Page 104 of Deck of Scarlets

“You got it!” Jeremy laughed, the speaker cracking from the sound.

“All right, I’ll see you in a few.” With that, I hung up the phone, a little less tense than before. I guessed Father Benedict’s advice to follow was a good call.

I brushed Heather’s beautiful red hair from her forehead, the curls perfectly coiled to her scalp. “I’ll find a way to save you, Heather. I promise.”

Chapter Forty-Two

The taxi ride to Peg’s Diner took a little longer than usual, mainly because I procrastinated on my outfit and then tried to find a good hiding spot for my dagger. That part took some time, especially finding a place to keep it without Jeremy becoming suspicious. I had to run back to the dorm because I had almost forgotten my pager.

I didn’t leave until nearly five, the worst New York City time to travel. But Jeremy didn’t care; he greeted me like we hadn’t seen each other in years with a hug so tight I almost lost the air in my lungs.

“I’m so sorry for the other night. I should’ve called you right away.” He apologized again, kissing my head.

“It’s okay. I just want you to know I’m still me,” I said. Well, me physically. My occupation was questionable.

Jeremy linked his arm through mine and led us toward the entrance of Peg’s Diner. A small line began to form, but luckily, we chose a Wednesday night, with fewer crowds and wait time to get a seat.

Jeremy and I were discussing the latest drama of our old classmates when I heard my name being called from behind. “Remi?”

I turned and never wanted to melt into the nearest drainage so severely in my life. Nickie’s well-manicured hand draped over Josh’s arm seductively, sending a pang of jealousy rippling through my core. Nickie smiled brightly, releasing her hold on him to hug Jeremy and me together. Josh lingered in the back, looking anywhere but at me, which hurt. It hurt because the last conversation between us left me broken and lost. And I had no right to feel the way I did, not when my best friend belonged to him.

“Are you eating here too?” she asked excitedly.

“Yes! Want to join us?” Jeremy offered.

She glanced at Josh, a small smile in her questioning eyes. “We would love to!” Nickie turned back to us, smiling from ear to ear.

“Awesome!” Jeremy said.

I smiled at my best friend, trying desperately to avoid the beautiful man beside her.

“Oh, Josh! By the way, this is my other best friend, Jeremy. Jeremy Levine,” she introduced.

He held out his hand for Jeremy to shake. “Levine? Are you by any chance related to Ophelia Levine?”

Jeremy clasped Josh’s in return with a firm shake. “Yes! She is my aunt.”

“I didn’t know she was your aunt,” I said, keeping my attention on Jeremy after I spoke.

Their hands disconnected as Jeremy peeked over at me. “Yeah, I thought I mentioned it before.”

I shook my head, about to say something else, when Josh interrupted. “I’m surprised you’re not attending.” There was something weird about the tone that finally caught my attention. Sensing my stare, Josh ran his hand through his dark hair, biting his lip, trying so hard not to look at me.

“Table for four?” the hostess said at the front door.

“Yes, please,” replied Jeremy.

She grabbed four menus and led us to a cozy corner booth in the back of the diner. Josh slid into one corner as I slid into the other. Jeremy to my left, Nickie to his right. We faced each other, but Josh instantly grabbed the menu to dodge conversation with me. I snatched the menu the hostess left on the table, gripping it in anger. If he wanted to play this game, then so be it.

“So, Remi, how are classes?” Nickie asked over her menu.

I bit my lip behind my menu. “Oh, you know, boring.”

Jeremy snickered beside me. “Columbia is a dry campus.”

“We know how to party,” mentioned Josh with a smirk.

Nickie’s eyes sparkled in delight. “When’s the next frat party?”

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