Page 95 of Johnny

boxes in spreadsheets. It’s about… drive. Her journey is just… short.”

“Yeah, and she’ll probably be addicted to drugs or married to an asshole by the time she’s twenty.”

“Or not,” I say. “Or she really is Rihanna.”

“Rihanna? I mean, are we talking about the same girl? Her journey wasn’t short. Her path wasn’t

easy.”

“But she was on it, you know. So early. That’s my point. She had a plan.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing. I’m not even convinced it was her plan. I’m kind of a fangirl of

Rihanna. I’ve read her history. There’s a little hint of exploitation there, don’t you think?”

“No, you don’t get it.”

“OK. I guess that’s true. I don’t get it. You’re not… lost. You’re here, right? Fighting the good

fight? Trying to change shit? So don’t tell me there’s no plan inside you, Johnny Boston. There is a

plan inside you. Maybe it’s not a spreadsheet with ticked-off boxes, maybe it’s something else?

Something pre-planned, or no. Predetermined. Maybe… maybe it’s just destiny?” She nods, happy

with that answer. “Maybe she planned her path and maybe she got herself this gig on that stage through

sheer force of will and unadulterated determination. If so, that’s cool. I bow to her. Full respect. But

if I’m gonna choose a side I’ll pick destiny over ticked-off boxes every day of the week.”

“Are you choosing a side?”

“Are you asking me to choose a side?”

I shrug.

“Well, ask me again when you figure out if you want me on your team. Then I’ll let you know.”

CHAPTER TWLEVE - MEGAN

Johnny Boston is having an existential crisis and I get the privilege of witnessing it.

Is that a good thing?

I’m not sure.

But I do like his truth right now. His realness. His, dare I say, vulnerability.

The girl leaves the stage after her big Diamonds cover, thank fuck. And Johnny goes back to

being… well, Johnny.

Sullen. Angsty. Brooding.

It’s like he’s a thirteen-year-old girl. I almost ask him if he’d like to switch lives with the mini-

Rihanna. But I control myself. Something really is bothering him and it’s starting to make me nervous.