“There’s something strange going on. It’s like the club doesn’t talk about her at all. None of the guys have said a word. Sounds like trouble.”
Harley sighed and tossed down the sponge in her hand. “If you have any other questions, take them to Snooki. You’ve already been told that.”
Wasn’t hard to figure out they were discussing me.
I’d grown a thick skin with all I’d been through but hearing those things Neveah said still hurt.
This was why I’d been avoiding everyone and staying in Patriot’s room. People liked to gossip and they judged others fast. They were selfish and cruel. I knew that too well.
Since I was still thirsty, I walked to the fridge and opened it, reaching inside for the pitcher. Both girls were silent as I grabbed a glass, filled it with ice and then tea.
“Hey, Naomi. Snooki made fresh sun tea this morning. She said you might like it.”
“Hi, Harley. Yeah, it’s my favorite. No sugar, too. Snooki is the best.”
“She is. I sliced up some lemons. They’re in the white container on the top shelf.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
Once I had my lemons, I lifted my head high and nodded to Harley before leaving the kitchen. On my way out I heard Neveah comment.
“Shit. She heard me.”
“Yep. Wait until Snooki finds out.”
Sighing, I decided it was a good idea to head back to Patriot’s room. Maybe later I could try to join him for dinner with the rest of the club. He stayed with me every night and that didn’t seem fair, especially after what I overheard today.
Shadow was waiting for me, pacing the inside, and practically wearing a hole in the carpet. He seemed relieved when our eyes met until he saw the glass in my hand.
“Fuck. I got sidetracked. Sorry about that.”
Shrugging, I didn’t worry about it. “It’s fine.”
His head tilted to the right as he contemplated my answer. “Can’t say I’m an expert or anything but you don’t seem fine.”
“Ever learn stuff you’re not meant to overhear?”
He snorted, a laugh bubbling out of his chest. “All the damn time.” He pointed to his patch. “Prospect means I live to serve and I don’t know shit but sure get to hear a lot I pretend I don’t.”
“Yeah, that makes sense.”
“What did you overhear?”
Swallowing hard, I was afraid I was going to cry and it pissed me off. I’d become so emotional lately. Never used to be that way.
Ever since Patriot found me, I’d been struggling to deal with my feelings and expressing myself. I’d gone from numb to overwhelmed to confused and second-guessing myself.
“Some of the club girls were talking,” I finally admitted.
“About you?”
Nodding, I shrugged. “It’s not a big deal.”
He frowned. “It is if they upset you.”
I opened my mouth to disagree when Patriot came strolling in. He flashed a smile and I blinked, brushing the conversation with Shadow aside.
“How’s your day, sunshine?”