Page 46 of One Pucking Surprise
Zach carries me into the house, his grip steady and reassuring. The warmth of his arms disappears as he gently sets me down on the plush couch in the living room, adjusting a pillow behind me for support.
“I’ll be back,” he says softly, kissing the top of my head.
I nod, too drained to ask where he’s going.
Dr. Chambers steps forward, kneeling by the couch. He carefully examines my ankle. His touch is firm but not painful, and after a moment, he looks up with a calm expression.
“It’s just a sprain,” he says, his tone reassuring. “You’ll need to keep off it for a few days. I recommend icing it regularly to reduce swelling.” He pauses, reaching for an ice pack nearby. “You can also take ibuprofen if you need something for the pain—it’ll help with the swelling, too.”
“Okay,” I say softly, nodding as he carefully wraps my ankle with a bandage. His movements are methodical, and I wince slightly when he tightens it, but the support feels better almost immediately.
He hands me the ice pack, his expression kind but clinical. “Keep this on for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Rest, elevate it, and letsomeone know if you feel any sharp changes in pain or swelling.”
“Thank you,” I manage, offering him a small smile despite the lingering ache.
Dr. Chambers nods and stands, brushing his hands off. “If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask,” he says before stepping out of the room, leaving me alone.
The room is quiet, save for the faint ticking of a clock on the wall. I press the ice pack to my ankle, trying to focus on the cool relief instead of the mess swirling in my head. But then, muffled voices outside break the silence.
Curious, I set the ice pack down and carefully move to the window, hopping on one foot. Peeking through the curtain, I spot Blair and Clarissa standing near the edge of the porch. Their body language says it all—Blair is stiff with frustration, while Clarissa’s dramatic gestures scream defensiveness. I strain to hear, my heart pounding as their voices carry through the night.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Blair,” Clarissa says, her voice high-pitched and exasperated. “I would never do something like that over a man.”
Blair crosses her arms, her tone sharp and cutting. “I know you, Clarissa. You play dirty. And if it’s over my brother, you’d do anything.”
Clarissa hesitates, her shoulders tensing before she snaps back. “Fine. I did. I went out early this morning, found the item, and re-hid it in the garden.”
My breath catches.
Blair’s jaw drops, and she throws up her hands. “How could you? You know no one’s been out there in ages—it’s dangerous.”
Clarissa’s voice softens, taking on a tone that’s almost smug. “Because Zach is lying to you. To everyone.”
Blair narrows her eyes. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Lainey!” Clarissa blurts, her voice dripping with satisfaction. “Zach and Lainey aren’t even together. I overheard them talking about it in his room. They’re faking it, so your dad will get off his back. She’s nothing but a fake!”
I press a hand to my chest, the air in the room suddenly too thick. My mind races, panic rising as Blair doesn’t even flinch.
“What my brother and Lainey have going on is none of your business,” Blair says coolly.
Clarissa stares at her, stunned. “You knew? That’s why you’re not even shocked.”
Blair shrugs, her voice calm but firm. “Of course I know. I know my brother. But who cares? It’s his life. He can do whatever he wants.”
Clarissa’s face twists with disdain. “Lainey is no good for him. I didn’t let her have Drew, and I’m definitely not going to let her have Zach.”
I gasp softly, my hand flying to my mouth. The sheer audacity of her words leaves me reeling. She didn’t let me have Drew? And now Zach? My mind flashes to her earlier comments, her smug attitude, her constant touching. It all clicks into place—Clarissa has an agenda.
Blair’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts, cold and furious. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear any of this. You’d better fucking stop before I tell Zach. Because once he finds out, you’re through. This is my last warning to you as a friend. Leave Zach and Lainey alone.”
Clarissa opens her mouth to respond, but Blair doesn’t give her the chance. She steps closer, her tone low and threatening. “And you’d better keep your mouth shut about this. Don’t even think about running to my dad. If I hear you’ve said anything to him or anyone else, I swear it’ll be the last time you’re invitedto one of these reunions—or anywhere near this family.”
Clarissa’s face flushes, a mix of anger and humiliation twisting her features. “You’re taking this too far,” she mutters.
Blair doesn’t back down, her glare icy. “No, Clarissa. You took it too far the moment you decided to mess with my brother and Lainey. Now stay out of it.”
Clarissa’s voice shakes with frustration, but there’s still an undercurrent of pleading. “Why do you like Lainey and not me? What did I do wrong?”
