Page 101 of Playing With Danger

Happiness.

I was finally happy. Truly happy with every part of my life and I wasn’t allowing anyone to steal my joy.

So, I’d deal with my mother later—much later.

I shoved the last of what I needed in my suitcase. The rest would wait until after I talked to Hayden—it would be totally uncool for him to come home and see my room cleaned before I had a chance to tell him.

As I zipped up the case there was a knock at the door.

My insides immediately twisted.

Shit on a shingle. I should’ve waited, told Hayden what was happening, then begged him to pack my stuff and move it to Valentine’s for me. Or better yet asked Valentine to do it. I loved my BFF but I didn’t want him packing my undies.

Another knock came, this one louder.

Just in case it wasn’t my mother, I tiptoed out of my room, down the hall, and as quietly as I could, made my way to the door. I chanced a look through the peephole. Not my mother. Worse.

It was Khloe.

I debated not answering. When she knocked again, she was staring at the peephole like she could see me.

Creepy!

Whatever, I could handle Khloe. I’d tell her Hayden wasn’t here and she’d leave.

Easy-peasy.

I opened the door prepared to do that, when she stepped right in, forcing me to stand back or get run over.

Blueberry muffins were immediately forgotten and I was back to thinking she was a total cow.

“God, it’s like you don’t even live here,” she seethed as she walked past me.

Um. What?

I closed the door and followed her into the apartment.

“Hayden’s not here,” I informed her.

For some reason I took in her appearance. Maybe because she looked so very different from all the other times I’d seen her with her hair and makeup perfect, cute outfit, and sandaled feet. Today her hair was in a messy ponytail, and she wore jeans, a t-shirt, sneakers, no makeup.

“I’m not here for Hayden.”

Maybe that’s why she wasn’t dressed to impress.

Oh, shit, did he break up with her?

Yippy!

“I see that makes you happy,” she snapped.

I guess I hadn’t covered my elation at the thought my friend kicked her to the curb well enough.

“Khloe, you and Hayden aren’t my business. I was simply telling you he’s not here and if you’re not here for him then why are you here?”

“We need to talk.”

Oh, no, we didn’t.

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