Page 128 of Even in the Dark

"Again, I’m so sorry, Xavier. We’ll make sure your mother adds you to the list next time she's in. For now, would you like us to call someone else from the list?"

"It’s fine." He’s already dialing, stepping away to make the call.

Bree gives me a look that clearly says we’ll be talking later.

I rein myself in from glaring at Xavier.Thanks for that, Richie Rich.

I busy myself tidying the desk as Xavier leans against the opposite wall, scrolling through his phone again. Bree finishesup something on the computer, and then the two of us wait for him to say something.

When he doesn't, Bree eventually clears her throat. "Uh, so… did you reach your mother, or—"

He looks up, expression unreadable. "Denise is on her way."

I huff out a quiet laugh. "Mommy’s P.A. saves the day."

I freeze.Did I just say that out loud?

Xavier and Bree both snap their heads toward me.

"I—I’m so sorry…" I blurt. "I didn’t mean… It just rhymed and—"

Xavier laughs. Not a scoff. Not a smirk.An actual laugh.

"Man…" he mutters, shaking his head. But that’s it.

When I see the look on Bree's face, my throat suddenly goes really dry and it takes three attempts before I can swallow.

Xavier goes back to scrolling on his phone.

Bree goes back to searching for God knows what on the computer.

I cave to my puny self-preservation instincts and keep my trap firmly shut.

Once Denise—the infamous P.A.—finally arrives and signs Finn out, Bree pulls me aside to the staff kitchen for a talk. She’s practically vibrating with nerves over how I interacted with a member of the Rockwell family.

She tries to be kind, but there’s an unmistakable edge to her voice as she explains, in hushed tones, the gravity of pissing off a Rockwell. Her words paint a picture of a family whose influence stretches far beyond what I could've imagined. Their patronage funds club events, pays for building upgrades, and is single-handedly covering the new state-of-the-art indoor pool complex going up next spring. If Xavier takes my "disrespect andmockery" (Bree’s words, not mine) to his father, it will not be good.

This whole situation feels ridiculously blown out of proportion. Not that I blame Bree. More like, the age-old hierarchical order of the world. So, I apologize profusely, assure her it won't happen again, and promise to treat everyonewith the utmost respect. But I can see in her eyes— it's not enough.

The wordprobationdrops like a bomb.

Two weeks.

Two weeks of walking on eggshells, knowing one wrong move could cost me a job I actually like and need. Bree seems genuinely sorry, but her hands are tied. One more complaint, and I’m done. And while I’m confident I can keep my cool, the whole thing is humiliating.

As Bree walks away, my mind reels. I’ve worked summer and after-school jobs for years and never once had a complaint, let alone a probation warning. I am not the kind of girl who gets written up.

And I'm in shock right now. No, I'moutragedthat some seventeen-year old diamond-encrusted diva waffle can have this much influence, without having ever done a thing to earn it. Bree even emphasized I made the right call about not bending the rules to let Xavier sign his brother out—it’s the way I lost my patience with him… my stupid lame little rhyme—that’s the reason for the probation. Basically, my refusal to stroke Xavier Rockwell’s ego.

I hated that jerk from the art show for jackhammering my pride and taking something we both knew I deserved more than he did.

I hate Xavier Rockwell even more.

CHAPTER 2 (Maggie)

The sand beneath my feet is still warm from the day's sun as I follow Laney down the rickety wooden stairs to Halicina Cove. The rhythmic crash of waves mingles with laughter and music drifting up from the beach.

"Welcome to your first Sandy Haven bonfire." Laney grins, gesturing dramatically as we reach the sand.

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