Chapter 264
Since I can’t drink alcohol, I decided we can do some mocktails. I tried a few recipes from You-Tube and they turned out great, so I want to make some for Lilly.
I grab a cart and make my way inside, already mentally listing what I need.
I’m just about to get in when I glance toward the café adjacent to the store and freeze.
Brook and Jocelyn sit at a small outside table, their heads bent together, their expressions serious. Jocelyn is gesturing as she speaks, her movements clipped. Brook listens, her jaw tight, fingers curled around her cup like she’s restraining herself.
Something about it makes my skin prickle, because I know for a fact that those two do not know each other at all, so why the hell are they meeting up?
I tell myself not to stare. Tell myself it’s none of my business, but I can’t. Something about this whole situation bugs me a lot and sits at the bottom of my belly like a heavy weight.
Then Jocelyn looks up, her eyes locking onto me.
The change is immediate. Her lips press into a thin line, then she leans closer to Brook and murmurs something I can’t hear.
Brook follows her gaze and once her eyes land on me, her mouth twists into something ugly.
They stand and start walking toward me. For a moment I think of turning around, but I’m too curious. I need to find out why they’re together.
I straighten my spine, my grip tightening on the cart handle. My heart beats faster, but I refuse to let it show.
“Well, well, well,” Jocelyn says sweetly, stopping a little too close. “If it isn’t the charity case herself p>
Brook’s eyes flick to my stomach in disgust. “You look bigger p>
I arch a brow. “Pregnancy tends to work that way p>
Jocelyn smirks. “Still playing the victim p>
I tilt my head. “Still obsessed with me p>
Her smile falters for just a second.
“You should be careful how you talk to us,” Brook scoffs.
“Or what?” I ask calmly. “You’ll glare harder? Or wait, maybe you’ll go tell on me p>
Brook steps forward. “You think you’ve won, don’t you p>
“I don’t think about anything that concerns you two at all.” I say, meeting her gaze evenly.
That one lands, making both of them glare harder as if that alone can make me disappear.
Her eyes darken. “Enjoy your little victory while it lasts, Sierra, because it will be your last p>
I lean in slightly as my anger and fear start bubbling at the surface. “Is that a threat p>
Her lips curve in a cruel smile. “Just some friendly advice p>
“And here is some for you. Stay the fuck away from me, Brook p>
“Or what?” Brook laughs harshly.
I don’t say anything. I just give her a cold smile.
We have a stare-down before Jocely scoffs and pulls Brook away. “Come on p>
They leave without another word.
I stand there for a few seconds after they’re gone, my mood completely ruined. I abandon the cart and head for the parking. Thank the lord the insurance finally gave me a car (After much pushing) because right now, I’m in no mood to deal with a stranger.
I drive to Lilly’s in silence, replaying the encounter in my head. By the time I punch in her code and step inside, my shoulders ache with the weight of that entire encounter.
Lilly is in the kitchen, barefoot, a glass of wine in hand.
She looks up. “Hey. You’re early p>
“I know.” I drop into a chair heavily.
She sets the glass down immediately. “Okay. What happened p>
I rub my face. “I ran into Brook p>
Her expression sharpens. “Where p>
“By the grocery store p>
“And p>
I mutter, “She was with Jocelyn p>
Lilly eyes widen. “Jocely? That same Jocely p>
I nod. “Yes p>
“How are they friends p>
“They aren’t and that’s what bothers me,” I reply. “The two hate me, so what if they’ve joined forces against me p>
“Would Brook join forces with someone she barely knows just to go against you? The bitch barely has friends and hates almost everybody p>
“Maybe, but remember Noah kicked her out and she blames me for that… she wouldn’t let that slide p>
“So, she joins forces with your nemesis at work p>
I give her a small smile. “Haven’t you ever heard the quote, ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend? I think they’ve joined forces and are plotting p>
Lilly sighs, leaning against the counter. “That woman doesn’t know how to quit p>
“Have you forgotten who her sister is? ” I admit quietly. “Brook won’t stop until she gets what she wants. She won’t stop until I am out of her way, just like what Chloe did p>
“I don’t like this.” Lilly swallows a gulp of wine. “I thought we’d dealt with her after Noah kicked her out p>
Deep down I knew it wasn’t over; I just chose to look on the brighter side… but now with her and Jocely working together, I can’t ignore them as real threats.
“Don’t worry,” Lilly tries to reassure me. “I’ll never let any of her plans succeed p>
I smile and even though I know Lilly is serious and will keep her word, I can’t depend on her. Besides, she won’t always be there to save me, so I’ll just have to stay vigilant and be prepared for the day they finally make their move.