Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 108636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 543(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 543(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
“What?” Avery explodes, laughing so hard I have to suck my lips into my mouth. “Juniper did not like my brother!”
I swallow hard, trying my best to smile like I agree with the joke.
“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” Avery shakes her head at Bethany. “Next time Seth’s done banging you, close your legs before the air gets to your brain.”
Bethany’s eyes narrow in anger, and an even more dangerous tone settles over our powwow than before. I don’t know exactly what this bitch would like to do, but it’s a good time to shut it all down before she has a chance.
“It was nice seeing you, Bethany, but Avery and I have more dancing to do,” I say in dismissal, adding a little wave to make it as friendly-chic as possible. When she backs out of our immediate space, I stand up and grab Avery’s hand, dragging her back to the dance floor without looking back at Bethany or Seth. We find a hole in the center and start our head-rolling moves yet again, but Avery isn’t quite on the same let’s not talk about this page as me.
“I swear she’s still in love with Beau even though she’s the one who broke that shit up. She’s one of those have your cake and eat it too twats, and it shows.”
I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters if she’s going to spew blatant lies about you for no reason!”
I keep my mouth shut and dance, startling only when a large set of hands settles on my hips from behind. They leave just as quick as they arrive, but when Avery shouts her brother’s name in my face, I understand why.
I turn around and come face-to-face with Beau’s gorgeous eyes and perfect smile directed at me.
I’m so glad he’s here, but the timing is not impeccable. If Bethany sees us together, we’re cooked for real. It already seemed like she was on quite the warpath—with me being the target. My mind can’t fathom what else she’d say in front of Avery if given the motivation and chance.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe you dragged your ass out of your hole too!” Avery exclaims, slapping a hand down onto Beau’s chest. “Both of you in one night! Is it the apocalypse?”
Beau keeps smiling, and I have to look away to keep myself from staring. “Just thought it’d been a while since I’d done a night out with you guys.”
“I’m glad you’re here, actually,” Avery says, her energy still way up from the bitchy-ex encounter. “We just ran into Seth and Bethany, and she was…” She pauses to regain her composure as she laughs. “She was trying to start shit, talking about June having some crush on you when we were younger like it isn’t the most ridiculous thing in the world!” She shakes her head, yelling directly at him over the music. “I swear, you could have her back if you really wanted her. She’s so preoccupied with you, still.”
Beau glances to me before shaking his head. “I’d rather eat fucking nails than go down that road again. Time for new paths.”
“Yay!” Avery claps her hands excitedly. “Oooh, maybe I should find someone to hook you up with tonight.”
My eyes widen, ready to snap in panic, but Beau is much more composed than me. “Thanks for the offer, but that won’t be necessary. I can find my own pussy.”
Avery cackles, but I can’t find a single ounce of energy to pretend to enjoy the path of this conversation.
Overwhelmed, I beg off, citing, “I need to go sit down for a minute, you guys. I’ll meet you at the booth.”
I can feel Beau searching my face, but Avery just nods and holds him captive, starting a conversation about some old high school buddy of his she saw on the dance floor.
As quick as I can, I walk away from them, fishing my way through the crowd to make it back to our spot in VIP. I’m almost there when the stress and embarrassment and anxiety of it all feels like maybe I need to splash a little water on my face.
Rerouting, I head for the bathroom and duck inside, taking solace in the immediate change in noise and atmosphere. There are several women in here, cycling in and out of the stalls, so I make my way to the sink and wash my hands, splashing just a tiny drop of water on my cheeks in an attempt to calm myself down without ruining my makeup.
I lean into the porcelain and take a long, hard look at myself, wondering how much longer I can keep this shit up.
Not only is Bethany far more observant than I thought she was, she’s also just catty enough to use it. With the amount of time she spends in the office feeling up Seth, and with her still out there somewhere, lurking in the club, how in the hell am I supposed to know for sure she’s not watching me?