Page 29 of Princesses & Pastries
"You weren't in bed," she points out.
"Well, no. Nate brought me a tisane and chocolates. It would have been rude to stay in bed."
Veronica sighs and gestures for us to step into my rooms. I do as she suggests, mostly because I know it's going to be a better option than having the conversation in the hallway. She looks over the table, seeing the remains of the tray with the chocolates and the tisane, raising an eyebrow.
"He knew something that would help with the pain," I say as an explanation.
"That's...very familiar of him."
"We're friends. That's what friends do," I counter.
My sister doesn't look particularly convinced. "You've got to know how this looks, Evie."
"It doesn't look like anything. Because it isn't anything," I counter.
She gives me a look, but I have no idea what it means. She seems to realise that and lets out a sigh. "Just be careful, Evie."
"There's nothing to be careful of," I respond. "Besides, he'll be returning to Wafeland with our cousins." My voice cracks as I say the words, and her whole demeanour softens in response. I know how to read that much from her.
Veronica lets out another sigh, but this one sounds more resigned than exasperated. At least, I think it does.
I take a seat and pour myself a fresh cup of the tisane. It's not very hot any more, but I do think it's helping.
Veronica picks up one of the chocolates and bites into it. "Well, he knows what he's doing at least. This is good." She takes a seat opposite me. "But do you know what you're doing?"
"I'm drinking tea," I respond, lifting my cup so she can see. "Well, a tisane. It can't be tea unless the leaves come from a teaplant."
"Not that. Do you know what you're doing with Nate?"
"Baking," I respond. "Though I suppose that we were just talking this afternoon. We didn't bake in my rooms."
"What have I got myself into?" Veronica mutters to herself as she rubs a hand over her face. "How do you feel about Nate?"
"He's my friend," I respond.
"He seems like a little more than that from the outside," she says.
"I know. You thought I was sleeping with him, and Mama thinks it too. She gave me more accident tea now he's back."
"She did?"
"Yes. It's in a drawer in my bed chamber." I wave in that direction even though she's well aware of where it is.
"And you're not taking it?"
"I don't need to take it. I'm not sleeping with Nate."
She takes a deep breath and helps herself to another of my chocolates. "I hate to ask, but are you sure you're not sleeping with him?"
I roll my eyes. "I've had sex, Veronica. I'm well aware of whether I'm having it or not."
She blinks a couple of times and stares at me as if I've grown another head. "You've had sex?"
"That's what I said."
"With Nate?" she checks.
"No."
