Page 99 of Shiny Things

I could hear him chuckling as Gia hung up on him. Then she looked at me with determination in her eyes.

“Even if I have to kidnap you, we are doing this. So get your ass in the elevator, Kimberly.”

I groaned. I knew that when Gia set her mind to something, there was no changing it. Begrudgingly I did as she asked.

We weren’t even out of the building yet when we ran into Novaleigh. She crossed her arms over her chest and smirked at the two of us.

“Isn’t this cute finding you two around here. So, who’s throwing the next big soiree and having Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber catering it?”

“That would be my Aunt Ginny,” Gia said sweetly.

She started to sputter. “What? I hadn’t heard. And she doesn’t live here, so what are you doing here?”

“You do know the Davenports own this building, right?”

“I know.”

“You do?” I said.

“Wedo,” Gia emphasized.

“I’d think your family would want to keep the trash out of here then,” she said, looking down her nose at me.

I sighed, used to the abuse and knowing better than to speak up because it just made things worse.

“Come on Gia. Let’s go.”

“Yes, please do,” Novaleigh said mockingly. “Oh, but Gia, do me a favor and put a good word in for me with your brother.”

“And why would I do that?”

“Because he’s becoming quite the popular man around town and needs a good strong mate on his arms.”

She snorted. “So why would I recommend you then? And seriously, Ryan’s no more popular now than he was before.”

“I’m not talking about Ryan.”

“Well Dean’s a little young for you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Elias, you moron. I’m talking about Elias.”

I could feel a guttural sound stirring within me.

“Trust me when I say you don’t stand a chance there.”

“Whatever. I’ll just swing up and bring him dinner myself then. Trust me I know what a man like him wants.”

My anger subsided and all I could do was laugh.

“Come on Gia. I think we have some shopping to do.”

She gave me a confused look but then shrugged.

“Yeah, come on.”

“Good luck, Novaleigh,” I said sweetly.

When we were out of ear’s reach, Gia grabbed my arm and turned on me.