Something you didn't know before. Chad had said it like he was the villain in a horror movie.
I gave him a blank expression; my mind constructing a barrier of defense and my spine crawling with anticipation. "What?" I asked carefully, regretting opening my mouth in the first place when I heard the small tremor. I hoped he didn't notice.
Chad hesitated, bringing his hand to his forehead in frustration. "Gabe…doesn't like you. Not even as a friend, Sonny!" His blue eyes were deep with worry. "When he was gone…I went through his stuff…"
"You went through his stuff?!" I shrieked. In havoc, the words tore from my throat without reason. I didn't really care if he did. All I cared about was if Chad could be telling the truth or not.
Chad looked like a deer in headlights, as he scrambled to answer me. "Yeah. I had to see what he was up to. He was acting suspicious."
I blinked again threatening tears.
"I found a whole bunch of high-tech cameras and pictures and notes and stuff. Truth is, he's trying to hurt you, Sonny."
"Or maybe you're the one who's hurting me," I squeaked, feeling my heart swell inside my chest.
"No, just listen," he told me, raising his voice slightly. "He works for some scum ball that thrives on ruining celebrities' carriers by making them look stupid or having them admits to something people would frown upon."
"He's after…me? How do you know?"
"Everything I saw had 'blackmail Sonny' written all over it. So…pretty sure he's not looking for Grady."
"I can't believe this!"
"Right? I was surprised too, knowing he's not after someone more successful." He plucked at the hem of his collar. "Like me."
I punched him as hard as she could in the arm. "No!" I screeched. Tears pin-pricked at my cheeks. "You're an idiot, Chad! Making up that whole story just—just so you could frame Gabe and…get the lead role in the play to boost your carrier!"
He reached out for my arm. "Sonny. That's it at all…"
Struggling out of his grip, I gathered my fingers into a fist so my nails bit into the palm. I hit him again. "Shut-up! You were insane to think I'd actually believe you."
I left him holding his right arm in pain, as I ran up the beach. Feeling his lingering gaze on my back, stopping to catch my breath was out of the question.
Moonlight teasing the cresting waves was the only light I had to guide my path. Too flustered to be spellbound, I kept running.
And running.
Until my lungs were nearly crashing through my chest.
I had to stop, so I did.
The sounds of the night—crickets, the night breeze over the water, my own breathing—were calming for a while.
It was quiet enough to think.
Think about what Chad had said to me. What if he had been telling the truth?
Not possible.
What if he lying?
Would Chad scheme something like that?
In an instant, none of that mattered.
I felt impact.
My head spinning so fast, I was on the verge of throwing up.
Sand churning in my teeth.
Water swirling in my nose and mouth; choking me.
Then blackness.
Hope you liked the drama and suspense…tell me what you think. I love reviews!
If anyone has anything they'd like to see in up coming chapters…I'll be opened to suggestions:)
