Day 27
I’m a smart girl.
Under normal circumstances, I’d like to believe I can read people fairly well.
I recognize the tell-tale signs when someone is lying. Is scared. Nervous. Ready to run.
I know better than to fall for people’s bullshit, especially when that’s all they’re selling.
Still, I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. PMS is a real thing.
So that’s what I was trying to do.
I was giving them a chance to redeem themselves after the havoc they caused while we were shopping. And again at the bar while we listened to the worst band I’d ever heard drone on for over an hour.
I probably wouldn’t have if Bella hadn’t been with me.
Like I said, I’m not stupid.
Walking into the wolf’s den, alone, is never a good idea. No matter what kind of mood the wolf is in.
“Breakfast was so good,” Bella says as we walk back to toward our villas.
It was. The chef made personalized omelets for each of us. There was a variety of fresh fruit and juices. But what really made it for me was the coffee.
How was I not aware they had an espresso machine? God, it’s been weeks since I’ve been able to visit my favorite coffee shop. There’s something about the smell of espresso that perks me up.
Or maybe it’s all the sugary syrup that I put in the espresso.
Caramel. Vanilla. Chocolate. Hazelnut.
I’m a lover of all flavors. But my personal favorite? White-chocolate lattes.
And that’s exactly what I asked for this morning.
“It was nice to not have cold cereal or toast for a change. Plus, I think my toaster is broken.”
“How do you break a toaster?”
“Don’t ask me. All I know is that when I cooked for Drake the other night, the toast never popped up, and by the time I remembered, it was solid black and the toaster was smoking.”
Bella covered her mouth as a giggle escaped.
“I’m just glad things weren’t tense with the other girls.”
Bella’s giggle faded as she slowed her steps. “You do realize that they’re up to something, right? I’m not sure what, but they’re plotting against you.”
“I’m sure they are.”
“So why even bother being nice to them? Why accept their invitation to breakfast? Why not just ignore them?”
“How am I supposed to figure out what they’re up to if I avoid them?” I raise an eyebrow at a curious Bella.
“Valid point but they were nice this morning. As nice as can be expected, I guess.”
“Yup,” I state firmly as I start walking again, Bella falling in step with me. “Which means they’re plotting something big. Probably a way to get rid of me. I’m fairly certain Teegan is into Jace, and I know Courtney is interested in Lennon. With me out of the picture, they think they have a better chance, and they probably do. What they don’t realize is there’s no way to get rid of me. They have no control over it. Their only hope is to make an alliance with Drake and Milo. They need both of them, though.”
Bella seems to think over what I’ve said as we reach my door. “Want to come in for another cup of coffee? It won’t be as good, but it has caffeine, and that’s all that matters sometimes.”