Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 63410 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63410 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“You do? Which town? I got into Trinity on a scholarship. Luckily, I also got chosen as Lake’s assistant,”
Preston blurts the words out so fast, I have to wait for him to finish before I can answer, “I was born in Saluda and lived there until I was fifteen.”
Before I can ask another question, Layla comes out of her room. “Did he at least offer you something to drink while you were waiting,” she teases, which makes a blush push up Preston’s neck.
He has this whole hot nerd look going on, which makes the blush endearing.
Yep, I can see him unknowingly breaking hearts wherever he goes.
Not wanting Preston to feel uncomfortable around me, I say, “It’s okay, I’m not thirsty.”
Kingsley comes out of her room. “Are you ready? Lee said she’d meet us at the spa.”
“We were waiting for you,” Layla teases her.
“Hey, it takes time to straighten my hair.”
“Don’t I know,” Layla says with a chuckle.
“I see you met Preston.” Kingsley goes to sit next to him and throws her arm around his shoulders. “He’s my hero after saving my life earlier this year.”
“He did?” I ask, surprised by what Kingsley just said.
“Yep, I can’t swim for shit and fell into the pool. If he hadn’t jumped in, I’d be toast.”
Shocked by what happened, I ask, “But you’re okay after what happened?”
“Yeah, I was lucky.”
“Have you heard of Serena Weinstock?” Layla asks as she takes a seat next to me.
“No, should I have?”
“She’s the one who pushed Kingsley in the pool, and she also put me in ICU with an allergic reaction. Oh, for future knowledge, I’m allergic to strawberries.”
“And apples…” Kingsley adds, then waves a hand, “basically just don’t give her anything with fruit in it. It’s safer that way.”
“I’ll remember.” I give Layla’s hand a quick squeeze, then ask, “Where’s Serena now, just, so I know to avoid her?”
“She’s been expelled,” Layla offers the information.
“And she’s serving a two-year community service sentence,” Kingsley adds.
“Only two years?” I ask. “That’s a light sentence if you ask me.”
“She comes from a long line of senators. Money can buy you out of anything in California,” Preston says, a disgruntled look on his face.
“She was also influenced by Clare Reyes. I don’t think Serena would’ve had the guts to hurt us if she didn’t have Clare backing her,” Layla says, surprising the hell out of me once again.
This is information overload, but I’m glad they’re telling me.
“I’ve heard Clare is on trial for attempted murder,” I say, then glancing at Layla and Kingsley, I ask, “So it’s for what she did to the two of you?”
“Just for what she did to Layla. We only have proof that she was the mastermind behind attempting to take Layla’s life.”
“Holy cow. I hope they put her away for life.”
Knowing the full story behind what happened, I feel even worse for comparing Julian to his mother. It must be hard on him and Falcon, having their mother stand trial, and I just rubbed salt in the wound.
“I’ll be happy if she gets ten years with how easy it is to buy yourself out of trouble,” Layla says drily, then getting up, she smiles, “That’s enough talking about all the drama. Let’s get going, or we’ll be late for our appointment.”
Kingsley jumps up and excitedly claps her hands. “Time for mani’s and pedi’s.” Looking at Preston, she asks, “You want to join us?”
A frazzled look settles on his face. “Ah…uhm…no.”
His response makes us laugh. “Poor Preston,” I say as we walk to the door. “It must be hard living with two women.”
“You have no idea,” he mumbles from under his breath, then calls after us, “Enjoy the spa.”
After being pampered at the spa, I feel relaxed and ready for a nap.
When we get back to the dorms and climb out of the car, I say, “Thanks, girls, I really enjoyed the afternoon.”
Kinglsey stretches her arms and yawns, “I’m going to sleep.”
“Isn’t Mason picking you up at six?” Layla asks.
“I’ll set my alarm for five-fifty.”
I let out a chuckle. “I’d never be able to get ready in ten minutes.”
“Neither will Kingsley,” Layla teases. “She’s going to make Mason wait.”
“Well, luckily, I’m single, and I don’t have to worry about things like that,” I say as we walk into our dorm.
“We should find you a man,” Kingsley says, a determined look settling on her face.
“No, thank you. I’m happy with my single status.”
Stepping into the elevator, I can see my words fell on deaf ears.
“It’s a pity Preston just met someone.” Layla looks at Kingsley, then asks, “What about Julian?”
“Hell no,” the words burst from me.
“Why not?” Kingsley asks. “He’s good-looking, wealthy… ah… he’s…” her words trail away as she tries to think of more attributes.
“Exactly,” I state. “I like my men with an actual beating heart.”
“What does that mean?” Layla gives me an inquisitive look. “Did you and Julian have a fallout?”