Page 92 of Something So Strong

“Leave me alone.” He pushes his bottom lip out like a toddler. “I just want some attention.”

“And you think flirting with Kai like you’re trying to make someone jealous is gonna help?”

More satisfied than he probably should be, Saxon looks at me again before slumping back in his chair. “What’s wrong with having a little fun?”

“Maybe Kai really does like guys and you’re leading him on.” Now Romeo is looking straight at Jesse and I feel like I need to make a speech about how his friends are undoubtedly more perceptive than he gives them credit for.

“I’m just after a little distraction, that’s all. I think I at least deserve that much. I’ve still got an egg on the back of my head as a reminder of how shit my day-to-day is here.”

“Huh?” Jesse interjects.

Oh yes, the Andy special. Heard all about that one straight from the horse’s mouth. So you best choose your words wisely, Saxon.

“Did I not tell you about that?”

“I didn’t know you were still alive till you texted me this morning.”

“Alright, alright,” Saxon waves off his scolding. “It happened last week right before I came to visit you at reception. When you couldn’t wait to get me out of there. So really, you only have yourself to blame.”

“I’ve seen you since then.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He gestures like he’s telling Jesse to sit down. “It’s nothing overly exciting. Just that crazy girl who jumped down my throat on our first morning here.”

“She attacked you again?”

“Yeah. She started by throwing a mug at my head, then tried to strangle me with a tea towel. And, ahh…” Saxon stalls. “I kinda work with her as well.”

But that’s only half of the story, isn’t it Saxon?

“Did you forget I was here?” Jesse sasses Saxon and we can all hear in his tone how hurt he is. “I’m one floor up and a text away. Something that big might have been worth mentioning.”

“I’m not the only one who hasn’t checked in with a daily itinerary.”

“Knowing your ass, you probably deserved the knock to the head. You, of all people, should know someone wouldn’t react like that unless they’d been taunted within an inch of their life. Or they’re carrying around some heavy shit and haven’t learned to regulate their emotions.”

“You’re not wrong,” I mumble, but not far enough under my breath. “Nope.” I shake my head. “Not my secret. Not my story. But I’m sure you’re aware by now that Andy’s not the only one here with a suitcase full of secrets.”

“Someone better fill me in.”

“I only know what Cleo told us last week,” Romeo insists—raising his hands and agreeing it’s not his story to tell.

“That doesn’t surprise me. Cleo’s mouth is open more often than her legs.”

“So now you’re complaining about that?” Jesse claps back.

“One, don’t take his fuck up out on me. And two, I was only meaning that she runs her mouth like it’s her life’s main mission.” I glare at him, then switch my attention to Saxon. “I hear you and Cleo had some fun of your own. Was Andy part of the discussion then, too?”

“The fuck?” Jesse slams his palms on the table. “You’ve all had her?”

Of everyone at the table, Romeo looks at me like I’m an oracle with an answer for everything.

“You know what?” Jesse waves his hands in front of his face. “I don’t wanna know about it.”

“Andy’s stronger than you think.”

“Excuse me?” Saxon furls his brow and scowls at me.

“She’s stronger than you think,” I repeat. “And she knows what she wants.”

---