Page 71 of Tainted

“I’m not starting shit. Just stating the facts but you enjoy your day Nova.” Diamond slammed her locker and delivered a sarcastic smile.

“That bitch is just running her mouth. Don’t let her get to you,” Cameo urged.

With a faint smile I shoved all my supplies in my bag trying to ignore my heart pounding. I repeated Cameo’s words to keep calm. Diamond just wanted a reaction. Anything to get under my skin. I turned for the exit and a solid weight crashed into me, nearly knocking the phone from my hand. My head snapped up, and I found myself face-to-face with Sydney.

“Whoa there, gorgeous,” she said, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She stepped back slightly but didn’t miss the opportunity to let her gaze linger a little too long. “Didn’t mean to knock you off your feet.”

“Sorry,” I muttered, quickly pocketing my phone. “Wasn’t paying attention.”

“No problem,” she replied, her tone softening as she leaned in just a bit closer. “I’d hate to think you were trying to avoid me.”

“I have to go.”

“You sure? I’m about to grab some food and everybody knows Utopia has the best wings. Join me?” she asked, her eyes bright with hope and determination.

My mouth hesitated, but my brows didn’t.

“Listen, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I’m harmless, I promise,” Sydney swore.

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” I replied, killing any thoughts brewing.

“Then what’s the harm in two girls grabbing lunch? Friends go out to eat all the time.”

“We’re not friends,” I pointed out.

“All the more reason to have lunch. You’re already here, and everybody needs to eat.”

My Curiosity got the better of me.

“Fine,” I replied, turning around and sitting in a booth near the bar.

But it wasn’t Sydney I was curious about. Despite their awkward relationship, she had VIP Access to Kenyon Keyes’s world. Sydney didn’t have to wander, figuring out the terrain on her own because she had much more experience. Maybe she could make sense of his unique personality.

Sydney immediately launched into small talk, her words coming out in a nervous rush.

“How have you been?”

“Great,” I replied.

“How are you liking Utopia?”

“It pays the bills,” I shrugged.

“I’ve seen you in action. It’s more than just a job. Looks like you came out of the womb dancing.”

“That’s what my Banana Girl says.”

“Banana Girl?”

Sydney had the kind of personality that relaxed you without even realizing it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have shared Nana’s nickname. A trait I’m sure helped her succeed in her conquest, but it wouldn’t change my mind.

“A nickname I gave my grandma.”

“Oh,” Sydney giggled nervously. “You’re really good. I’ve spent a lot of time at Utopia and never seen anyone quite like you.”

“I guess that’s why you won’t leave me alone.”

“You definitely make it hard. How long have you been dancing?”

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