Page 120 of Hot Chocolate & Hitmen

“You liar!” Tina shrieks, high-pitched and frantic, hurling what looks like a stack of my old magazines at Jason’s head. “You told me we’d be together when she was gone!”

Jason’s ducking for cover, hands up defensively. “Tina, will you calm the fuck down?” he snaps, practically stumbling back against the wall as she reaches for the lamp next. “You’re overreacting! I told you, I just need time-”

“Time?Time?!” Tina screeches, face flushed and eyes practically bugging out as she chucks the lamp across the room, narrowly missing him. “You’ve been saying that for months!”

My jaw drops, and I glance over my shoulder at the guys, who are watching this like a soap opera come to life. Teddy mutters, “Oh, for fuck’s sake,” while Key’s eyebrows raise, and Atlas just gives me a look as if asking me if I want him to step in. I shake my head–this show is too entertaining.

Petty? Yes. But I think I deserve to witness it after what he put me through.

Christmas whimpers in my arms, and I immediately set to soothing her. She’s used to chaos, but in no way is she used to pure vitriol and hate. She doesn’t even like it when the guys and I pretend to fight for the sake of some fun bedroom time. We have to put her to bed for that.

The sound must draw Tina’s attention, because in the next second, she spots us, her face twisting in disgust. “Oh, fantastic. You brought an audience,” she sneers, eyes narrowing on me. “What, Grace? You just couldn’t resist showing up to gloat?”

I continue petting Christmas softly, leveling her with a calm look. “Not really here for you, Tina. Just here to pick up my things and move on. Maybe you should try it sometime.”

Key snorts behind me, muttering, “Ooh, burn,” just loud enough for Jason and Tina to hear.

I’m definitely getting better at my comebacks with the guys’ help. Gotta keep up with Key afterall.

Tina scoffs, finally giving up the act. “So, what? You’ve moved on already, huh? Guess we’re not the only ones who can’t keep it in our pants.”

Teddy steps up beside me, his hand hovering protectively near my back. His face is a mask of calm, but his intent is clear. I step in front of him slightly, making it obvious I don’t want him stepping in yet.

Jason sighs, looking exhausted and embarrassed. “Grace, I...wasn’t expecting to see you so soon,” he mutters, clearly uncomfortable.

I force a smile, though it’s more for myself than anyone else. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m just here for my things.” I give Tina a pointed look. “Though I didn’t realize you’d be hosting a full-on meltdown. Should I come back later?”

Tina’s face flushes with anger. “You always act like you’re so innocent, Grace, but we both know you’re nothing but a self-righteous little–”

“Careful.” Atlas’ voice comes low and calm, but there’s an edge to it that could slice steel. Tina’s gaze flicks to him, and for a moment, she falters.

Jason throws up his hands, finally fed up. “Tina, just stop. This isn’t about them–it’s about you and me. And I’m telling you, it’s over.”

Tina’s face twists, a flicker of shock in her eyes, but it quickly gives way to fury. “So you’re just gonna throw me away? After allthe times I put up with you complaining about her? Running to me every time she annoyed you with her goody two shoes act?”

My patience is starting to wear thin, but I take a breath, refusing to let her get under my skin. “Tina, if Jason wants to move on, let him. Maybe it’s time you start figuring out what you want, instead of chasing after other people’s leftovers.”

I’m on point today.Go, me!

Tina’s face contorts in rage, and she takes a step closer to me, practically shaking with anger. “You think you’re better than me, don’t you, Grace? Little miss perfect, can’t do anything wrong. The girl who bakes cookies for the neighborhood kids and cries at those sappy rom-coms?” She gives a mocking pout, imitating my voice. “Oh, what’s wrong, Jason? What can I do for you, Jason? I love you so much. Why are you hurting me, Jason?” She rolls her eyes, flicking her hair over her shoulder. “Pathetic.”

The words sting, but Teddy’s hand on my back steadies me. “I think you’re confusing kindness with weakness,” I reply, a slight smile tugging at my lips. “I know it’s hard for you to see the difference.”

“Kindness,” she spits. “Yeah right, it’s just your desperate need for approval. Well, guess what? You’ve never gotten it from me, and you never will!”

Okay, and…?

It’s a strange moment, where the anger and bitterness in her voice mix with something deeper, something that makes me realize just how deeply her hatred runs. I think maybe, just maybe, it’s jealousy that fuels it. I was her friend once, the person she confided in, laughed with. But somewhere along the way, I became the person she resented, and for what? For beingme?

It makes me wonder when the shift happened, but then again…I’m not sure I care anymore.

I tilt my head, giving her a faint smile. “That’s good, Tina. Because I definitely don’t need, or even want it.”

“You don’t need it?” Her laugh is sharp, almost hysterical. “You’ve always neededeveryone’sapproval, Grace. It’s pathetic, the way you cling to people, desperate for someone to love you, to validate you. And now look at you–clinging to three men like a good little whore, hoping one of them will stick around longer than Jason did.”

Teddy’s hand on my back stiffens and I can practically feel the anger radiating off Atlas behind us. Out of the corner of my eye, Key’s face hardens, his usual humor vanishing beneath a flash of pure fury. “Careful there, bitch,” Key says, his tone cold and dangerous.

Oh dang it, she angered my carefree one.

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