Page 51 of Vacation Friends

Especially Josh and Maddie. They just seem so clueless.

So deserving of everything they have coming.

I haven’t told anyone this—actually, I haven’t told anyone anything. I’m not that dumb. Anyway, I haven’t told anyone this, but I actually wrote out a list of possible ways I could wreak havoc. One never knows when you’ll need an idea on the spur of the moment.

That’s what sets me apart. I think these things through. I’m meticulous in my planning.

And I’m brilliant. Truly, I am. People have underestimated me my entire life.

One day they’ll see.

It’s much better if they discover these things on their own instead of me telling them.

It’s a good thing I’m patient.

I sit in my room. On my phone, a movie plays. She’s All That.

I wonder if Maddie likes this movie too. Yes, I know all about her little quirks. They’re actually kind of endearing.

Knowing she likes the movies has made this all even more fun. There’s nothing I like more than incorporating some creativity into my deeds.

Maddie and Josh are about to find out this is only the beginning.

I have so much more in store.

I will get my way, make my point, get what I want.

I’ve been meticulous in my planning.

This whole retreat will be a disaster.

Josh won’t be named CEO.

His product launch will be ruined.

There will be no happy ever afters.

I smile as I think about it all. I didn’t think I’d enjoy this so much.

But I do.

Now I need to enact the next part of my plan.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-ONE

That evening, Maddie donned a blue Hawaiian dress with large turquoise and white flowers across it. It tied behind her neck and showed off her tanned shoulders and arms. She left her hair down, grateful it was long enough to cover the cuts and bruises on her arms.

She’d gotten to the event ten minutes early and had been greeted with a fragrant white and purple lei. Its floral scent was a nice contrast to the aroma of roasted pig also wafting through the air. In the background, a man played a ukelele and sang Hawaiian songs. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a pink hue across the sky.

She found a table near the front and saved seats for Josh and her friends, just as she had promised. She mingled with everyone as she waited, all the while keeping her eyes open for anyone acting suspiciously.

She knew the truth—there was a good chance the person who knew her secrets worked for Benchmark. That they were attending this luau. That they could be watching her as well.

Her gaze stopped on Adrienne and Brody as they stepped into the dining area.

Adrienne looked gorgeous in a body-hugging pink flowered dress. Brody wore a breezy white button-up shirt and khaki shorts.

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