran won’t care…”

“Oh, yes, he will,” Zeb croons, unzipping the bag to reveal a suit that issonot me. But I’ll admit, it’s very nice. He peeks at me, lips curved wickedly. “I think he likes you.”

My spine stiffens. “What makes you say that??”

“Girlfriend, he ripped Ash off you last night like a wild beast protecting his territory from an intruder.”

“Yea…” I sigh, rubbing my face. “I was afraid that was how it looked…”

When I glance up, Zeb is gawking at me. “You’ve already hooked up with him, haven’t you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I huff, avoiding a lie by not actually answering the question.

Frankie wanders into the room with a bottle of Prosecco, and Zeb points at her accusingly. “And youknew, didn’t you?!”

Her forehead lines. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“It’s elementary, my dear Watson.” Zeb starts prancing around in front of us like he’s cracked the case. “Micah told me he saw Kyran leaving your bedroom the night of your Halloween party, after which he high-tailed it out of the party. Just like someone who just had their first gay experience would.”

I chuckle and shake my head.

“And the only other people in the room were you two,” he goes on, spinning to face us, pinning Frankie with a look. “Which means,youmust have gotten a front-row seat to watch the two of them do a li’l rub-n-tug.”

“You’re the biggest fool on the planet,” Frankie scoffs.

“I’m not done.” He aims that devious grin at me. “I also happen to remember another time Kyran slunk out of a room all flush-faced… The bathroom at Theo’s party. And who should exit said bathroom only moments later, grinning like he just got himself some secret quarterback dick?” He swoops a hand in my direction. “Our own little Avi Vega.”

Narrowing my gaze at him, I force myself not to react. “Can we not do this right now? I have no interest in your half-cocked theories.”

“Oh, but they’re not half-cocked at all, are they, princess?” he sneers. “They’re fullycocked.” He steps in front of me and bends to make eye contact. “All of this has been going on right under our noses the whole time. So only one question remains…” I roll my eyes again, chuckling at how extra he is. “Who isreallyco-starring in all those videos with you? Someone who started out just a little curious, but turned into a beautiful, big-dickedfiendfor our darlingBackwardz_Cap.”

Pursing my lips, I start the slow clap, to which his grin widens. “Great job, Sherlock.” Then I squint up at him and murmur, “Prove it.”

“I won’t stop until I do, you bisexual mastermind.”

I toss my head back in laughter that feels really good right now. All the stress lately has been weighing on me… Things with me and Kyran, constantly second-guessing myself, school, and money, and the fans.

I forgot how good it feels to just laugh with my crazy friends.

“Okay, if we’re done playing detective,” Frankie mutters, popping the bottle and pouring us each a glass. “We need to get ready.”

“Guys, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to get in,” I interject. “If the dean is there, she’ll tell them to bounce my ass, since I’m suspended and all.”

“Trust me, dear,” Zeb says, sipping his drink while fussing with my hair. “I wouldn’t get you all dolled up for nothing. We’re gonna sneak you in.”

He peeks at Frankie, and she smirks.

I force a weak smile, but I’m not exactly confident in this plan.

From an eagle suit to glass slippers… Fairy Godmother, take the wheel.