Chapter 15
Yea girl!” Silver cheered and then left me to probably go make another social rounds. I swear, that girl was just too energetic for me to deal with However, my mood took a quick dive as I saw the one thing I wasn’t interested in. Poppy smid Collins. Together
I squinted into the crowd and yep, I wasn’t seeing things. It was definitely Collins with Poppy at a nearby table, laughing and chatting. My heart sank. “Great Jout what I needed to see tonight” I said, forcing my voice to be strady.
“Are you okay“” Silver asked as she suddenly arrived at my table again, her brow furrowing “You looked a b | pale”
“I’m fine.” I replied, though I wasn’t entirely sure. But I needed a plan. Suddenly, an idea struck me. “What if I do something unexpected?”
“Like what?” Silver asked, curiosity piquerd
“I’ll make sure they see me and realize they can’t ignore me. Hot I’ll do it in a way that gets under Collins‘ skin, 1 explained, feeling more confident “What if I flirt with someone else! It’ll get Collins attention without me having to approach him”
“Wow, that’s Different. You’re not the type to ever do that,” Silver laughed, her eyes sparking with excitement. “I love it! Who are you going to flirt
“I don’t know yet.” I said, looking around the room. “But I’ll find a few ladies near their table and make some noise:
“I’m all in” Silver encouraged, leaning back and crossing her arms. “Co show him what you’ve got!”
Taking a deep breath. I walked toward Collins‘ table, where he and Poppy sat with a group. I easily spotted two ladies nearby, chatting and giggling I approached them with a friendly smile.
“Hey there!” I said brightly. “Mind if I join you?”
“Of course not” one of them exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. “Tm Mia, and this is Lila!”
“Nice to
to meet you both!” I replied, keeping my tone cheerful “What are you girls talking about?”
We were just discussing the tournament!” Lila said. “Are you competing?”
Yest I can’t wait to show what I can do!” I said, my voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “I’m ready to knock everyone’s socks off
“That’s the spirit!” Mia said, clapping her hands. “Do you have a strategy?”
“I certainly do!” I winked at them. “But I think I might keep that a secret for now. Don’t want to give my opponents a head start!”
They laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. I could feel the energy around me shift. This was exactly what I needed to do–lighten the atmosphere and make my presence known
I glanced at Collins from the comer of my eye. He was watching me, shocked. That small spark of satisfaction filled me. I continued conversation with Mia and Lila, leaning in and laughing as if I didn’t have a care in the world
(
“So what about you two! Are
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participating in the tournament?” I asked, drawing them in.
“Definitely!” Lila replied. “I’ve been training hard. But I’m most excited about the dance–off. I heard it’s going to be amazing this year!”
“Oli, me too!” I grinned widely. “I hope I won’t trip on my feet!”
Mia giggled, “That’s totally what I’m worried about Maybe we should practice together beforehand!”
“Yes! That sounds fun” answered, smiling at the thought. “The more practice, the better!”
As we chatted, Collins remained at his table, looking increasingly surprised as he realized I was having a good time. “Look at him,” I said 1ala, lowering my voice playfully. “He looks like Jr’s seen a ghost!”
Miaturned to see, laughing. “Oh wow, you’re right! He’s totally watching your”
Perfect I was getting to him. “I guess he didn’t think I’d come out here and have fun, dal be?” I said, feeling bolder.
Tala looked at me, intrigued. “So what’s the story between you twat You seem to know him well.”
I shrugged, a smirk on my lips. “He used to be my mate, but that didn’t work out. Now I’m here to show him what he’s missing,
“Wow, that’s something I don’t get to hear everyday!” Mia said, admiration in her eyes. “You have to keep having fun and showing him, then!” “Definitely Treplied, feeling empowered.
issing. He’s just so
́s just so crazy”
1/2
11:58 PM
Chapter 15
Just
then, I noticed Collins trying to get up from his seat. “Oh no,” I whispered to Silver, who had followed me from a distance. “He’s coming over!”
“Don’t worry! Just keep doing what you’re doing!” Silver whispered back, her eyes glancing nervously.
Before Collins could reach me. Silver quickly stepped in front of me, blocking his view. “Hey Collins!” she exclaimed, a bright smile on her face. “Have you seen the food table! It’s amazing!”
Collins froze, looking from Silver to me, and then back to Silver. “Uh, no-
“Come on! I need your opinion on the pastries! They look delicious!” Silver quickly interrupted, pulling him away.
I couldn’t help but grin. “Thanks, Silver! You saved me.”
“No problem!” she said, stepping back now that Collins was distracted.
I returned my focus to Mia and Lila, who were still giggling. “So, what do you think? Do I have a chance in the tournament, or what?”
shit!”
“Absolutely! You’re going to crush it!” Lila said, placing her hand on my shoulder. “We believe in your
“I mean, in my opinion, you’re already winning just by being here,” Mia added with a wink. “Collins looks a bit jealous, don’t you think?”
“Definitely!” I laughed. “That’s the whole point! I want him to see I’m not just sitting back. I’m ready to take charge!”
“Let’s get more punch!” Lila suddenly suggested, nudging Mia,
“Can I accompany you beautiful ladies!”
“Most certainly. Lila giggled as she latched on to my arm. She was drunk alright but so long she was lucid, this was ok. Besides, it was fun to watch the reaction on his face
“Now that look is something that money can’t even buy. I bet he’s racking your brains on what you are doing here.”
Tch.let h
