Page 9 of Defying the Crown
His response pops up a few minutes later:
"This might be too forward, but would you want to continue this conversation over text instead? I'm enjoying our banter but I feel that this might be better done in private. No worries if not, I know swapping numbers with internet strangers isn't exactly recommended."
I pause, my thumb hovering over the screen. He's right, giving out my number to some random guy online is probably a terrible idea. Then again, terrible ideas are kind of my specialty.
I think of the long empty evening stretching out before me, another microwave dinner with Jayda and Caleb lost in their couple bubble. What's the worst that could happen? If he turns out to be a creep, I can always block him.
"Eh, you seem relatively sane. For now. Here's my number - don't make me regret this!"
I type out my cell and hit send before I can second guess myself. My phone buzzes almost immediately.
Unknown Number: Let the regret begin! ?? I'm Harald by the way.
I save the contact, chewing my lip as I debate my next move."I'm Daniel. So...come here often?"
A knock at my door interrupts my texting and I hastily click send.
"Come in," I call out, not looking up from my screen.
Jayda bursts in, her platform boots thudding against the floor. "I heard about the Cassandra situation. That absolute witch." She plops down next to me, the bed creaking under our combined weight. "Want to hear my foolproof plan to dispose of her body?"
"Do tell. Also how did you hear about it; I didn't tell anyone about it yet?" I close my laptop, already feeling lighter.
"Easy; Piper texted me about it. He's actually a nice guy, despite the fact he thinks he has a chance with me and refuses to give up. Anyway, back to the Cassandra situation. So first, we drug her morning coffee with antifreeze - it's sweet, she'll never notice. Then we wrap her body in copious amounts of chicken wire before dumping her in the Hudson where the fish and sharks will rapidly consume her leaving no evidence of the crime." Jayda's eyes gleam. "The wire ensures the body sinks and stays down when it, you know, bloats. More than it already is, that is. "
"Someone's been watching too much Criminal Minds." I nudge her shoulder.
"Please, this is pure Forensic Files knowledge." She holds up a paper bag that smells like heaven. "But before we commit the perfect murder, I brought dinner. Your favorite from that Thai place on 9th."
"You're an angel." I peek inside the bag. "Pad see ew?"
"Extra spicy, just how you like it." She pulls out containers and plastic forks. "Though I still think we should consider my murder plan. I also know how to dissolve a body in lye."
We sprawl across my bed, sharing noodles and plotting increasingly ridiculous ways to off Cassandra. By the time we're scraping the bottom of the containers, my sides hurt from laughing at Jayda's detailed scheme involving three chickens, a rubber duck, and somehow making it look like a tragic shuffleboard accident.
"Feel better?" She asks, gathering up our empty containers.
"Much." I lean against her shoulder. "Thanks for always knowing exactly what I need."
Jayda bumps my shoulder with hers. "Hey. We're a team, remember? You, me, and Caleb against the world. Whatever happens, we've got your back."
I smile, feeling a rush of affection for my best friend. "I know. I don't know what I'd do without you guys."
As if summoned, Caleb appears in the doorway, a bottle of vodka in hand and a mischievous grin on his face. "You know what this calls for? Dancing and bad decisions."
Jayda's eyes light up. "Hell yes. We're going out tonight." She turns to me, her expression brooking no argument. "And don't even think about saying no. You need this."
I groan, burying my face in a pillow. "Guys, I appreciate the thought, but I'm exhausted. It's been the day from hell."
Caleb waves the vodka bottle. "Which is exactly why you need to blow off some steam. Come on, when was the last time we all went out together?"
I rack my brain, realizing it's been months. Between my soul-sucking job and Jayda's erratic coffee shop shifts, our schedules rarely align for more than quick meals or movie nights on the couch.
Jayda pokes my side. "See? You can't even remember. That means it's been too long." She hops off the bed, pulling me with her. "Now come on, let's get you out of those work clothes and into something that screams 'I'm young, I'm hot, and I'm ready to make questionable decisions with a sexy young finance bro."
Caleb nods sagely. "Amen to that. I'll call an Uber."
I let Jayda drag me to my closet, too tired to put up much of a fight. She rummages through my clothes, tossing aside anything she deems unworthy.
