My fingers itched to steal the pen from Jasmine’s purse. To sketch the way the light caught Avery’s laugh or the sharp cut of Margie’s hands when she talked. Instead, I curled my hands in my lap. If I started, I might not stop. And Avery’s friends weren’tready to see the real me—the one who saw the world in lines and shadows instead of labels and brands.
Margie was mid-rant, manicured nails dancing in the air. “So I found these jeans—limited drop, ultra high-rise, stupid expensive, obviously. I bought two sizes just in case. The smaller one’s my motivation, don’t judge.”
Avery laughed. “Only you would spend that much on denim you can’t even breathe in yet.”
“I’ll breathe after I look amazing,” Margie shot back, sipping her lemonade with a wink.
Jasmine rolled her eyes. “She’s dragging us to the boutique on Cypress tomorrow. Claims they just restocked.”
“Post-brunch beach trip tomorrow too,” Margie added, flashing her phone screen. “This bikini needs sunlight and sin. Preferably both.”
I smiled, pretending I belonged.
We’d lived in nice places. Stayed in fancy homes when Mom’s boyfriends had money. But they weren’t legacy. Not this level. Not deep pockets with deeper secrets.
Fifteen minutes later, I excused myself, needing a break. Too much pretending.
The bathroom was down a narrow hallway, tucked past the arcade claw machines and a side exit. I took my time washing my hands, letting the water scald and numb in equal measure.
As I pushed the bathroom door open, voices leaked down the hallway—hushed and familiar. Elise’s. I froze, catching her mid-sentence.
“…doesn’t matter how broke they look—Mila’s mom always finds a way to cash out.”
It crashed through me like a gut punch. Not because she was wrong. But because it was too close to the truth.
She was talking about me. It couldn’t be more obvious. I stepped out fully then, slow and on purpose, making sure shesaw me. Her gaze flicked up, mouth curling as if she’d been waiting all along. Nina loitered behind her, smug. Tori lingered near the hall entrance, half-turned like she wanted to bolt.
“You and I should talk,” Elise said, voice venom, saccharine and glass. “Girl to girl.”
I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, casual mask in place, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
She cocked her head, dark hair gleaming under the too-bright overhead light. “Heard you’ve been… busy.”
I raised a brow. “You stalking my schedule now?”
Nina smirked. Tori shifted her weight but said nothing.
Elise’s smile thinned. “I just think someone should remind you—your mom’s history has a way of catching up.”
My blood went cold. What exactly was she talking about? Why we left? Or something else?
She stepped closer, just enough to push into my space. “Men. Money. The way she leaves both behind a little lighter.” Her gaze dragged over me. “Ring a bell?”
That. I caught her drift, and it wasn’t surprising what she’d found out. Even so, I didn’t move. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.
“Let me guess,” she went on, voice hushed. “Luke’s next. Rising star. Heir apparent. Whole town already half-bowing to his last name. Bet she’s real proud.”
My jaw clenched. “You think I’m after Luke for his money?”
“I think you learned from the best.” She smiled, all teeth. “Like mother, like daughter.”
I was expecting something along those lines. “Really? Then why not go after hisolderbrother? Isn’t he already working at the company? Seems like the smarter target, if I was into power plays.”
Elise’s eyes glittered. She didn’t answer right away, just tilted her head, lips curling into something secretive. “You would think. But some stars burn out before they even get the crown.”
I stilled. Not because I gave a damn about her digs, but because that line wasn’t random. It sounded too specific. Too pointed. As if she knew something about Drew—something recent. The way she said it, too smooth and smug… it wasn’t just gossip. It was a warning shot. Something was going down, and either she was behind it—or already watching it implode.
“You think you’ve got history with Luke? You’re nothing new, Mila. I had him before you—and after. You weren’t the first, and you sure as hell weren’t the last.”
