Chapter 44 The Wrong Kind of Attention
Chapter 44 The Wrong Kind of Attention
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Ashford High School was known for its intense workload, so when something like this came along, everyone was eager for a break.
Plenty of students carried umbrellas.
Nathan and Stella slipped into the crowd, looking for all the world like ordinary high schoolers.
In this familiar setting, his long fingers tightened ever so slightly on the umbrella handle.
At last, he could stand openly at Sparkle’s side.
Even if this chance had been something he’d taken in a shameless, underhanded way.
“You really came? You don’t have any scenes to shoot today!”
At a red light, Lucas glanced at the message from Jackson.
Seeing the short distance left on his GPS, his heart began to beat faster.
He’d been thinking about it all night, so much so that he hadn’t been able to focus on Hannah at all
That morning, he’d made up an excuse and flown back to Ashford alone.
From the airport, he’d driven straight here.
With a hat and mask on, no one would recognize him.
He just needed to know for sure–was that really Stella?
The whole thing felt impossible, yet he couldn’t stop himself from chasing the answer.
I’m almost there!”
His foot pressed harder on the accelerator. He was in a rush, his pulse thrumming.
The car surged forward–until, out of nowhere, a vehicle in the next lane swerved hard into him.
The impact slammed him sideways into the guardrail.
The airbag exploded against him, the force smashing the breath from his lungs. His ribs and stomach felt like they’d been shoved into new places entirely.
“Damn it! Who the hell just hit me?!” he shouted, yanking off his hat and rubbing at his head. No blood, no lump–just a dull ache
Bang bang bang!
Someone rapped sharply on his window.
A tall, broad–shouldered man loomed outside.
Lucas’s eyelid twitched. First thought–this guy’s not here to flip the blame, is he?
He had been speeding. But for the other car to hit him like that, the guy must have been going even faster.
Lowering the window. Lucas bit back his temper. “You hit my car?”
The man’s tone was unexpectedly polite. “Sorry, sorry. Here’s the thing–my dad’s in the hospital about to give birth–uh, I mean, something’s happened, I’m rushing there. I changed Lanes without looking and clipped you. Are you okay?”
1/2
3.50 PM
Chapter 44 The Wrong Kind of Attention
Lucas frowned as he got out of his mangled car.
I’m fine. Just run it through insurance.”
Pulling out his phone, he called a friend to come deal with the mess.
“You’re sure? I don’t believe you. The man reached out and ruffled his hair.
Lucas instinctively jerked back, a few strands pulled free.
“I’m fine. I told you I’m fine. I already called someone to handle it. I’ve got somewhere I need to be
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The man shook his head. I think your nose is bleeding. Let me take you to the hospital. I’m going there anyway. I’m a law- abiding citizen–you won’t pay a cent for treatment.”
Lucas pulled off his mask and touched his nose. His fingers came away warm and sticky.
Normally, he’d go get checked out.
But not today.
“Forget it–it’s nothing.”
He stepped toward the curb to flag down a taxi. The school was less than two kilometers away.
“No, no, no!” The man clamped a meaty hand around his arm and tugged him back. His eyes lit up like he’d just made a discovery. “Wait–you’re Lucas! I’m a fan!”
The street was quiet for cars but busy for scooters and bikes, and that one loud declaration stopped several riders in their tracks.
Still gripping him, the man was practically bouncing, “I love your movies! That one where you were totally naked–man, your dedication to art is amazing!”
Lucas felt like he was being squeezed to death, the man’s arms like steel bands around him.
“Okay, okay! Let me go!”
Fame always came with this downside–too many overzealous fans.
By the time he wriggled free, half the passersby had their phones out, filming.
Several were already heading over.
“Lucas? Oh my God! I’ve seen Lucas in person! I need a photo with you!”
“Me too! My daughter adores you–make a video with me for Instagram!”
A middle–aged woman jogged over with her phone out, screen showing a heavily fibered, slimmed–down Lucas.
It was so distorted he almost didn’t recognize himself.
