Page 64 of Perfect

Natalie also twisted from her own reflection and peered down at me with a fake trace of pity in her tone. She moistened her mouth with her tongue.

“Surely Connor’s told you about us?”

My insides started to hurt. She was about to share gory details; I could sense it. And sheknewI had feelings for Connor, it must have been etched into every crease of pain on my face. My stomach felt like it had a large nest of ants in it.

“I don’t know, you used to go out?” I guessed tartly. Knowing there would be more to it than that.

Her overdone lips curled and I wasn’t sure why I’d thought her petty before.

“Connor doesn’t do relationships. We just fuck from time to time.”

The word poured spitefully from her lips and I suddenly wanted to be anywhere but there. Maybe at home, burrowing my head into my pillow.

There was a sinking feeling in my gut. Is that where he went when he was feeling stressed, like when he’d stormed off after his argument with Rachel? To shag this hoe? I felt like emptying the contents of my stomach all over her psychedelic top.

I managed to compose myself. I was now fully feeling the jealousy vibe which was pouring out of her like lava. This I was used to and this I could deal with, couldn’t I? I saw it in girls all the time.

“Whatever, it’s not my business.”

She prodded me playfully in the arm and it made me want to snap her finger. Her nails were as garish as her outfit.

“You don’t have to be jealous. It’s just sex, there’s nothing in it,” Natalie piped in, with a forced giggle. She was thoroughly enjoying herself. How I longed to knock her off her perch.

I pretended not to be bothered, unease continuing to pound my stomach.

“I think we should find the others.”

I turned to leave the toilets. I still held the door for her for some strange reason.

“I hope I haven’t upset you. I’m surprised he doesn’t talk about me. He got a bit obsessed at one point. Couldn’t get enough.” She said in a cocky voice, knowing she was wounding me with every word. I walked away, quickening my speed.

“Good for you,” I muttered under my breath.

I saw the group and made a beeline, not waiting to see if Natalie had caught up to me.

“Hi, are you OK? You look upset? What’s she said?” Ella put in as she appeared suddenly at my side. She must have noticed the strange tension.

“She was just telling me how good my stepbrother is in bed,” I blurted with distaste, my thoughts still spinning. Why was I even letting the bitch get to me?

So, theyusedto shag, it wasn’t like he was my boyfriend or anything. My God, if he really had been with that slapper, there was a massive chance he’d be riddled. I attempted to use the thought to like him less, but it didn’t work.

Natalie joined the twins who were walking ahead of us, the damage was well and truly done and she knew it. You could tell from the way she trotted next to them that it was some type of victory walk. She irritated the hell out of me. I decided she was like one of those fancy, overindulged dogs that were dressed in clothes; cute to look at but fucking useless.

Ella slid an arm around me which was a surprise.

“Ignore her, she’s jealous of you because you’re hotter than herandyou have Connor’s attention. She’s been after him for years.”

Her revelation needled me.

“Why are you friends with someone like that Ella?” I questioned, moving away slightly so her arm slipped off my shoulders. I didn’t really want her poor attempt at comfort.

She looked uncomfortable at my words and shrugged.

“I don’t know. Maybe because there aren’t many girls to share stuff with in the village. Most of my friends are boys.”

I felt a twinge of remorse for my comment and thought back to when I’d first met her. There had definitely been something she had wanted off her chest. Maybe she had stored it all up. I couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to share anything of importance with the overly colourful Natalie.

“So, she isn’t lying,” I said, still feeling miserable. I blinked away a sting of tears, accepting that they were probably partly drink-induced.

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