Misfits Like Us (Like Us #11)(90)

“Just one more. MGMT 2330. It’s like a business strategy type course.” The full name: Strategies and Practices of Family-Controlled Companies

Every year, my Uncle Connor is always invited to give a guest lecture at the end of the course. I thought it’d be interesting to take a class that might have real significance in my future. But so far, it hasn’t been my top favorite.

Harriet’s eyes widen. “I’m staying as far away from Wharton as I possibly can.”

I smile at the mention of the business school.

I don’t tell her that I almost took Television and New Media, a course I actually think I’d like. But I chickened out at the last minute when I saw a Rochester teaches it. Eliot holds too much fire against that family, and I felt like it’d be a form of betrayal.

Plus, Jeffra’s dad works for Rochester Industries, and there is a likelihood she could be taking the course. It’d be my luck to pick the exact time period she’s taking the class too.

My phone buzzes just as Harriet says, “And time. Back to work.”

I quickly check the DM as she turns to the test tubes.

StaleBread89: I’ll get mine too. This past month has been a lot, so a fandom vacay could be good





I smile softly, and I decide to ask him for more details.

Illyana_Dallas222: I totally get that. My “a lot” isn’t prob as bad though. I hope you’re ok.





I wait and wait. My fingers are sweating all over my phone. My eyes graze the leather braided bracelet on my wrist. Farrow gave it to me for my ninth birthday, and I like to wear it whenever I’m on campus and surrounded by a sea of other twenty-somethings. As a reminder to always be myself. I smile at the thought when the new message pops up, and I skim the words fast.

StaleBread89: Just life problems. I’m in love with my friend, and I’m fucked up about it





I blink three times. Reread. My breathing slows. My heart shatters. And I don’t even know why. It’s not like he even knows me. But the potential, I guess, is gone. A reality door closed.

“Luna?” Harriet frowns…or maybe scowls. I can’t tell.

I don’t realize tears are forming in my eyes until Frog steps close to the lab bench. “Could we go in the hall for a second?” Frog asks Harriet. “Before people start taking pics?”

“Yeah, of course,” Harriet says, sucking slowly on her Jolly Rancher. “I’ve got this covered.”

“Thanks,” I breathe, head down.

I follow Frog into the hall and immediately pull off my fogged goggles.

“Is it Wonder Bread?” Frog asks me.

She’s an SFO bodyguard with allegiances to security, but I took a chance and told her about SB when she asked who I was messaging. I didn’t want to lie, and Frog has proven to keep secrets. She even bought a pregnancy test during the Olympics that she thought was for me but was actually for Sulli. She’s never once snitched on me.

Frog is trustworthy.

And I kinda love that she nicknamed SB.

I rub at my burning eyes. “He’s in love with his friend.”

Frog grimaces. “At least he admitted it? He seems honest.”

That’s true. And it’s not like I don’t have feelings for Donnelly right now. I’m not so innocent. My phone pings again.

StaleBread89: You still want to go to the convention together? As friends ??





I stare at the lobster emoji for a beat. It’s so random that it makes me laugh.

Illyana_Dallas222: Lobster friends?





StaleBread89: Those are the best kind of friends??





I tell Frog. “I think I might go to a convention this December.”

“Really?” She smiles. “Where is it?”

“San Francisco.”

Her eyes light up.

I message SB.

Illyana_Dallas222: Let’s do it ??





StaleBread89: ??????





LOREN HALE’S COSTUME LIST





It’s my birthday. Which means I expect everyone to abide by this list for the night. Theme: Halloween Hellfire Gala



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I’ve chosen your costume. That’s right. You are to appear as the superhero that I HAVE PICKED for you. There is a comic called X-Men: Hellfire Gala. Do you need to read this? No, this is Halloween Hellfire Gala. MY version. MY birthday.



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BUT, if you do read the comic—I love you 50% more than your fellow cousin/aunt/uncle/whoever who did not read the comic.



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Don’t think too hard about my selections (some are more “personality” accurate than others, and the relationships between certain superheroes I’m disregarding completely in my picks). If you need help finding a costume or making one, you can contact Queen Rose or my assistant Kevin Turner at 215-555-8909.



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I have spared your significant others and the security team. I don’t care what they wear as long as they’re IN costume. Brownie points for choosing a superhero.



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