Chapter 10

Now slightly important I didn't quite remember when exactly she'd asked for my digits. I wasn't the type to do the asking either.

Never had to. Considering, people still loved vibrant parlaying of pretty girls like they do a shiny star or Fourth of July fireworks.

'You okay?'

'Need to talk?'

'Here if you need anything.'

Megan told me all the girls are calling you Disaster *shrug* Cinder or Ember? I dunno, I think they're brainstorming.'

'We won't obvi.'

'Really isn't fair. Prince is dead to me.'

The last couple just asked me to reply when I read the texts.

I sent her a nice lengthy response.

'alright even tho this is so wrong-- how'd you even get my number? Thanks for checking up and I'm fine. They're just petty, spiteful little harpies, believe me, I've got experience.'

I probably did deserve it. At least a little bit.

'Will admit I guess Jared's been the baseline of a gentleman not that I want him anywhere near me still. Double gag.'

Celia replied at once.

'Parents know someone in the force.' She included a deeply sorry face emoji.

'Yeah no way would you want a creeper near you.' Six sick emojis. 'Total support.'

'Least someone does,' I texted.

'Still talk to me. Promise,' Celia sent, not having seen my reply. 'What happened? Folks not believe you!!!??!?!'

'Worse.'

Two rows of red angry faces.

'Lexy, my not mom, insists I apologize and she's brainwashed my Dad.'

Celia had my back the whole way. Swearing to guard me against bullies. Even if it was really no big deal, then again it would be lovely dealing with such annoyance even a little less. Still, she warned me about the Princes' almighty influence.

She relayed the story of Lexy who had personally sold the elder Prince son a car-- who does just about all of the driving and ferrying around for the family-- but hadn't gotten the model he'd wanted then. At least a few years back. Week after he returns the car and badmouths Lexy to every bigshot on his contact list causing a year-long dry spell.

'Thanks for the warning but I'm not letting anyone push me around.'

I was ready to defend myself from infinite legions of irate girls.