I snap my lips shut and shake my head, desperate to act like nothing is bothering me. Belinda isn’t the kind of girl who would compare herself to others. She would walk naked through a crowd with her head held high. Climbing into a hot tub in the dark should be no big deal. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine.” Sophia frowns.
“Just the usual swimsuit insecurities.” With a dramatic sigh, I tug off the borrowed skirt and sweater and fold them, then set the clothes on the nearby counter. “I mean, look at me.”
“You look great.”
That would be Sophia’s automatic response no matter what. “If you say so.”
“Seriously, Belinda.” She grabs hold of my shoulders and gives them a gentle shake. Her tone is more sober than it was just minutes ago, and I wonder how much of her goofy drunkenness was just leaning into the fun of a little buzz. “There’s no need for any self-pity at the moment. You werekissing Connor Wellsnot thirty minutes ago, and we all know he’s the hottest boy at Wickham.”
“Is he?” My voice is weak. There are plenty of good-looking guys at Wickham. Several of them are currently sitting in the hot tub.
But no one makes me feel fluttery and breathless like Connor.
“Yes. He is.” Sophia’s voice is firm. “Now let’s go join them. And make sure you sit next to Connor.”
I glance down at the black one-piece I’m wearing. It’s not exciting, but maybe it’s classic. Sophia is right. I don’t look terrible.
Connor certainly didn’t have any complaints.
We leave the pool house and practically run to the hot tub, desperate to get warm, since there’s a chill in the air. The moment we’re in the water, I feel a gentle tug on my hand under the surface.
It’s Connor pulling me toward him, and I go willingly. Sophia is close behind me, and I end up sitting between them. My new bestie and my crush.
Yikes. Listen to me. I sound like I’m living out my every teen fantasy. Nothing like this would ever happen to me back home. For starters, no one I know owns a hot tub, and it’s not like I was ever getting invited to parties. I always had to work.
“Nice suit, Belinda.” Abigail’s snide tone makes me want to smack her, but instead I flash her a petty smile.
“Gee thanks. It’s Sophia’s.”
Abigail sneers, taking the three of us in. “What an odd little group you make. Is this what you’ve resorted to, Connor? Hanging out with the snitch and the new girl?”
I can feel both Sophia and Connor stiffen at Abigail’s snide comment. “When the alternative is the diva and her bodyguard,” I say, bobbing my head at Priya and Abigail respectively, “can you really blame him?” My voice is calm despite my inner City Kid wanting to launch herself at Abigail and pull her hair.
The boys laugh. Priya’s worried expression is almost comical, but I restrain myself from joining in the laughter.
“Now come on, Abigail. Not sure why you want to pick on poor ol’ Con here.” Julian’s good-natured attitude always throws me. There’s something about him that’s incredibly fake, and I don’t understand how Isla couldn’t see it.
“Give me a break, Julian.” Abigail wobbles a little, and Priya reaches out to keep her steady. Looks like she’s had something to drink along with her recreational meds. Great.
“You two do look cozy,” Freddie observes, his gaze flitting between Connor and me. “You up to something new, Connor?”
Connor says nothing in response, but I can feel the anger radiating off him in waves.
“I thought the hot tub was supposed to be fun, guys.” Sophia glances around, her brows drawn together. I’m sure she can feel the tension, too.
“Oh, it was loads of fun until you two showed up.” Abigail checks on Priya. “Right, P?”
Priya remains quiet as well, sending Abigail a meaningful look. One that probably says,watch yourself.
Abigail ignores her. “Connor, I have to say it’s great to have you back in the fold, but you should know that none of us can quite decide whether to hate you because your dad is a criminal or pity you because your sister is dead.”
Sophia gasps. Priya’s mouth hangs open. All the boys duck their heads, seemingly uncomfortable. Me?
I’m fuming. I can feel Connor next to me, shaking with rage and humiliation. I rest my hand on his thigh beneath the water, giving it a squeeze.
He sets his hand on top of mine, curling our fingers together, and I want to lean into him but I’m too fired up to get cuddly.
