Page 181 of Tangled with the Tight End

Linc: She’s too good for you, man.

Delaney: Seriously, O’Connell. We saw the photo. You doing okay?

Pierce: Delaney’s getting all sympathetic over here.

Delaney: I’m a caring friend.

Linc: Let us know if you need anything.

I laugh to myself and then I text them back.

Declan: I’m good. Had “the talk” with Kate.

I make my way downstairs so I can get something to eat. It takes a few minutes for them to respond.

Delaney: I had “the talk” in eighth grade health class.

I chuckle. I set myself up for that.

Declan: Not that talk. She had to ask me about Winona. I think this will blow over.

Pierce: The media is all over this like white on rice. They want to know her identity.

Declan: Well, they can wonder. Good luck today.

Linc: What is this luck you speak of? We’re relying on sheer skill.

I laugh, setting my phone on the counter and making myself a green drink.

I make my smoothie, drink it, and then settle on the couch. I promised to call Winona once I talked to Kate, so I grab my cell and click her contact.

“Hey,” I say.

“Hey.”

“Well, I told my parents about you.” I don’t know why that’s the first thing I say.

“Bet that went well,” she jokes.

“They watched me go through Ginger. They get concerned.”

“Well, they care,” she says. “That’s a gift.”

“That’s what I thought you’d say.” I shift the pillow behind my back. “How are you?”

“I’m good. It’s kind of fun watching the media guess at my identity.”

“It’s all fun until it isn’t,” I say, sounding grumpier than I mean to. I just don’t want her swept into a media storm.

“Some of the comments are mean,” she says. “But they don’t know me.”

“People can be hateful. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I don’t love being hacked apart in public, but I’m fine. If this is the price I pay for being with you?” she says, “Worth it.”

“I’m going to do my best to protect you from anything negative.”

“You’re not God, Declan.” She pauses. “Like I said, you’re worth it.”