Page 67 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

THE GUEST

Iclose my laptop and stretch. I’m caught up with all my school work. I feel somewhat okay. I haven’t taken anything in a week. It’s been a struggle, but I’ve focused on eating healthier, exercise, and surrounding myself with my sorority sisters. I’ve wanted to—but today isn’t as bad as it was yesterday. Maybe I can do this. My phone rings. I hope it’s Keaton, but I’m disappointed to see Rachel’s name.

“Have you heard from Keaton?” she asks.

“Why?”

“Trent saw him, again. Well, more like Trent freaked out on him this time. He has quite the shiner.”

“He promised he would leave him alone!”

“Did he? He said he told you he wouldn’t be friends with him anymore. I think that was him ending their friendship.” I sigh.

Rachel ends the call in a hurry, having to go tend to the kids. My leg bounces. I open the laptop and decide maybe posting on my blog will help.

Hello all you beautiful people!

It’s almost winter break! Who’s excited? I know I am. Winter brings cozy sweaters and boots. Here’s a few of my favorite upcoming styles this season. What’s yours?

Sorry, I don’t have more to share. I’m going through some stuff. Have you ever been confused? My heart likes a guy, but he keeps pushing me away. My family doesn’t approve. I’ve been into him for years, but denied it. Now I’m ready to acknowledge it and give my heart to him. I practically throw myself at him…but he’s never taken it further. He says he wants me, but he’s not taking what I’m offering to him. In the art of love, I have no style. I’m coming up blank. Maybe it’s because our patterns clash? I don’t know. What’s a girl to do? Any advice for me?

Xoxo

The Fashion Princess Blog

I message Keaton again, and again, I’m met with no reply. He’s completely ghosted me. My ego takes the silence hard. Lost in my thoughts, I come back to the present when my laptop dings with a new message.

PeppermintKisses

@TheFashionPrincess Be patient. It takes guys longer to work through this stuff LOL

I laugh and respond:

TheFashionPrincess

@PeppermintKisses I thought he liked me. He chased me, but once he caught me—it’s like the thrill was over. I’m afraid since he’s seen the truth of who I am behind my pretty lies, he can’t accept me.

PeppermintKisses

@TheFashionPrincess He caught you, but now he doesn’t know what to do. Typical. Maybe you need to show him what to do from here on out ;)

TheFashionPrincess

@PeppermintKisses great advice!

SEVEN

@TheFashionPrincess If he won’t take you, I will.

I gulp. It’s Seven again. Time to find out if I’m being paranoid or not.

TheFashionPrincess

@SEVEN What makes you think I’m up for grabs? Maybe I don’t want to be taken.

SEVEN

@TheFashionPrincess Trust me. I know more about you than you think ;) And I know you haven’t been taken…yet.

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