Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67831 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67831 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
“Well, that isn’t exactly right, Jenna,” I say, positioning the pitcher over her nearly empty glass. “I’ve never been ticketed, no, but I’ve been pulled over loads of times.” I begin to pour the water in a thin, threatening stream, my eyes locked on hers. “I love to speed, actually. It’s one of my favorite things and practically a necessity when you live thirty minutes from the closest grocery store. Or pharmacy. Or gas station. I have to drive thirty minutes to get gas, Jenna. Do you know what that makes me?”
Her lips part, but I push on before she can speak, still pouring, “Prepared. It makes me the kind of person who is always prepared. Prepared for an emergency, prepared to talk my way out of a ticket with the skill of a used car salesman, and prepared to handle any hospitality issue my job or this competition can throw at me without breaking a sweat.” My eyes bore into hers as the glass nears the overflow point. “I’m going to bury you, and I’m going to do it with a smile on my face and holiday spirit in my heart.”
I tip the pitcher upright with a split second to spare, leaving the glass perfectly topped off. “But if you stick your nose into my private business again, I’ll also be hiring a lawyer to sue you in every violent, invasive way a person can be sued. Because that’s my kink, Spooky, making sure bad actors get what they deserve. Justice is sexy, don’t you think? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go rest up for my spa appointment tomorrow. While you’re slogging through a losers’ challenge, I’ll be getting a massage. I hope you have the day you deserve.”
Without another word, I turn and glide back across the tent, weaving my way through the tables with my head held high. Behind me, I hear Jenna mutter something beneath her breath, but she seems to have lost the gumption to give me grief me at full volume.
Good.
I hope she takes our little tête-à-tête to heart because I meant every word, especially the suing part. Kayla’s father is a shark of a lawyer who doesn’t hesitate to unleash his litigious zeal on anyone who dares to mess with his daughter or her friends. One phone call, and Dave will have a terrifying cease and desist letter headed Jenna’s way.
The thought sends guilt winding through my chest. I haven’t checked in with Kayla since the night of the first challenge. Yes, I’ve been busy, but I’ve had ample time to respond to her texts asking how things are going.
The truth is that I’ve been avoiding her.
I’ve been avoiding my bestie because I can’t lie to her. And if I can’t lie to her, then I can’t keep lying to myself.
“Ugh,” I mutter, slugging back the last sip of my now cold tea before gathering my coat and purse from the table I was sharing with Eduardo.
“What happened?” he hisses, casting anxious glances Jenna’s way. “What did you say? Why isn’t she fighting back?”
“We came to an understanding,” I say, shrugging on my coat.
“Yes, but how?” he insists. “Girl, you have to tell me everything. Don’t make me wait to watch it on TV. I will literally explode with frustration. I can’t wait that long for gossip. It gives me ulcers.”
“Me, too,” Millie says, appearing beside us. She lowers her voice to a whisper as she adds, “Well, no, that isn’t really true. I’m usually not into gossip, but Jenna actually looks scared. Of you.” A delighted smile splits her face. “It’s awesome! Teach me your ways, wise one. I want to be nice, but scary, too.”
I exhale a soft laugh. “I’ll spill it all later, I promise, but I need to run right now. I have to check in with work.”
Eduardo groans. “God, don’t remind me. I have to tackle email today. It can’t wait any longer. Pedro is a fabulous assistant manager, but he simply refuses to answer email or order supplies. I swear, that man thinks the toilet paper magically appears in the rooms.”
“Good luck,” I say sympathetically, waving to Millie as I head Ainsley’s way. “Just wanted to let you know that I’m heading out.”
“Sounds good,” Ainsley says. “You did a great job today!”
“Thank you.” I smile, but some of the joy of victory has faded.
It’s hard to be proud of your performance in one arena when you know you’re failing miserable in another.
“You’re welcome.” Her gaze grows more pointed. “Are you sure I can’t send a cameraman with you this afternoon? He’ll keep a respectful distance. He won’t be able to film while you’re in the museum with your friend due to permitting issues, but it would be nice to get shots of you walking through the park, having dinner, that sort of thing.”