Revelation (Private 8)

"Hey," Josh said. He finally reached for my hand, taking it in his. I thought I would never breathe

again. "Are you okay? "

I looked up into his eyes, wanting to say about ten million things to him, and that's when we both

heard Ivy. The low tones of the slow song were letting her voice come through.

"I can't wait to get Josh to Paris over Christmas," she said, apparently talking into her phone. "Our

house on the Left Bank, dinner at Marceau... He's not even going to know what hit him."

I dropped Josh's hand and took a step back as Ivy giggled happily. Josh's guilty expression told me

everything.

"You're going to Paris with her?" I whispered.

"Not exactly," he whispered back. "My family's going... her family's going...."

"I have to get out of here," I said, suddenly feeling as if I was going to overheat. I grabbed my coat

and started by him.

"Reed, I'm sorry you just heard that, but--"

I whirled on him, stopping him midsentence. His expression was somehow pleading and defiant all

at once. Like he didn't want me to be hurt, but like he also felt I had no right to be hurt.

"Just do me one favor," I whispered to him. "Be careful when it comes to Ivy. There's a lot about

her that you don't know."

Then I turned and walked out of my room, leaving my ex all alone inside.

FLOWER BOY

The next day after dinner with Diana and a failed study session in the library, I packed up my

notebooks and headed back across the quad toward Pemberly. As I approached Drake House I

remembered what Constance had said about Marc doing a story on Cheyenne. And if Marc knew

anything about S.O., then I wanted to know too.Taking a deep breath, I whipped out my cell and

dialed Marc's number. His voice mail picked up automatically.

"This is Marcellus Alberro. I'm unavailable right now, but please leave your name and number at

the beep and I will get right back to you. If this is about a story, dial pound to page me. Thanks."

"Hey, Marc. It's Reed. I have a quick question for you. Call me back when you get a chance," I said.

Then, as I slipped my iPhone back into my bag, I saw a familiar form rushing toward Drake's back

door. I hesitated for a moment, knowing I was probably the last person on