Page 64 of The Lodge

Why on earth would River—and Julie, for that matter—allow me to move in right next door to Tyler, knowing full well who I’m writing about?

Maybe it’s the writer in me spinning up stories where there aren’t any, but it almost feels like I’ve been set up. Do theywanthis secret to get out?

I take a deep breath.

Is there any scenario in which Tyler’s secretstayssecret?

CHLOE

3:33PM

HELP, your sister is texting me

ALIX

3:33PM

Please tell me she didn’t lock herself out again

CHLOE

3:34PM

Worse…

ALIX

3:34PM

I hesitate to ask what could be worse

CHLOE

3:34PM

She’s asking if some girl she knows from the museum can move in with me. Until MAY.

ALIX

3:34PM

This girl has apparently been crashing at my place for days, racking up noise complaints—I told Lauren she needs to talk to her about moving out. I did NOT tell her to shove her onto someone else…

CHLOE

3:34PM

I don’t know how to politely tell her she’s unhinged

ALIX

3:35PM

Oof. I’m so sorry. Tell her you’re coming to visit me soon and you’re not comfortable with a stranger staying in your place while you aren’t there?

CHLOE

3:35PM

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