Chapter 19
Joanne’s POV
As I reached for a fresh drink, I suddenly felt a someone e behind me. I turned to see Poppy striding toward ine, her expression tight. Something in her gaze made my stomach drop. “Joanne“” she called out, her voice clipped.
I smiled slightly, trying to keep the mood light. “Hey, Poppy! What’s up?”
Poppy didn’t respond to my greeting Instead, she grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the table. “Come on. We need to talk.”
“Whoa, what are you doing?” I asked, trying to wriggle free from her grip. “I’m not going anywhere with you!”
“Just be quiet and listen!” Poppy said, dragging me toward a quieter corner of the room. “Seriously, this can’t go on?
“What can’t go on“” I protested, digging my heels into the ground. “Let go of me!”
“Stop struggling! You’re making this harder than it needs to be!” she snapped, finally pulling me behind a curtain where the noise of the party faded. slightly.
As soon as we were out of sight, I pulled my arm free. “What’s your problem! You can’t just grab me like that!”
You need to stop firing my man” Poppy exclaimed, crossing her ar ns. “It’s not a game, Joannet”
“Excuse me?” I replied, incredulous. “I’m not the one with a problem here!”
“Yes, you are!” she shouted back, her voice rising. “You’re flaunting yourself and making Collins more confused than he already is! How dare you be a slut and go after what I mine!! He left you! Stop being a latch and chasing after him. He wants me, not you.”
“Oh, please! Collins can figure it out on his own,” I said indignantly. “He’s the one who tossed me aside for you! And I don’t want your stanky ass man. You can keep him for all 1 care. He’s no better than a cheating bastard who can’t keep his dick in one place. He’s all yours darl.”
That’s exactly why you should stop! He’s already confused!” Poppy insisted, her face flushing with frustration. “This isn’t helping anyone!”
“Why do you care?” I narrowed my eyes at her. “Aren’t you happy? He’s with you now–at least, that’s how it looks. Besides, I don’t give two fucks about helping you!“)
Poppy threw her hands s up in exasperation “You think this is easy for me? Collins can’t stop staring at you! He’s obviously tom!”
“Good!” I shot back, feeling myself boiling over. “Let him be torn! He made his choice and I couldn’t give a shit. Stop being so fuckin annoying
“Choice?” she yelled, shaking her head. “Do you think it’s that simple? It’s nott Nothing about this is simple!”
“Maybe it should be!” I exclaimed. “If he wanted to keep me, he would’ve thought twice before moving on!”
“Tm not saying he’s right” Poppy said, her voice rising even more. “But you’re not fuking this easier! You think you can just waltz in and flaunt your stuff without consequences?
“Flaunt‘ Are you serious?” I countered, feeling heat rise to my cheeks, “I’m just trying to enjoy myself! I’m not playing games here, Poppy!”
-Maybe you should think before you act!” she shot back,
k, frustration spilling over in her words. “You’re acting like a child
“I’m acting like someone who won’t be ignored” I yelled, my heart racing “You think I can’t stand up for myself? You think I’ll crawl back into the shadows while Collins runs around with you!”
Poppy took a step toward me, her eyes fierce. “You don’t have to crawl anywhere. But you do have to stop creating dramat I didn’t ask for this, and neither did you”
“So, what? You want me to sit
want me to sit back while
Ir you and Collins play house?” I retorted, my voice thick with anger. “Not happening!”
“You know what? You’re impossible!” Poppy said, throwing her hands up in disbelief
“Mer Impossible?” I laughed derisively. “You think you have the right to tell me what to do? You’re the one who walized back into his life!”
“Collins is just as muc la to blame in this, but you seem to be ignoring that Poppy insisted, her voice steady but angry. “He’s my mate, too, and I don’t want to compete with you! The two of you need to figure it out!”
“I didn’t ask for any of this?” I shouted back, frustration buibbling over. “Not from him, not from you!“
At that moment, I fell thr weight of the past crashing back onto me. Collins had left me behind, and I wouldn’t let him or Poppy dictate how I lived my life now. “You know what? I don’t care about your drama or his excuses!” I said brudy,
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Chapter 19
“Well maybe you should!” Poppy shot back. “You’re driving him into a comer, and it’s not healthy for anyone??
“You’re right, I started, taking a breath. “This isn’t healiby, Hat I’m not the one who pusheil lam away!
“Then what are you going to do about it?” Poppy asked, her voice softening slightly. “Just keep flirting with everyone? That’s not the answer”
“Tim going to show everyone what I can do in the tournament,” Lexplained, feeling mote resolute. “I’ll prove I am more than just his old flame?
“Fine! But don’t say I didn’t warn your“ Poppy replied, rolling her eyes before turning on her heel. I just
i want peace!
“Peace!” Lechoed, my voice thin with disbelief. “You think this is about prace? You started this whole mes!“.
“I can’t believe I’m having this conversation!” Poppy snapped back, storming away from me.
As she disappeared back into the party, I stood there seething. I felt rattled yet very satisfied. This meant I had Poppy scared. It was time I focused on what I wanted. They could have their drama, I would have my moment.
With newfound strength, I rejoined Silver, Mia, and Lila, who were waiting for me near the dance floor.
“Hey, what was that about? You look fired up!” Silver asked, her eyes wide
“Just a little chat with Poppy,” I said, brushing it off. “No big deal”
Just
“Are you sure? You seem really heated,” Lila commented, looking concerned.
