Page 79 of Wicked Dreams

By the time the dish comes out of the oven, my stomach is making obnoxious sounds.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to do something like this,” I admit to her.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without your help. My mother once told me to have at leastonemeal you’re good at. That you can make for potluck parties or holidays. If you have more than one, that’s fine. This might not be that dish for me, but it is an easy go-to.”

I mirror her smile. “It’s a great one.”

“If you want to choose a meal to perfect in your own way, we can pick up the ingredients and make it next week,” she offers.

Making plans for the future?Butterflies burst to life in my chest.

Plan-making is not something I take for granted.

Robert comes in, eyeing the table. “My mouth has been watering for the last half hour,” he admonishes. “And now that it’s ready, you don’t even call me?”

Lenora chuckles, kissing his cheek. “We were just about to, dear. Wash your hands.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

We all sit, hesitating for a split second before diving into the food. I put a bite in my mouth and groan.

“Food made with love.” Lenora sighs. “Always tastes good to the stomach and the soul.”

Chapter 18

Margo

There are a few messages waiting for me after dinner. I returned to my room to get ready, but now I sit heavily on my bed. One message is from Caleb, another from Riley, and another from that unknown number. My stomach swoops, and I click that one first.

What can I say? Maybe I’m a little masochistic.

I scan the text with my heart in my throat.

Unknown

Don’t get too comfortable, drug princess. Once a stray, always a stray.

I hadn’t heard from this mystery texter in a while. I thought—wrongly—that they had gotten bored. I mean, Caleb seems to outwardly hate me, Amelie made it clear I’m not welcome, and Savannah went out of her way to give me a rough time. Along with the cheerleaders following her lead.

Go away.

You wish it would be that easy, don’t you?

I switch over to Riley’s text.

Riley

Eli is grabbing me. Guess we’re both going to be there early. Not weird at all, right?

LOL

Right.

Then, finally, Caleb.

Caleb

Be there in five.

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