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

really has no

brothers who follow me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all have one. Somewhere.

embarrassing, but I

be…” His

of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my gaze for a beat before letting

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Ava: Its Personal

show on my face as he looks

catch.

sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. “Here, get what you

I’m here

me. “Thanks.” I feel guilty using a man’s money when I have no interest in sticking around the

leave. “Just don’t go far. And be quick

catch the faint sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket.

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

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Ava: Its Personal

brand or box. It’s not like I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in a couple of shirts from the clearance rack, too -might

in hand, I make my way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan.

I grab one along with a prepaid

is pounding as I make my

a tight–lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over my shoulder, worried that Rowan might

any

to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I

hums her approval

the packaging for the burner phone

Its

makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already

ready?

deep breath, steadying myself. “As