Chapter 16 - 20
"I’m here," I inform her with my phone glued to my ear.
"Still waiting in the bathroom."
Grayson sprouts from nowhere. "Avara, hey. My dad told me about your condition," he says, pawing at his throat in gesture. "I hope you feel better soon."
My condition. I nod uneasily, smiling. elastically
"I know I’ll feel pretty good if you’ll come to my dad’s party. Nod if you’re coming, nod twice if you’re definitely coming."
I nod eagerly, my smile extending.
He sticks out his pinkie finger. "Promise?"
I loop my pinkie around his, fixing on a serious look. I squeeze his finger to affirm my promise.
"Avara?"
I bring my phone back to my ear. I reluctantly part ways with Grayson and I sneak to a corner, out of earshot and close to the bathrooms. And I can see a suited Vance posted outside like a sentry on guard duty.
"I’m here, but he’s manning the door. You’re going to have to distract him so I can creep past him without him noticing one Avara coming in when the other one was already there."
She releases a panicked sound, then hangs up. I watch from afar, but still at a perceptible distance. Promptly, Kelsey struts out, caramel skin glowing in the sunlight. Vance turns and pays her his undivided attention.