Page 47 of Mutual Discord

“I agree,” I murmured, steadfastly avoiding his gaze.

“So why didn’t you tell us you were dating a big TikTok star?” Natasha asked suddenly.

“Oh, we’re just friends,” I hastened to explain.

Natasha cocked her head, her black braids sliding over her shoulder. “You’re holding out for that User Number guy, aren’t you? The one who’s always in your comments being smart and funny.”

It took every bit of self-control I possessed not to look at Alex, and I slowly curled my hands into fists to resist the urge.

“User Number guy?” Megan scoffed. “What kind of name is that?”

“You know how they give default usernames when you sign up for an app?” When Megan nodded, Natasha continued, “Well, that’s what happened with this guy. He doesn’t even have an avatar.”

Megan made a rude sound. “Ugh. He could be a real creep.”

I just barely swallowed down a laugh.

But I must have given away something in my expression because Natasha narrowed her eyes at me and then slowly shifted them to Alex.

“Oh, my God. Are you User Number guy?”

It felt as if I had been turned to stone. I didn’t dare blink. Didn’t dare utter a word. Didn’t turn to Alex even though I wanted to. But I heard his sharp intake of breath all the same.

“User Number guy? Come on, Tasha, I have more creativity than that,” he said.

His deflection attempt would have been more believable if his voice wasn’t a tad too high.

Natasha and Megan exchanged a glance and then exploded into a cacophony of laughter. As it was, I had to press my lips together to keep from joining them.

“My dude, you’re a terrible liar,” Megan said, swiping her fingertips under her eyes.

Alex threw up his hands. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Sure you don’t, player.” Natasha scoffed, slowly shaking her head. “So that’s how you two met. I love the lore.”

“There is no lore,” Alex grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

The Scorpions women laughed again.

“Don’t worry, Castillo,” Natasha crooned, bouncing the basketball at her side. “I’m a vault, and your secret is safe with me.”

“There is no secret—” Alex began, but a loud buzzer sounded, drowning out his protest. Megan and Natasha waved a playful goodbye and then disappeared through the players’ tunnel.

Alex and I stood there silently while I debated what to say. Finally, I simply uttered, “Player, huh?”

His shoulders sank as he released a long groan. “I’m in deep shit,” Alex grumbled, raking a hand down his face. “There is no way Natasha is keeping that to herself.”

I clamped my teeth together in a cringe. “We can always hope that since neither of us confirmed it, she’ll let it go.”

“Maybe,” he conceded, although it was obvious he was not convinced.

Grasping his hand, I pulled Alex down until he sank into the seat next to mine. His palm was soft and so much larger than my own. Holding my breath, I released it.

“How can I help?” I asked. “I can ask Natasha for a subject idea or maybe ask her to collaborate on a video with me. She said she’s a history buff, so that might be right up her alley.”

Alex’s brows stitched together. “And in exchange would you ask her not to say anything about User Number guy?”

I shrugged. “I’m certain I could find a nice way to mention how you want to remain anonymous. I’m sure she’ll respect that.”