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I’m a horrible person.
“Are you okay?” She touches my arm. “You got quiet all of a sudden.”
I force a smile. “Have you had breakfast?”
“It’s ten o’clock, Shanel. Why are you just having breakfast?”
Because Hawk kept me up all night.
My chest does that aching thing again. It’s like a stone skipping into my heart and falling into an abyss of darkness.
“Let’s eat anyway.” I force a light-hearted chuckle. “It’s always a good time for pancakes.”
Catherine falls into the chair and glances around. “This place is really Hawk’s?”
“All of it.”
“I didn’t know he was rich-rich. It’s weird seeing how the other side lives.” She giggles. “I’m a little jealous.”
That’s your inner voice telling you that this is supposed to be you. You’re supposed to be in my chair. You’re the main lead.
My fingers start trembling. “I’m sorry, Catherine.”
“Sorry?” She chuckles. “For what?”
“Taking your place.”
“Huh?” Her eyebrows scrunch.
“Nothing.”
I turn the topic to school, feeling grateful when Catherine grabs that thread of conversation and runs with it.
I pick at my food.
Wait for the guilt to fade.
It doesn’t.
My stomach aches from the stress.
Rising in discomfort, I tell her, “I’ll be right back.”
“Are you alright? You look kind of sick.”
“I’m fine. Just need to use the bathroom.” I head back inside.
Linda bumps into me on the way. “If you’re looking for Hawk, he’s in the shower.” Her lips twitch. “I’m to tell you that you’re welcome to join him if you and Catherine are done talking.”
I shake my head.
She laughs. “Figures. That boy is something else.”
I give her a pained smile and rush down the hallway.
My stomach cramps are getting worse.
I slam the bathroom door shut and throw up everything I ate for breakfast.
