Page 68 of Filthy Little Pretties
“Fine, but if she’s a dick to me, I get to be one back.”
They both laugh, looking over me and at each other.
“Thank you,” Grey answers as Liam adds, “This invitation is an olive branch. It’s baby steps.”
If I thought this was actually a peace offering, I’d be happy to take it. However, tossing us in the same room together means we’ll either fight it out to the death or wear each other out. But I’m there, worn-out and over her. It’s been too long dealing with her eye rolls and snarky-ass remarks, and I give. It’s fucking childish, and I’m over it.
I pull from both of them and stop my stride, pointing to the girls’ bathroom. “I have to go puke now.”
My joke fails. It’s met with matching contemptuous glares, so I smile and lift my arms in surrender. “Joking. I have to pee. I’ll meet you in class. I’m super pumped about my new bestie.”
Pivoting, I walk toward the restroom and smack both hands on the heavy door to push it open, then take the few steps through the entry that leads around to the sinks. A long snorting noise sounds off the tiled room, bouncing through the airy space, just as my eyes meet Caroline’s through the mirror.
She wipes her red-rimmed nose and stares at me with no expression as she dips her nail into the small container she’s holding. Bringing her powder fingernail to her nose, she snorts it up violently, squeezing her eyes shut and tipping her chin up.
I don’t bother to acknowledge her as I walk toward the stall and close the door to do what I came here to do. I flush, standing to shimmy up my panties, fully aware that she hasn’t left, but wishing I’m wrong before I open the door. The moment I do, she turns and stares straight at me again, this time her face steeled and ready for war.
“What?”
My voice is louder than I mean for it to be, but I’m irritated with this game.
“Are you going to run off and tell on me now? Be a snitchy little bitch?”
I square off to the sink, two down from her, and pump the soap into my hand. Waving my hand under the faucet, I pause for the water.
“Because you’re doing coke in the bathroom? No, Caroline. I’m not going to tell. I honestly couldn’t give a shit.”
My voice sounds devoid of any interest at best. I’m not affected by her cokefest—I’ve been there, fucking done that. Ten times over. Caroline’s face breaks into confusion as I glance at her through the mirror, rubbing my hands together to rinse the soap.
I’m not surprised she’s confused. Catching me doing something damning would be her best day ever. It’s a classic mean-girl move, like the towel bullshit, but I’m past this. I may have thrown down with her at the beginning of school, but I genuinely don’t have any interest now. The truth is, we’re the same. We’re both guilty of wanting to be the center of their attention. I just have it. And if the roles were reversed, and my boys were hers, I’d annihilate Caroline.
I look over my shoulder at her and shrug. “Listen, Caroline, I don’t have to be your enemy. We can be friends. All of us…”
I reach out and take a paper napkin to dry my hands as she mulls over my words.
“So this is blackmail. I have to play nice, or you’ll tell.”
I let out a frustrated breath as I throw away my towel. “No. No blackmail. There’s no angle, Caroline. Let me give you a piece of unsolicited advice. Stop living up to your stereotype—mean, rich, druggie, and lonely. When you’re ready to be an adult, I’m here.”
I push out of the door, angry and regretting my decision to play nice, when I run directly into the dean. My shoulder hits his chest, and I jump back, looking apologetic.
“Miss Kennedy. Is there a reason you’re late for class? Meeting with friends in the bathroom?”
I glance over my shoulder and back to him, knowing Caroline can hear.
“No, sir. I was alone. Girl trouble, you know…periods and cramps. God, it’s a mess down there.”
He straightens his jacket, looking uncomfortable. “Ah, yes. Very well. Get to class.”
“Absolutely.” I smile, letting the door shut behind me.
Despite the interesting start to the day, it’s lunch that’s shocked everyone into silence. All it took was Caroline to stand across from me and apologize.
“Did you just—” Kai says, not finishing like he’s been struck silent.
Liam smiles approvingly, saying her name affectionately, while chewing a mouthful of pasta. “Carebear.”
She gives a small roll of her eyes, but it’s Grey’s approval that’s the biggest, and he motions for her to sit down. Tension leaves her shoulders immediately, and I can tell the silence she’s been drowning in was unbearable for her. It had to be in order to pull an apology from those perfectly painted bright pink lips.
