Girl Gone Viral (Modern Love #2)(86)

“Please, go ahead.” The host gestured to her, and the screen expanded so it was only Mona.

Mona squinted at the phone in front of her. Katrina had written the statement quickly, had thought it best to speak from the heart, but now her stomach churned. Had she said enough? Or too much?

“Last week, I went to a café. Because it was crowded, I agreed to share a table with a young man. I did not know him. I have not seen him since then.

“I had no idea that while I politely chatted with the man, someone was taking my picture, eavesdropping, and fictionalizing our entire interaction. I did not consent to any part of that.

“I believe real-life fairy tales exist, but this is not one of them. This was not a movie. This was not a meet-cute. These were lies, and a gross trampling of my privacy. Strangers have spent days speculating about who I am, so I’ll tell you: I am you. A real, regular person trying to live their life. I do my best. I hope you do, too.

“Everyone’s face and bodies ought to belong to themselves. I humbly beg you: please respect my privacy. Let this story end. Thank you.”

Mona looked up and sniffed. “And this part isn’t in here, but I’ll add that I know this young woman, and she is one of the finest people I have ever met. If anyone out there continues to hound her after this, they can kiss my—” a bleep blocked out the rest of Mona’s sentence, but she looked satisfied to have gotten her point across.

The screen cut to the show host, who appeared suitably concerned. “Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez.” The camera zoomed out to include a panel of the other show hosts. “What do you all think of this? Is there a right to privacy in this world of cell phones and—”

Katrina muted the television. It was Jas who broke the silence. “Excellent.”

Rhiannon rose up on her elbows. “Yes, concur. Couldn’t have written a better statement myself.”

Katrina released a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. Her shoulders straightened, renewed confidence flowing through her. “Thank you so much.”

“The fairy tale part was a little mushy for me, of course, Princess Katrina.”

Her cheeks turned pink at Rhiannon’s teasing words. She carefully avoided looking at Jas. “The fairy tale isn’t just about the princess,” she said. “There’s also the fairy godmother.” She inclined her head to Rhiannon. “The little mouse friend.” She gestured to Jia.

Jia sat up. “Wait a minute, how come she gets to be the fairy godmother, and I’m the mouse? We all know I’m the one who would dress the princess for the ball! Rhiannon would have her out there in a sweatshirt and kicks.”

“The mice sew the princess’s dress, they are the fashion designers,” Katrina argued.

Jia pursed her lips. “If I must be a cute creature, I want to be the dragon, at least.”

Katrina smiled. “Fine. You’re the dragon friend.”

Rhiannon stood and stretched, her shirt lifting to reveal her flat belly. “I’m bushed. Gonna go to bed and get in a nap before Samson gets here.” She winked at Katrina. “Proud of you, seeing how you handled this whole thing.”

“It’s not over,” she fretted. Who knew if this would reduce interest in her.

No. She stuck her hand into her pocket, over her cell phone. The text she’d sent her dad earlier made it feel weighty. He hadn’t responded, but she assumed he’d show.

“You took the teeth out of it. If someone does reveal your identity now, it won’t be because they’re trying to reunite two lovers, but because they’re assholes, and they’ll be treated as such. Trust me, people will be discussing a symptom of a larger issue, not you.” Rhiannon yawned. “Good night. Morning? Whatever.” She moved to the door, and paused next to motionless, silent Jas. The two of them didn’t interact that much, but they had a cordial, polite relationship.

The hug Rhiannon gave Jas was personal, though. “Samson said he’d come by your cottage in the afternoon, once I’m done with him.” Rhiannon clapped Jas on the arm. “Thanks for taking care of her, big guy.”

Jas raised a perfect eyebrow at Rhiannon. “It’s my job.”

Katrina felt that sharp blow, and filed it away. He didn’t mean it like he’d said it. She knew he had feelings for her.

Or it’s his deep sense of responsibility rearing its head, and he doesn’t really have any personal feelings wrapped up in this. You’re his client.

Her fingers tightened on her phone.

Jia uncoiled herself from the couch and bounced to her feet. “I’m going to get to my Insta and break this down for my followers.”

The door closed behind the two women, and some of Katrina’s anxiety disappeared when Jas crossed the distance between them in a few steps. His hug felt so good and necessary and right.

She drew away and rubbed her nose against his. “Sometimes there’s a prince in the fairy tale too.”

Oh, there it was. Officially the mushiest thing she’d ever said in her whole damn life.

He didn’t seem to mind, though, if his smile was any indication. Or the kiss he gave her.

The sound of the door opening had them both breaking apart and glancing guiltily in that direction. They found two pairs of big brown eyes on them, one almost black, one almost hazel.

“Damn it,” Rhiannon said.