Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Chapter 12 Kylie a on a sweet ride and planned to cruise out tomorrow. But as she hit the pavement, her phone buzzed with a from Jasmine Craig’s mother. “Kylie, hon, how’s You’ve been MIA at the hospital. voice was all smiles, but Kylie wasn’t buying the act. heart sank. She remembered how she’d a regular in Jasmine’s hospital room in her last offering like daughter. The other had no idea they weren’t related. But that was all a facade. Jasmine had known Craig Melanie’s secret affair the whole time. After amputation, Jasmine had made it clear over the phone that Kylie never good enough son, and now, with her disability, she was even so. The call had been brutal, a stark contrast to the sweet Jasmine. It had cut deep, leaving Kylie in tears. now she was done being hurt. “Jazz, let’s cut the chase. Craig and 1 are over. Don’t hit the up again. ” Kylie’s words were blunt, she ended the call before Jasmine could even stutter. Jasmine left there, phone in hand, like a headlights. who used be all has iced me out? What gives? her head, fired off a voice to Craig. I just got ghosted by Kylie. She says it’s between you two. What’s the 411?” Craig was restaurant, fork halfway to with when his phone lit Jasmine’s message. stomach dropped. Kylie, was always about his shadow, had just thrown in the towel. What had flipped her Trevor taking in the night view from the Opulence Hotel’s top–floor suite when a knock on the door the silence. Zach barged in, his eyes with mix of excitement and fear. Walters, you gotta hear this. dead on about that pearl pendant–it’s stolen property!” He’d done some snooping, the truth was more chilling than fiction. The pendant’s previous owner had been taken out by some heavy–duty poison. was a dark chapter that the pendant had been changing its color to an black and purple before it was cleaned up to its vibrant pearl. Zach’s voice was shaky, he rubbed as if to ward a chill. “This thing’s got bad juju, man. It’s been a total Trevor exhaled a cloud of smoke, his gaze steady. “If says to it, that’s what do. “Already care of, Zach said, a hint of in voice. I it no questions asked. This pendant’s not worth the it brings. Kylie raced up the driveway of Walters residence in her new electric car, her pulse racing. distress call from Noreen, who feeling well all. As as Kylie arrived, she tossed her to Grant, the and hurried into the house. Inside, she found Trevor, looking sharp a white shirt that accentuated shoulders and long legs. glanced over when she came in, his look a lot cooler than his for his grandmother. Kylie the frown on forehead. She suddenly remembered still in workout clothes. Chapter 12 from her last–minute dash out of Liam’s shop, now decorated with unflattering splotches. She took a quick inventory of her appearance before looking up. “How’s Noreen?” Trevor’s was clipped. upstairs resting. Kylie didn’t time to thaw his frosty demeanor. With a nod to Trevor, she took the stairs two at a time, heavy with worry Noreen. But Trevor flagged her down. “Well, Ms. he said, serious. “We gotta chat before you go see Grandma. pivoted, eyebrow arched in curiosity. “Lay it me, then. not doing hot, she wants to a few days, he dropped the news, his face etched with sincerity. Kylie her head, cool as a cucumber. sweat, I’m cool with that. But Trevor dropped a bombshell. “She’s asking us to share a room. almost hit the floor. “I–I’ll talk to her,” she stammered, her eyes as wide as saucers. “Let’s just do it. The doctors say emotions can’t take too many ups and downs, so we need to keep up appearances for her,” Trevor said, like he was reading from a script. “But I promise all an act, no feelings involved. And that, he was up the stairs, leaving Kylie to chew on his words. She stood there for a beat, and then let out a laugh. This was all a game, and as long as it scored points with she was in. Trevor’s little disclaimer non–existent love probably his way they in the friendzone. But he didn’t need to fret about her getting heart–eyed. She on the same wavelength. It was all just part of the gig. Kylie bounded up the stairs, spotting a fragile on the bed. “Hey, greeted with a gentle smile. Noreen, hearing the sweet tone, waved Trevor was a bothersome fly. “Kylie, over here, sugar. Trevor, feeling as as a screen door on a submarine, tried to keep his cool “How you doing, Noreen? Anything else that’s bothering you?” Kylie her voice as as a lullaby. Noreen gave a shake of her head, her voice barely a whisper. I’m hanging there; just a bit wiped out. Seeing you two makes my day a lot brighter “Is head acting up? I give you massage. Back the day. Felicia to it when I massaged her head. Let go up real quick,” Kylie added, slipping out of the to clean her hands. Trevor’s brow lifted, his as plain as day. Kylie was trying a bit too hard, and he was on to her game. As Kylie left, Noreen turned to Trevor, sly smile on lips. This one’s a keeper… Don’t mess this up. and Noreen faked a snooze. “I’m feeling a bit sleepy. Kylie, Trevor’s been having these headaches. Why don’t give a massage?” froze, not expecting that curveball. Trevor just as surprised by his grandmother’s sudden suggestion. “Grant, take notes. Kylie’s got magic hands. you’ve learned her moves, you my personal masseur,” Noreen said, playfully drawing into the mix.