“We are friends, right?”she calls out after me, her voice carrying notes of suspicion.
“Yeah, of course.”I rub the sleep from the corner of one eye as I push through my rack of clothes with my other hand.I want to be comfortable and colorful today.Gabriella is going to have an issue with this, but I think I have the perfect combo.I pull out my baggy flared jeans with painted flowers covering all sides.I thread my legs through either hole before fastening the button right below my belly button.For a top, I look back to the rack for something not floral, but still happy...I spy my favorite butter-yellow T-shirt and grab it without another thought.
“Friends like...you and Levi?”she asks.
The seed of irritation in the pit of my stomach starts to sprout.“No, not like me and Levi.Different.”
“Different...How so?”she counters, holding either side of the doorframe and blocking my exit.Then she takes a look at my outfit.“Whoa.As your friend, you look like you’re on your way to your first day of kindergarten.”She chuckles, releasing one side of the door to place a hand to her lips.I take the opportunity to escape, sneaking back into the bathroom.
“That is one of my favorite pastimes.”I squeeze the ends of my hair with my towel before hanging it back on the hook, then start to brush it out.I watch in the mirror as Gabriella lingers, knowing she isn’t quite done with this Levi-and-Tate crusade.She comes up beside me, one hip kissing the counter, her body angled towards me.I turn slightly towards her but continue brushing.
“All I’m saying is...”
“Yes...”
“One of you two is going to end up hurt and I’m afraid it’s going to be you.Levi has been up-front about who he is and what he wants since day one.He is here to win.He’s not going to give that up for anything...or anyone.”She walks away, but not before nailing me with a stern look.I glance back up at my reflection.My hair is halfway under control.
Do I have a thing for Levi?
Bzzzzz.
That’s weird...Jan’s calling.
Chapter 17
Levi
The door of the studioslams from somewhere in the back, followed by the clatter of feet moving against polished floor.I know it’s Jan before I even look up.She’s making quick strides towards the stage and me.Her long legs are lengthened even further by stiletto heels under her wide-leg trousers.
“Dan, trust me.I know how to make good TV.Remember season four?With Cameron and...”She pauses, phone pinched between her shoulder and her ear in the center of the room.“Yes!Cameron and Maddie.Our ratings were through the roof.”Her dark-brown eyes lock on mine from underneath the shag of her blonde pixie cut, and a smile blooms.
Now, I’m sure everyone would say I’m being pessimistic when I say this, but I don’t like the way she’s looking at me.She’s always been half The Sound of Music, half drill sergeant, but the way she’s smiling at me feels sinister.That’s when I notice the tray.A paper drink carrier with three large coffees.I set the guitar down and jump off the stage to help her, but she waves me off and ends her call without so much as a bye, talk soon, or any other parting words.
“Sorry, I tried to finish the call from the car but didn’t want you waiting.Coffee?”She pulls the stubborn cup from its place, careful not to spill any of the others before offering it to me in an outstretched hand.My stomach twists.The gesture’s nice...too nice.I grab the cup, the warmth seeping through the paper into my palm.I take a sip, expecting black, but it’s not.Light hits her eyes and I swear I see a glint of something.
“This is an oat milk pumpkin spice latte.”
