Page 113 of A Dead Man's B-Side
“Jesus,” Rain muttered and shook her head, as if I’d sworn an oath to the devil.
“Something you want to say?” I narrowed my eyes, slightly offended that she, of all people, thought my actions so shallow.
“Only that you’re making a mistake,” she said, her gaze sharp and unwavering.
I wasn’t, but I think I liked giving her the wrong impression of me at times. “The Queen’s Club is very distinguished on campus, and I’ve already been approached.”
Paris leaned forward and placed her hand over mine; sudden concern painted on her face. “By whom?”
“Coldwell and Savané.”
Wolf pursed his lips downward, scratching his head before spreading his hand out reasonably. “It makes sense, really. Ayana is his second, and Coldwell is… Coldwell.”
I didn’t know what he meant by that, but I wasn’t given any space to ask.
That was the first time I’d seen Rain speak so openly to Wolf, and I think even he was shocked. “That’s not the point. Callum Queen is bad news for many reasons. If he’s inviting you, it’s not without deliberate thought. If you join, it’ll only confirm his assumption that you have your own motives. He’s trying to keep you closer than a friend.”
I understood then that Rain had, in fact, gotten the right impression of me; she just didn’t trust me to see it through. “Well, it’s a good thing Thaddeus is more than willing to clean up any mess we make.”
The table fell silent again. Marigold, surprisingly, was the first to break it, “Did… he say that?”
I shrugged. “Not in so many words, but I have a hunch it’s what he implied.” I didn’t tell them what I’d heard, but this was as good as such. “Besides, did you all think Thaddeus would let his prized possessions get into any sort of trouble and face repercussions? So, he could what? Go through the trouble of replacing the board’s first choices?”
Rain took in a slow drag of her cigarette and exhaled it at the same speed. “So, you’ve given yourself free rein to let loose?”
I scoffed. “I am not rash, Rain. But if Callum Queen tries opening closets with skeletons best left to rest, it won’t be me he’ll have to deal with.”
It wasn’t exactly a stare-off, but rather a long moment of attempting to reach an agreement with our eyes. Finally, Rain relented. “Alright. I’m certainly not your keeper. The Queens Club it is. Anything else?”
“Any other suggestions?”
Paris looked out into space as she spoke, “Join societies and clubs we aren’t already affiliated with. The Founder’s Society should have a wide reach. A complete network of every student at Castle Hill. For your own benefit as well, join a sport to stay active.”
It was the first time her words came out clear since we’d sat down.
Ajax pointed his finger at her, but his words were directed at me, “She’s got a point. All skin and bones, you are.”
Before I could reply with an equal amount of underhandedness and insult, he threw his head back with a groan as he rubbed his stomach like a toddler. When I did it at five years old, it was because I hadn’t eaten for days, not a few hours. “God, I’m hungry. What is going on with the service today? I’m telling you all, that server is bad news.”
I didn’t mean to, but the words forced their way out before I could stop them as I pinched the bridge of my nose. “She’s a goddamn server, Ajax. The only difference between you two is what family you were luckily born into.”
August snorted, Paris cleared her throat with a different intention. Wolf and Rain were the only ones to watch me with inquisitive eyes, the star-crossed lovers.
How disgustingly in-tune.
Marigold sipped her water, but I could see the smile she was trying to hide.
Like a perfect coincidence, a knock sounded, andLilystepped inside. Now, usually the conversation isn’t so stilted, and the server slides inside without too much notice to do her job. Unfortunately for Lily, she was the topic of conversation, and we couldn’t very well finish up around her. So instead, all seven pairs of eyes turned to watch as she came to a halt at the door. “Oh… Hello.”
Rain cleared her throat and went back to her cigarette; Wolf ran a hand through his hair and did the same. Lily looked back down at the trolley she’d come in with and got to work while we all found something to preoccupy ourselves with.
“Lily, right?” I decided to ask.
She jumped at the suddenness of my voice before answering, “Yes, Lily. That is my name.”
I hummed, running a finger over my lips in contemplation, wondering if I should continue.
“Well, you see,” I started, distantly aware of the others observing the interaction with keen interest. I doubted she would be a liability. “I’ve found myself suddenly interested in theatre. Any advice?”
