Chapter 438
Shirley’s single message set off a frenzy in her fan group.
Wait, Shirley, I thought you only had a little brother. When did you get a sister?
Shirley was pretty popular online, so it didn’t take long for someone to dig up an old video of her and Claire totally killing it on the dance machine during the holidays.
Shirley, don’t lie, is this your sister?
I looked at her side profile and the girl in the rescue video-they look practically identical.
Feeling a surge of excitement, Shirley typed, Hold up, let me call her and find out. She put her phone down and called Claire, tuning out the chaos in the group chat. By then, Claire was already in Dane’s car, and they were headed to the airport. When her phone rang, Claire was caught off guard.
“Hey, what’s up? Did you find out I’m coming home and want to pick me up from the airport p>
“Not exactly,” Shirley said. “Are you really coming back to Apex today? You know my favorite idol, Oakley, right? He got hurt on set. But some girl saved him, and everyone’s saying it might be you. I mean, the video’s side profile looks just like yours p>
Claire rubbed her nose, surprised someone had caught the whole thing on camera and posted it online. “Yeah, that was me. I just happened to be visiting the set. By the way, I got you an autographed photo and a video shoutout p>
Shirley let out a scream so loud it probably pierced the sound barrier. “No way! That was actually you p>
She could hardly believe it. Her best friend hadn’t just met her idol-she’d saved his life. Talk about next level.
“Tell me everything. Did he thank you? Is he gonna fall madly in love with you and marry you? Please don’t say yes. He’s everyone’s idol, you can’t just keep him to yourself p>
Claire nearly rolled her eyes. “Relax. Your idol isn’t that wild. He’s still in the hospital: And whatever you do don’t say anything about him online. Same for medon’t want to end up being internet famous for saving someone. That’s not me p>
Shirley suddenly went quiet.
Claire frowned. “Don’t tell me you already spilled p>
“I didn’t!” Shirley was quick to deny it, maybe a little too quick. But, uh, someone recognized that old video of us dancing during New Year’s. Your side profile matches the girl in the rescue video perfectly I’m telling you, fans are basically detectives p>
Claire got it immediately. Whether or not Shirley said anything, it was only a matter of time before someone pieced it together. “Just keep quiet about it online, okay? We’re in our last year of high school, and our School is strict. I doubt his fans will
come chasing after me.”Content
Dane had caught most of the conversation and waited until Claire hung up. “Need some help?” he asked.
“With what?” Claire was confused for a second.
“Getting all the videos of you online taken down p>
It would’ve been nothing for Dane to sort it out, but Claire hesitated. “No need. I’ve got a competition coming up soon, so people will probably recognize me anyway. I’m not looking to be a celebrity or anything. This’ll all die down soon p>
Besides, the students at Silverpeak were nothing like others. Even if they followed celebrities, they kept it chill. Claire wasn’t worried about being mobbed in her own classroom.
“Okay. But if you ever need anything, just say the word.” Dane didn’t push.
Claire didn’t mention that if it ever came down to it, she could handle things herself. She didn’t need Dane getting involved.