Page 141 of Redeeming Heart

“I think you mean when she cheated,” Camille corrected making Jaylin roll her eyes at Camille.

“Just because I won all the time doesn’t mean I cheated,” Jaylin remarked.

“Wait…why did no one inform us that our only set of treats is in danger?” Briana asked—jokes aside as she stared at the bag of skittles with big, round desperate eyes.

“Don’t worry, I’ll share,” Jaylin said placing her deck of cards down on the table where she thought she won.

“Royal rush,” Jaylin announced charmingly reaching for the treats when I cut in.

“What’s better a royal rush or a full house?” I asked sarcastically placing my cards down.

Camille started chuckling. “Full house beats royal,” Camille clarified.

“How is that possible?” Jaylin looked actually impressed.

“When my mom was sick, we used to play poker, and not before long I started making my father poor.” She was a good teacher.

I was indulged by laughter and hand-fives.

I gathered my winnings and handed them out while Camille and Corbin received our massive order of pizzas.

I stole a slice from Camille when she wasn’t looking and almost got caught when Corbin chuckled when he noticed.

They were taking too long to open all the boxes with their flirtations and battering.

I plump down beside Jaylin who gave me a questioning look when Camille called out my name. “You better make that piece disappear.” She said with an amused chuckle when she realized what I’ve.

“How long have you been friends?” Clarissa asked looking from Jaylin to me.

“Too long,” I muttered with a mouth full of food.

“Very funny, smartass,” Jaylin said flicking my nose playfully.

“We are practically sisters,” Jaylin told Clarissa.

Jaylin then got up to get her some food before the girls finish it before she gets a piece and a hangry Jaylin wasn’t fun to be around.

I got up once my stolen piece was done. At least they left me a few pieces and I didn’t miss Camille’s narrowed look when I passed her.

I smiled sheepishly saluting her with a piece of pizza before taking a big bite and headed over to see who was at the door when there was a knock, but Travis beat me to the door.

I grabbed another piece before rejoining everyone in the living room when I came face to face with Brandon.

CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE

Mostly everyone was asleep when I snuck out of the hotel room to get some fresh air. I was amazed to still be alive after the night I had.

Having Brandon show up out of the blue without anyone alerting me beforehand and then having to spend the whole night staring at him with stalker’s eyes without saying a word to each other.

My mother would have laughed at this situation.

The soft late-night breeze tickled a few strands of my hair that have came loose from my bun as I made my way down to the pool.

We made sure to get better accommodation this time by opening a fundraiser and working our butts off to raise enough money so we could cover all of our travels and accommodation.

I sat down on the edge of the pool and dipped my feet into the water.

The universe kept throwing a challenge my way because it knew of my strength and how much I was ready to apologize to Brandon, but every time I believe I am ready—the walls closed in—to a point where I am suffocating.

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