A small tendril of warmth spreads through me until I’m staring down at my missing crystals with a huge grin.
“He’s so sweet.”
“Like a rottweiler!” Nat barks. “Or a hammerhead. That alpha is unhinged.”
“He brought my crystals back. Do you have any idea how expensive these are?”
Nat has no interest in my crystals, so she just blinks the look of bestie boredom and turns back to the stove.
“So, did you hear what happened yesterday?” I ask tentatively.
“The surfer hotties that rescued you from certain death? Oh, yes, babes, I’ve heard all about it. I swear, this island lives to tattle on you.”
I hum.
“So, um, there was more to it.”
Nat freezes and turns around. She tosses the spoon in the sink and pulls up a chair at her table, gesturing for me to sit.
I sit down and put my head in my hands, almost unable to utter the words.
“It was Kelly.”
Nat screeches. Like a pterodactyl or some shit. I cover my ears and watch her lose her mind. She dances and bounces and lets out another horrid shriek.
“Okay, okay, I’m good.” She sits with shining eyes, gleaming eyes.
I hum and give her the side-eye. “And Ezy.”
This scream is louder, and she actually jumps around the table howling her mirth. I’m really glad she’s enjoying this disaster.
She sits down at the table and leans across so half her body is resting on the wood.
“And the third guy?”
I look up. “Now, he puzzles me. I went to school with his brother, and he says he’s been looking for me all this time.”
Nat swoons, deflating onto the table like a balloon who lost all her air. “That is so sweet. Is he hot?”
“Extremely.”
I shift in my seat, glancing at the window just to make sure there isn’t a Daane sitting there.
“So, what’s the problem?”
“Ezy blocked me when I didn’t show up for our date, and you know I was in really bad shape after that attack.”
Nat nods sagely. “You were. It was a dick move.”
“Kelly said I would never be good enough for him.”
“Boo! We hate Kelly!”
“And Gael is a stranger who has got a little bit of stalker vibes going on.”
“Right.” Nat nods, all supportive but waiting.
“And.”