Tangled

52 Ava: Its Personal

Why not tell him you need to buy some sensitive things you don’t want him around for? Selene asks.

It isn’t that I hadn’t thought of that–but the electronics section is far from someplace that sells menstrual products.

“What’s wrong?” Rowan asks, and I realize with a start that I’m scowling in his direction.

Oops. “Nothing, I just-“I nibble on my thumbnail, trying my best to look a little distraught. “I need some things, but I didn’t think you’d be following me the entire time, so…”

Rowan smiles in relief, thinking he understands. “It’s fine. You can get anything you want. Clayton can afford it. He’s obnoxiously loaded.”

I was worried my acting was too much, but I guess it’s not enough. I wrinkle my nose and shift from foot to foot. After a moment, I start rubbing one arm, as if I’m beyond uncomfortable with my request.

I was never a very whiny teenager, but I’m trying to

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channel one anyway.

“Oh, no, it’s not that

Personal”

it’s expensive, but–you know.

“Personal… Oh. Oh.” Rowan’s furrowed brow clears as he looks me over. “It’s fine. I have younger sisters.”

at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act

really has no

my period,” I say, channeling

embarrassing, but I have a

be…” His words trail off, and he looks

I raise an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my

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Ava: Its Personal

letting triumph show on my face as he looks to

catch.

He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you need. I’ll wait by the entrance. Let me know if you need

I’m here to help.”

guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking

nods once, already turning to leave. “Just don’t go far. And be quick

store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head,

shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me alone, I head toward the

12012

Ava: Its

not like I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in

keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I

find, and I grab one along with a

heart is pounding as I make my purchase, the

one of my own. I have to resist the urge to

any moment.

transaction is complete, I hurry off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly

approval in my mind.

open the packaging for the burner phone

Ava. Its Personal

into the trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my

ready? Selene asks.

breath, steadying myself. “As ready as