Free Losing to Win by Michele Grant

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    â€œWell, now you’ve jinxed it,” I moaned. Before the words had completely dissolved, Suzette got up and walked over to me.
    â€œCan we talk for a minute? Alone without your cheerleaders,” she snapped out with way more hostility than I could understand.
    â€œWhy must she always be so nasty?” Taylor muttered.
    I raised up my hands to quash anything before it started. I didn’t like Suzette, but Taylor absolutely couldn’t stand her. Said she wouldn’t know a genuine act if it was stamped and tattooed on her ass. “Sure.” I got up and walked to Ruby’s office in the back. After she followed me in, I shut the door. “What’s up?”
    â€œI just want you to know that I’m not going to be putting up with your shit this time around.” Her dark eyes snapped with barely restrained acrimony.
    â€œWhat shit? This time? Huh? I beg your pardon?” My eyebrows jumped up as I had no idea what she was talking about.
    â€œIn the sixth grade we were both up for the lead role in Our Town and you stole it from me. Don’t think I don’t know how you really won those pageants. I’m sick of being your understudy because you cheat and lie to get what you want.”
    â€œSixth grade and pageants, huh? Still hanging onto that. And yet, here you are in a supporting role in a show about me.”
    â€œYou like to act like you’re the favorite daughter of Belle Haven and whatever, but I’m not going to let you treat me any old way on this show. I am a grown woman with talents and accomplishments of my own that I can showcase, thank you very much.”
    â€œSuzette, contrary to your beliefs, I had no idea you were coming back to town. I had no idea that this show was going to happen. Feel free to showcase whatever the hell you’d like. I have no intention of treating anyone poorly. If anything, you and I have had misunderstandings in the past, and while I’m sorry for those, I’m willing to let all that go so we can get through this show with some class.”
    â€œYou’re a two-faced attention ho and I just wanted to let you know where I stand.”
    So much for class. “Attention ho?” I took a deep breath and let it out. I wasn’t going there with her tonight. “Whatever, Suzette. Why don’t we just stay out of each other’s way as much as possible? As soon as the show’s done we can go back to ignoring each other, how’s that?”
    â€œSuits me just fine. Just because you lost your man and got fat doesn’t mean we’re here to kiss your ass.”
    I shook my head in confusion. She wasn’t exactly a featherweight herself, but slinging mud wouldn’t get us out of this room any faster. “I’m certainly not here to tell you what to kiss. You enjoy your dinner.” I swung the door open and headed back to the table.
    â€œI see you still think you get the last word,” she hissed as she walked past.
    I sat down at the table and took a generous sip of my drink. “As God is my witness, I promise we’ll try and get through this with some dignity.”
    â€œAnd thinner thighs. All this bullshit is only worth it if we net thinner thighs out of the deal, right?” Niecy asked as I raised the glass Ruby had just refilled. “To thinner thighs!”
    As glasses were raised, I met Jordy’s glance. He tipped his glass in my direction. At the end of the table, Mal raised his water glass and sent me a smile chock full of prurient intent. Uh-oh. I might be in some trouble here. I drank deeply from the glass again and turned my attention back to Taylor and Mac, where all was safe and drama free.

7
    Already a pain in the ass
    Malachi—Tuesday, May 24—4:14 a.m.
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    â€œG ood morning, Mr. Knight,” A strange male voice said from the door of my bedroom. Not the best way to wake up.
    I opened up one eye and glanced first at