“That explains why you didn’t reply about your favorite pizza toppings,” she replied, passing my phone to me.
I powered it up, then groaned a little at how many messages popped up on the group chat notification.
Andrew Knightsbridge: What time do you plan on returning, Evelyn?
Bloodstone Sentinel: Bro, chill. Leave my bestie alone.
Connor: Did you seriously change your name to Bloodstone Sentinel? Loser.
Bloodstone Sentinel: Don’t be a hater because you’re not a superhero like me, Connie.
Andrew Knightsbridge: Shut up. Both of you. Evelyn, answer me.
Five-minute gap.
Andrew Knightsbridge: Evelyn?
Another five minutes.
Andrew Knightsbridge: Evelyn. Answer my question. What time will you be home?
Haze: Her phone is off. Texting multiple times won’t make it turn on.
An hour time gap.
Andrew Knightsbridge: Evelyn. Dinner is at seven, we expect you here. Sunday night dinner is nonnegotiable.
That message was sent at five thirty and it was now nine forty-five. Whoops.
At seven thirty, there was another message received but it wasn’t in the group chat.
Brodie: You’re in so much trouble, Evie babe. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back ;)
Groaning, I rubbed my eyes. These guys were a lot.
“What’s up?” Nina asked, tidying up our pizza boxes.
I sighed, remembering my NDA. “Nothing. Just…house drama.”
She chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Someone left hair in the drain and Andrew Knightsbridge had an aneurysm?”
I grinned, picturing that scenario. “Something like that. Anyway, I should go. Thanks for letting me steal your room all day. It was nice to be alone.”
“Anytime,” she replied, “it’s the least I can do. Hold up, let me text Sven to walk you home through those creepy woods.”
Those creepy woods were supposed to be totally safe, considering they were within the campus grounds and therefore also within the security bubble. But I wouldn’t objectto having someone to walk with, especiallyafter the nightmare I’d had last night.
My phone dinged as I packed up my stuff, and I glanced at the new message.
Haze: I’m leaving the chemistry lab in five if you want an escort home.
I stared at the message a moment, shocked, then smiled as a warm, fuzzy feeling swirled inside and I replied to accept his offer.
“No need to bother Sven,” I told Nina. “Haze is heading that way now. I can walk with him.”
Nina’s brows shot right the fuck up. “Okay…”
Haze: Cool. Andrew’s in a fucking mood, FYI.
