Clara got back to her place just as the rain started coming down hard. There was a big, uneven boulder at the entrance—perfect for keeping dry. She scooted further inside, the rainforest’s sticky dampness clinging to her clothes. Outside, raindrops hammered the leaves, making a steady, almost soothing racket.
She and Dylan had barely settled in when the others showed up.
Vivian came bursting in, dramatic as ever. “Ugh, where did this downpour come from? Quick, someone get a fire going—I need to dry off!”
The shelter was big enough for everyone, and Clara’s fire was right in the center. Vivian, oblivious as usual, started ordering people to build another fire right next to hers.
Kay spoke up, not even trying to hide her annoyance. “Can you move over a bit?”
Vivian shot a glance at Dylan, her attitude switching to fake-shy in an instant. “No, I want to stay right here.”
Clara was already regretting her decision to stick around—now she was cornered by a bunch of people she had zero patience for. She sighed and just lay down, using Dylan’s knee as her pillow, eyes closed. Out of sight, out of mind.
Vivian’s fire got going a couple meters away, and soon she was glaring at Clara and Dylan, obviously annoyed at how close they were. Vivian couldn’t hold back: “Aren’t you supposed to be Louella’s fiancé? Getting all snuggly with another woman in public—aren’t you worried? Louella’s got a serious jealous streak. You’d better be careful.”
Everyone knew Dylan was a big deal, but the Chester family spoiled Louella rotten. If you ever made her unhappy, your life was basically over.
Clara heard Vivian’s jab and just rolled over, getting even more comfortable on Dylan’s lap. She reached up and playfully pinched his chin.
Dylan glanced at her, then back at the fire, totally unbothered.
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