CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX – TRIVIA CONTEST

"Hey, hey boys! While I'm flattered you feel such passionate connections to my work, let's take a breather before things really get out of hand, okay?" She held up her hands in a placating gesture, pasting on her best calming smile. The two teens froze mid-flailing retort, their heads whipping around as if only just registering her presence. To Jasmine's surprise, Kevin was the first to recover, ducking his head in an oddly bashful manner. "We're so sorry you had to witness that, Ms. Delacroix," he mumbled in a tone far more reserved than his usual grandiose proclamations. "Things just got...a little heated, you know, debating the finer thematic nuances and symbolic intentionality of your artistic canon." Jasmine traded a look with Beth, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from visibly reacting to the utterly contrite demeanor of her previously bombastic fan. Subtly kicking her giggling friend in the ankle, she drew a fortifying breath before responding. "I understand that my pi