Page 31 of Alice Chen's Reality Check

I wonder whose job it was to sculpt a fake rock. Did they study real rocks to get the texture just right? Or did they use a real rock to make a mold, and there’s an identical rock somewhere out in the world, living a free-range rock life? Does that make this rock some kind of rock clone?

“You look thoughtful,” a voice says, cutting through the dull roar of the party.

I look up to see Daniel offering me a drink.

“I really don’t need any more alcohol,” I tell him.

He laughs. “I know, Slayer. This is just herbal tea.”

I take a suspicious sip, but if Daniel is anything, it’s honest. It occurs to me that maybe I misread his look earlier when we were taking shots. Instead of a challenge, maybe it was a look of concern. No, that’s ridiculous. Daniel would never be concerned about me.

“Thanks,” I say through gritted teeth.

A smirk. “Did that hurt, Slayer?”

“Yes, actually,” I say. “As much as it hurts being in a ‘secret alliance’ with you.”

Daniel looks out at the party, where Selena is doing a keg standwhile Chase holds her ankles, and chuckles.

“What?” I demand.

“Our partners seem to be getting along a lot better than we do, and we’re the ones who’ve known each other for—well, for far too long.”

“That’s the problem,” I say. “If I had just met you, I probably wouldn’t have anything against you.”

“Nah,” Daniel says, leaning back against the clone rocks with me. “Something tells me that no matter how we met, you’d find a reason to see me as the competition. I’ve just never been surewhy. Oh, don’t give me that look. You’re glaring like I just asked to cheat off your homework.”

“I am not glaring,” I say, glaring. “And may I remind you, back when we met, you were literally my competition. And you still are. Right now.” I yawn. “Besides, you shouldn’t be taking advantage of my current state to pump me for information.”

“That’s not—” Daniel shakes his head. “You’re right, Slayer. You need sleep.”

“I can just sleep here. Anywhere can be a bed if you’re sleepy enough,” I murmur, sliding down onto my precious fake rocks.

“Hey, come on. If you pass out here, production will have a field day. Go to bed.”

“Make me!” I say, pointing a wavering finger at him.

“Uh-huh. Where’s your boyfriend?”

We squint toward the bar, just in time to see Chase toss Selena into the pool and jump in after her.

“He’s too wet to help,” I tell Daniel. My eyelids are so heavy, and I can feel myself starting to drift off. I mutter, “Good night. I’m turning into a pumpkin now.”

“Alice…” Daniel lets out an aggravated sigh. My eyes are already closed when he sweeps me up in his arms.

“No, I don’t want to go,” I grumble. “Leave me with my rocks!”

He’s warm and solid, and the fabric of his linen shirt feels so nice against my cheek. I should be balking at being this close to Daniel, atletting my sworn nemesis give me a helping hand. But all I feel is calm. It’s like I’m floating, and it’s so easy to let go and relax into his hold. As Daniel heads up the stairs, my face presses into the crook of his neck, and I catch the scent of sunscreen mingled with his cologne, a fragrance that must have pine or cedar or some other sexy tree essence in it.

Who knew my greatest rival could smell so good?is the last coherent thought I have before finally giving in to sleep.

PRODUCTION NOTES

LEAH’S COUPLES:

Blake and Bella-OUT on Limbo

Alice and Chase -Alice is a total lightweight, get her drunk. Chase acts without thinking and gets along with everyone. B.D. says he’ll never leave a bro hanging. USE THIS

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