Chapter 41: A Narrow Encounter
482 Words
Allie Brooks sat at her usual corner table in the bustling cafeteria with Chloe West. They were halfway through their trays when trouble walked in wearing designer heels and a sharp smile.
“Look who it is,” Felicity Montgomery’s voice rang out as she approached, her entourage flanking her like vultures. She stopped directly in front of Allie, her perfectly manicured nails drumming on the table.
“Allie,” Felicity began, her tone oozing false concern, “how’s life as the campus charity project? It must be exhausting keeping up appearances.”
Allie didn’t flinch. “If you’re done practicing for your next villain audition, Felicity, maybe go bother someone who cares?”
Felicity’s smile sharpened. “Oh, I care. Because I heard the juiciest rumor. Are you actually dating Adam Hart, or is this another one of your delusions? Because, honey, you can’t keep playing the tragic heroine forever.”
Chloe stood abruptly, her face flushed with anger. “Back off, Felicity. Allie doesn’t owe you an explanation.”
Felicity ignored her, leaning closer to Allie. “Maybe not to me, but don’t you think Adam deserves to know the truth? Or is honesty not your strong suit?”
The cafeteria had gone silent, all eyes glued to the unfolding drama. Allie’s heart pounded, but she refused to let Felicity see her sweat.
“Felicity,” Allie said, her voice calm but cutting, “you really should get that jealousy problem checked out. It’s not a good look.”
Before Felicity could respond, a voice as smooth as velvet interrupted.
“Allie.”
The room seemed to hold its breath as Adam Hart strode in, his presence commanding every gaze. The crowd parted as he approached, his sharp blue eyes fixed on Allie.
“Adam,” Felicity said, her voice softening, her posture suddenly demure. “You won’t believe what I—”
“I believe I told you to stay out of Allie’s business,” Adam cut in coldly, his gaze never leaving Felicity.
Felicity faltered, her confidence crumbling. “I was just trying to help—”
“You’ve helped enough,” Adam said, his tone brooking no argument. He turned to Allie, his expression softening.
“Come with me. We need to talk.”
Allie hesitated, her eyes darting to Chloe, who gave her a reassuring nod. With a steadying breath, she stood and followed Adam out of the cafeteria, the whispers and stares of the other students trailing behind them.
Once outside, Adam stopped, turning to face her. “Sorry about that,” he said, his voice low. “Felicity’s out of line, as
usual.”
“Is that why you dragged me out here?” Allie snapped, crossing her arms. “To apologize for her?”
“No,” Adam said, his jaw tightening. “There’s something else. My mother wants to meet you.”
- Writer
