Page 48 of Paparazzi Perfect
Groaning, I slapped my palm against my forehead as I stared at the comment section, buzzing with chatter.
This is fucking insane. I slammed the phone onto the table as my jaw clenched.
I need to figure out a way to see Ivy.
Today.
There had to be a way to tell her the truth. If she’d even talk to me…
Especially with the lies sprawled all over the internet. It was a complete train wreck. But at the thought of seeing her again, my mind sprang into action.
That bastard can’t find out… but I have to see her. I can’t wait any longer.
I opened Discord and tapped out a rapid message.
KARSON: Dyson I need your help. No time to explain. Buy me a ticket on tonight’s 8 p.m. flight to the Gold Coast, then book me on the earliest flight back tomorrow morning. Thanks, bro. I owe you. Don’t tell ANYONE. Everything depends on it.
With the message sent, I let myself breathe. If anyone could sort the flight, it was Dyson. I knew he had my back. Next, I needed to figure out a way to stop Karlos from finding out. And to prevent Gus from noticing I was gone.
I had no idea what I’d say to Ivy when I got there, but at least I had a pile of cash…
One of my lecturers had bought the Cartier watch I’d put up for sale. He’d been thrilled to get his hands on it at such a reduced price, and I was glad to be rid of it.
I wanted nothing he’d given me.
***
“Karson, come on,” Gus called from the dining room. “Let’s eat! It smells delicious, and I’m hungry.”
“Yep, coming.” I handed the delivery guy a tip and carried the takeout into the kitchen.
“You’re always doing everything for me,” I said as I unpacked the food. “Tonight, it’s my turn.”
With a stab of remorse, I added a generous serving of laxative to his meal, vowing I’d make it up to him somehow.
I couldn’t tell Gus about my trip. He’d be so worried about my father finding out that he’d never go for it. My plan was to keep him out of the way until I returned the next morning.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t even notice I was gone.
I placed Gus’s meal in front of him, and he loaded up his fork. “Mmm, this has to be the best Indian food in Sydney,” he said, shoveling it into his mouth.
Forcing a smile, I joined the feast.
Half an hour later, he let out a moan after returning from his third trip to the bathroom. He was pale.
“Bloody hell. I’m not feeling too good, my boy. But I still have a lot to do around here before bed.” He rubbed his stomach miserably.
“Sorry, Gus! You don’t need to worry about a thing. I’ll tidy up, and I can manage here for the rest of the night. You just get yourself into bed and try to get some sleep.”
He nodded but stayed glued to his seat.
“I promise I won’t throw any wild parties. And I’m sure you’ll feel better in the morning. Go on, get some rest.”
He sprang to his feet and ran toward the bathroom. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he called out.
I hoped like hell he’d be able to get some sleep and not be up the whole night. But I couldn’t hold back a small smile at the thought of seeing Ivy.
After tossing the plates in the dishwasher and throwing the empty containers in the recycling bin, I hurried back to my room.
