Page 90 of My Scorned Best Friend

“Oh, and he said how we’d live separate lives next year because we probably have some open relationship where I can screw whoever I want while you wait at home for me to return. What kinda sick shit is this?” Xavier flops down on the couch, face red and his hands in fists.

The office door opens.

“Hey, Clara,” Presley says. “Your computer was charging in there. You got an email, and I was snooping.” She shrugs and hands me my computer.

I get up, take a seat on the couch beside Xavier, and position the laptop on my lap.

“Want to tell me what the tears are for?” Xavier asks Presley. “I can still kick my brother’s ass if need be.”

“He’s on his way over. We just need to talk over some things.”

Xavier studies her for a beat then nods tersely.

It’s from an email I don’t recognize, sent to my library email address. “This is weird.”

“Who’s it from?” Xavier leans over my shoulder.

“I’m not sure.”

I press Play and it’s a video of when Mark talked shit about me to Paul.

“What the fuck?” Xavier takes the computer from me. His knuckles turn white from tightening around my computer, his nostrils flaring. “Why would they send this to you? Who is this?”

I hold up my hands. “I don’t know.”

He puts the computer on the coffee table and paces the room, pushing his hands through his hair.

“What’s going on?” Presley comes to my side, and I press Play on the video again while reading the email.

I hate to do this, but I want you to be prepared because I’m going to post it online. What he did to Xavier today is crap and it’s time everyone knows what kind of person Mark is. Sorry I filmed this without you knowing, but I’m Team Clara. ~ Millie

“Oh, it’s from Millie,” I say, and Xavier comes and sits next to me. “She’s posting it online. I could tell she was fed up with Mark, but this is crazy. First Mark writes that article—”

“I’d rather people think I’m an asshole than have this video out there that’s bashing you,” Xavier says.

“I have to agree with Xavier on this,” Presley says. “I mean, this man is just mean. Where is he from? New York? I have connections.”

We both turn to look at her. “What kind of connections? Rich girls who can poke his eye out with their stilettos?” I say and wink so she knows I’m kidding.

In response, she sticks her tongue out at me.

I put the computer back on the table and pace myself. Leighton follows me with her eyes, her little neck circling around. The door opens and Cade walks in.

“Ever heard of knocking?” Xavier says.

“You’re my little brother. I’m never knocking.” He heads right over to Presley. “What’s going on? I’m worried.”

She shoos him with her hand. “It can wait. I need you to charter a plane to New York so I can kick this guy’s ass.” She points at the computer screen.

Cade sits down next to his wife and watches the video, then turns to Xavier. “And you’re still here?”

“Believe me, I’m mentally preparing a guys’ trip to New York tonight. Just figuring out how we can get in and out of town with an alibi.”

“Perfect.” Cade nods.

“And one woman!” Presley raises her hand. “Clara can watch Leighton.”

“Stop it, all of you! This is my fight.” I glare at them with my hands on my hips.

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