Page 34 of Golden Rule

Lifting her glass higher into the air, the others do the same, and call me crazy, but I’m not feeling the love. For a split second, I manage to convince myself that I’m just being paranoid, but then April’s eyes lock with mine. She flashes another big smile, and there’s no doubt it’s insincere.

“Here’s to a bright, shining new future together,” she says, sipping from her glass while holding my gaze.

She’s right. Thisisthe dawning of a new day. But what’s unclear is whether this new era will end in peace… or will it end the way I’m beginning to fear it might?

In war.

@QweenPandora:

Holy-ice-sculptures, Batman…

Word on the street is that tonight’s Empress Circle meeting was straight out of a fairytale. Preliminary pics show off the ginormous mansion belonging to Cypress Pointe’s former lead quarterback, Reed Lawson. But later, someone snagged a pic of our beloved #QueensOfCypressPointe looking about as iced out as that sculpture.

Apparently, our girls only stuck around for an hour, despite the hostess for the evening having spent a pretty penny on the food and decor, but who can blame them? If their welcome was as warm as the one the guys received at the press conference, I suppose I would’ve tucked tail and ran, too.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Tough break, ladies, but who knows? Maybe things will turn around.

Then again, with your recent track record, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Side Note 1: Someone sent this pic of #NewGirl and #KingMidas headed toward the southside in their blacked-out chariot five minutes ago. If you see where they land, you know what to do.

Side Note 2: #LostAngel and her boss, #TheGoodDoctor, were seen chatting it up in the parking lot of the vet clinic, but they weren’t alone. An adorable three-year old with his mom’s dark curls, and his dad’s smile was present, too. And what’s that clutched beneath his arm?

Hint: It isn’t a football.

It’s a stuffed dog.

Looks like he’s been spending so much time with #TheGoodDoctor, he’s even picked up his love for animals. Maybe you were a little too late getting back in town, #MrSilver, because your son seems to be confused about who to call Daddy.

And here I was thinking #LostAngel was the one being replaced, but maybe our beloved Golden Boy is the one being ousted.

Here’s a tip, #MrSilver: Try focusing more on your son, and less on #TheSubstitute.

Not sure how to ignore her? Just ask your family for tips. They’ve got it down to a science.

One last question before I go. Anyone else willing to bet the kiddo isn’t the only one calling #TheGoodDoctor Daddy?

Looking at you, #Lost Angel.

Later, peeps :)

—P

Chapter Ten

Blue

As I re-read Pandora’s post—out loud so West can listen as he drives—I’m still in shock from all the shit she just spewed. It’s official. She’s a bigger bitchnowthan she was before, which I didn’t even realize was possible.

“She has the entire city on the lookout for us, encouraging them to follow us just so they can report back. It’s like, to hell with our safety and wellbeing. All that matters toanyoneis that they get a glimpse into our fucking lives.”

“I know,” West nods, “but we’ve been through this before, and we’ll get through it again.”

I breathe deep when it feels like my head might actually explode. Because that’s the thing! We shouldn’thaveto go through it again. Once was enough—having our every move clocked, living in fear.

West takes a left, and despite the night being dark and moonless, I recognize the area. We’re within a few blocks of my old high school—South Cypress High. This neighborhood brings back so many memories. I swear it feels like just yesterday that I was walking home with Jules, gossiping about who was dating who, fantasizing about our futures. Back then, we thought we knew everything.

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