There is a full three-second pause. "WOAH— wait. Bully Gio?"
I rub my face. "Yes.ThatGio."
"Oh my GOD. Okay, no offense, but I hated her, bro. I TOLD YOU. I. Told. You."
"What?" I mutter.
"What?? The same things I’ve been saying since day one. How did your innocent little baby-angel soul not see it? She was EVIL! And the way she talked about herself? Jesus Christ, Iwanted to scoop my eyes out with spoons. I’ve never met a more narcissistic human being."
I let out a weak little laugh. I let that settle. "I’m glad it’s over," I say, more honestly than I expected. "Really. I think I was trying to force something that wasn’t right."
Noah goes quiet. "So what now?"
I don’t answer immediately. I look over at his house. Gio is in his room. Working out. Shirtless.
He is lifting a heavy bar, and then he looks up. Right at me.
Oh God no. I freeze for a second, like I’ve been caught doing something I’m not supposed to. His eyes lock on mine.
I stand up fast and yank the curtain closed.
"Rava?" Noah’s voice cracks through. "You still there?"
"Yeah. Just… got distracted. Shut up."
I sit back down and look at the wall instead of the window. "Hey, do you remember that story I told you once? About that guy who pushed me into the lake on purpose and made everyone laugh like I was the joke of the summer? It was the same guy. Gio."
Silence. "What?"
"Yeah. He’s here. We’re… working together. Sort of. He came back from Spain."
There is a dramatic gasp on the other end. "Oh no, my poor little bitch. Did he bully you again? Say the word, I can send people to his house. I have connections."
I actually laugh. If only he knew.
If only he knew what kind of people Gio hangs out with.
Sure. He and Noahlooklike they’re mafia bosses, but Gio’s circle? They look like actual gang members who eat "connections" and people like me for breakfast.
"He’s different now. I don’t even know. He’s still insufferable, but with more tattoos and piercings."
He snorts. "Sounds about right."
I shift. "Yeah. Different appearance, same level of annoying." "Wait," he says. "So let me get this straight. Sophia wanted this guy, who used to bully you, and he didn’t want her back?"
"No. He’s gay."
"Oh my GOD!" He laughs. "This isdelicious. Dude, you should kiss him!"
"What?!"
"You heard me! Use him to make her jealous. You know she’s watching. Hell, post it on your story. Or even better, do it in front of her. With tongue and teeth and everything. The sweet taste of revenge." "Noah—"
"Just imagine it," he goes on like he hasn’t heard me. "She sees you locking lips with the guy she threw herself at, and he’s clearly more intoyouthanher! That’s Shakespearean-level payback. Biggest plot twist. I’d cry if I was her."
I am already shaking my head, heat crawling up my neck. "That’s insane."
"Not if you enjoy it."
