Page 41 of Between Earth and Eternity
“Are you sure about that? Would you like me to tell everyone what happened last time?”
Kol’s eyes narrow, but he says nothing.
“You weren’t wrong, Kol. She is a bit of a bitch,” Slade says, looking me over. It boils my blood to think about Kol sharing anything with Slade Mannox about me and my life.
Slade folds his arms, waiting for Kol to dish out a worthy comeback, but I know he doesn’t have it in him. He thought he could intimidate me with Elliot not around, flexing his supposed friendship with Slade Mannox. Think again.
“What is this, show and tell?” I ask. Kol and Slade exchange a confused look.
“Is that why you came over here? To show me your boy toy?” I lift my chin toward Slade. “Or is it the other way around? Are you his bitch? If we’re going to throw that word around, it’s best we assign it to the correct person.”
Ori gasps, and Laz spits out the water he was trying to distract himself with. Most of it lands on Payson, but he’s in such shock, he doesn’t seem to notice.
Slade’s face is a sunset of red, and Kol is at a loss for words. I take a step closer, mustering as much confidence as I can.
“Do not bother me again. And for the last time, there is only one person who gets to call me San Fran, and it certainly isn’t you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I bump his shoulder as I pass, and immediately, chairs push back as Payson, Laz, and Ori follow me.
“Okay, it’s official. I’m in love with you, Skyler. Marry me?” Laz asks, laughing a bit maniacally once we’re far enough away.
“Skyler, what the hell was that?” Pace asks, seeming anything but amused. His tone wakes me from my determined act. I turn around, all three of them staring at me with a mix of shock and awe.
“It’s nothing. I’ve been dealing with that creep for a long time,” I say, folding my arms.
“Well, you don’t have to deal with him alone. We’ve got your back,” Ori encourages. I smile, forever grateful for her continued support.
“What about Slade?” Pace asks.
“What about him?” I sniff a laugh.
Payson purses his lips, annoyed.
“Orianna, let’s give them a minute,” Laz says, gently guiding her away. I feel like I’m a child about to be scolded, but maybe I was acting a bit immature.
“Okay, fine, probably not the smartest thing to do, but it’s done now,” I say, trying to convince him and myself but failing miserably.
Payson leans back, studying me for a moment. “Just be careful. This isn’t a game.”
But it is a game. You just have to know when to take risks and what you’re willing to lose. Today, I may have not played the best hand, but they know I’m in and willing to make a move. Hopefully it pays off in the end.
“I’ll be careful, I promise,” I say, giving him my best smile. “Kol and I have history, and I just couldn’t stop once I started. Seeing him with none other than Slade Mannox . . .” I shake my head. “It was a lot to take in. I never intended to cause a scene.”
He’s hesitant but sighs heavily before he says, “Look, you clearly don’t need my help defending yourself, but like Ori said, you’re not alone. We’ve got your back. Just don’t do something that we can’t pull you back from. Deal?”
I thank my lucky stars once again that, even though winning the Lottery was one of the worst things that has ever happened to me, at least it brought me a group of kind people to bear it all with me. I hold out my hand, and he takes it, confused for a moment.
“Deal,” I swear, and he smiles, satisfied.
And now I’m starin’ at the moon, wonderin’ why the bottom fell out
Been searching for answers, and there’s questions I’ve found
“A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon,” Foster The People
The rest of the evening, we do our best to forget about Kol and Slade by exploring Zenith. The greatest thing we find isthat every ring has its own workout facility, and my body might just shed its skin if I can’t get an honest run in soon.
It will take us days to hit each place we want to check out, but we found a couple of movie theaters, a bowling alley, tennis courts, and a virtual reality simulation lounge. Ori is eager to try that last one, but my mind must be in the gutter because I can only imagine precarious interactions going on in those rooms. But if there’s a program that can simulate a run through a mountain path, then I’m in. I promise to return with her to explore more at another time.
The next morning, I wake extra early to get to the gym, excited to start an everyday routine, but before I leave the suite, I’m alerted that there’s someone at our door. I quickly pull my hair into a ponytail, then answer it since Ori is still asleep in her room. The door slides open to reveal Runa and a badge beside her.
