“You-!” Rosita, ever the drama queen, held herself back at the last second, her curse dying in her throat. The next moment, the call cut off.
Briony calmly saved a recording of the conversation.
She’d hit record the instant she saw Rosita’s name flash on the screen. Dealing with Rosita was like swatting at a persistent fly–annoying, gross, impossible to ignore, but ultimately harmless. For a while, Briony had thought simply keeping her distance would be enough. But lately, she’d realized people like Rosita never took a hint; the more you ignored them, the bolder they got.
So, Briony had decided she wouldn’t stay silent anymore. Not that she’d stoop to Rosita’s level and start a feud–she didn’t have the energy for petty drama. But as the saying goes, play with fire and you’ll eventually get burned.
She was sure of it: Rosita’s comeuppance would come soon enough.
That evening, Briony had plans to meet Stella for dinner.
Stella’s car pulled up outside just before six. James was with her.
Spotting James lounging in the backseat, Briony buckled herself into the passenger seat and turned around. “Feeling better?”
“Was discharged today!” James declared with pride, chin held high. “Dr. Clarke said my recovery was nothing short of miraculous!”
Briony grinned. “That’s the perk of being young–fast healing.”
“Exactly!” James leaned forward eagerly. “So, what’s for dinner tonight? I’ve been living on bland hospital food for weeks. Tonight, I want real food. Meat. Lots of it!”
Stella chimed in, “How about that bistro we went to last time? Both of you need something nourishing–one just out of the hospital, the other expecting. Their menu’s perfect.”
Briony nodded. “I’m good with anything.”
“I’ll defer to Bryn,” James announced magnanimously. “Our goddaughter’s needs come first!”
Stella rolled her eyes at him in the rearview mirror. “What if it’s a boy?”
“Don’t jinx it!” James shot back, scandalized. “I’m sure it’ll be a girl–actually, they’ll all be girls, and just like Bryn!”
Briony and Stella exchanged a look, stifling laughter.
Stella couldn’t resist teasing, “If all the babies turn out to be boys, Mr. Delaney will be devastated, huh?”
“Stella!” James protested, “Don’t say that–knock on wood!”
Their laughter filled the car, the mood light and easy thanks to James’s antics.
At the restaurant, the three settled into a private booth and browsed the menu. It wasn’t a weekend, so the food arrived quickly.
James dug in with gusto, barely pausing to talk. It was obvious his hospital stay had left him craving a proper meal.
“In two days, I’ll be off to the middle of nowhere on assignment,” Stella groaned, picking at her fork.
Briony paused. “You’re leaving that soon?”
“What do you mean, ‘you too‘?” Stella frowned. “Where are you going?”
1/2
19:56
Chapter 226
“I’m off to Silveridge,” Briony explained, glancing at James. “My professor recommended me for a documentary shoot about cultural heritage.”
“I heard,” James said, swallowing a bite of steak. “It’s a national project–fantastic opportunity! Don’t worry about the studio, I’ll keep an eye on things here.”
Briony had worried James might object, but his easygoing response was reassuring.
“So you’re filming for the National Cultural Heritage Board?” Stella asked, her eyes shining with excitement. “Does this mean you’re about to get famous?”
Briony laughed. “Hardly. It’s just a documentary, not my big break.”
“Still beats what I’m doing!” Stella sighed. “I can’t even enjoy my food, knowing I’ll be stuck in the mountains for a week.”
“How long will you be gone?” Briony asked.
“At least a week.” Stella took a sip of tea. “Honestly, I don’t want to go, but Quentin asked me personally. I couldn’t say no. The only upside is Dr. Clarke’s going too–at least I’ll have one familiar face around.”
“If Dr. Clarke will be there, I’m relieved,” Briony said.
Stella shot her a puzzled look. “Why’s that? Don’t tell me you secretly expect something from Cedric Clarke?”
Briony gave her a knowing glance. Stella was completely oblivious to Dr. Clarke’s feelings, but Briony decided not to say more; some things people just needed to figure out for themselves.
Besides, Stella had never been interested in romance, and Briony knew that for Stella, hearing about Dr. Clarke’s feelings would only be a burden. Better to let things unfold naturally.
The rainy season had arrived.
On the day of departure, a steady drizzle pounded the city.
Before boarding, Briony called Stella. Stella was just getting on her shuttle bus; once everyone was on board, they’d be off.
“Be careful in the mountains,” Briony reminded her. “The weather’s awful lately. Don’t go out at night, and during the day, stick with your team–no wandering off alone, promise me?”
“Alright, alright! You sound more nagging than my mother,” Stella said with a laugh. “Gotta go, the bus is leaving.”
“Okay.”
Briony ended the call, pocketed her phone, and headed toward the security checkpoint.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning split the sky, the rain intensifying in an instant.
She paused, glancing outside. Cars huddled near the curb, wipers swishing furiously, while travelers dashed for the terminal.
Briony stood motionless, her eyelid twitching inexplicably, a strange sense of unease settling over her.
19:56
