Page 76 of Hacking His Code

Of course, I feel terrible that I abandoned the search for Lucy, but I know I wouldn’t have found her anyway.

Neon gives me an awkward look. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Ummm…sure.”

“Was Hunter your first?”

My head snaps in her direction.

“Sorry. You just seem so innocent.”

It’s not often I confide in someone, but some good old fashion therapy might be what I need right now.

“When I was fifteen, I got charged with a federal crime. I basically hacked a bunch of shit in order to gain evidence on some rather vile human beings. I got off with a slap on the wrist, but I was kicked out of my private school and basically put on probation. Let’s just say my teenage years were not typical.”

“Wow…that’s…impressive.”

“But to answer your question: yes, Hunter was my first. And I fell for him. Hard.”

“I don’t blame you. If I wasn’t so gay, I’d probably go after him.”

I blink half a dozen times, trying to register what she just said. “You’re gay?”

“A little.”

“But Hunter told me—”

“About being in his bed? At the time, I was playing the field more. Figuring myself out. I have a girlfriend now, but probably not for long.”

“Oh, congratulations.”

“Let’s watch Ernestine in action!” Neon enthuses.

I hit play. “Fine, but I’m not starting over.”

Several minutes pass as Neon looks on, wide-eyed at her client on the screen.

“They don’t make ’em like they used to,” I say after an emotional scene.

“You can say that again. I guess the only modern actress that could compete is Ali Kat Carter. No wonder Rand was so obsessed.”

“Is so obsessed,” I reply.

The movie draws to a close, the heroine finally taking control of her life and buying her freedom. Midway through the scene, as she’s signing a check, I hit pause.

“Do you really need a bathroom break during the very last scene?” Neon snaps.

“Just give me a minute.”

I replay the scene, thinking back to the many conversations I’ve had with Hunter. She bends to sign the check again, and I think about the file labeled: Rand.

A knock sounds on the door.

Neon jumps up from her seat. “The pizza’s finally here!”

I continue staring at the screen.

The pizza box lands with a smack on the coffee table, and Neon wastes no time throwing the lid back and grabbing a slice.