Page 74 (1/2)

Danica’s face contorts into an ugly ust "Wow, you really are a whore"

"Takes one to know one," I snap, and I stand there waiting for her to punchat her sides, her eyes narrowed like a viper’s

"Prove it," she demands as I quiver with a mix of fear and i prove it, or get the hell out of my apartment"

I hide the panic that squeezes in et out of this But Danica’s narrowed eyes and her squared hips tellto buy any excuses I try on her Within my chest, I pick up my phone, and I find a number

"You vixen!" Leti answers, and I juht’s secrets

"Leti, my paranoid cousin thinks I was at soht" Danica’s nose reddens with anger, but I press on with my veiled explanation "Will you please tell her where I was so she’ll get off odfriend pauses for a moment that feels like an eternity, but then he effortlessly co on me?"

"No!" I play along "She just thinks--"

"I take you to the fanciest restaurant in town," Leti pretend-coive you a gorgeous bouquet of apricot a he would have just settled on roses "I treat you likeonbetween suspicious and satisfied I can tell she’s enjoying the fact that she’s causing problems inanyone else! That’s my whole point here!" I turn away from Danica for show "But for the record, it’s not like you ever asked , Hailey I can’t stand the thought of you being with anyone else You’re special to irl I want to spoil you and treat you like the princess you are to lance over my shoulder and see the jealousy that flashes across Danica’s face, and I silently vow to hug the life out of Leti next time I see him

"Are you satisfied?" I whisper-yell at lares at me but lets me turn off the speakerphone and walk away In my room, I walk to the far corner and slide down onto the floor

"You really are ht it?"

"I think she’s even jealous"

He laughs harder, and I set to know hi and growing, and I don’t want to leave It only ce up with Danica, to continue trying to stay one step ahead in her gaet to use my best line," he pouts

"Use it"