Page 89 of All's Fair in Love and Blackmail
“I’m not blaming you,” she says. “I’m truly not. You haven’t treated her badly. Sometimes things just don’t work out. I know that. Even so…” She turns her head to look back through the window. “This is the woman you’re dealing with, deep, deep down. She might seem steady and tough, but she’s still a big softie. You can’t hurt her anymore than you already have. None of us will let you.” She takes a deep breath, and then her gaze finds mine again. “So proceed with caution, because you’re officially walking a fine line.”
I’m sure it’s not the first threat I’ve heard Poppy make, but it’s definitely the most sincere. So I nod.
“Cyrus asked what I was doing tonight, and I told him we were having a party. He didn’t ask anything else, but this isn’t something we do a lot. So he probably knows something’s up.” She pauses. “Don’t lie to him if he asks.”
“I won’t,” I say, the words heavy on my tongue.
Just like that, the relief I felt at stopping Veronda from finding out about India’s wardrobe malfunction is replaced by a new anxiety.
I need to figure out how to tell Cyrus I want to date his sister.
And, even more than that—I need to figure out how to convince India herself.
INDIA
My phone has buzzedthree times in the last hour, and every single time, the caller has been Cyrus.
This is, of course, a bit worrying. So worrying, in fact, that I texted Poppy fifteen minutes ago.
Me
Cyrus keeps calling me. Be honest: Is it an emergency?
Poppy
Nah. You can hide for a bit. But eventually you’re going to have to talk to him.
Me
I would like to live in denial for a little longer.
Poppy
I wish you the best of luck! Let me know if you want me to be there when this conversation inevitably happens.
Me
So…he found out about Felix?
Poppy
Yep.
Me
And…did he find out from you?
Poppy
Yep Sorry, chickadee. I couldn’t lie!!
Me
I would like you to be there. Consider it restitution.
Poppy
I will absolutely uphold my duty to you as the betrayer of your secret.
