Between the Kennedy's death, the kiss, and me killing someone, Brittany had slipped my mind. Maybe I had unconsciously assumed that given the intimate interaction, she wouldn't be a part of the equation anymore. He had said it wasn't serious, that he didn't know where he wanted to take their relationship.
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He failed to mention that she works for Travis too...which inevitably keeps her around in some way shape or form.
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The change in atmosphere makes it abundantly clear that whatever was going on between them definitely hasn't stopped. Her entrance was a pretty good give away too...
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It's best to play it cool, right? Maybe I should keep any of knowledge of me knowing who she is to myself. Judging by the attitude she's wearing so confidently already; I don't want to boost her ego any more. So I do my best to act nonchalant.
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"Nice to meet you." I settle on saying, maintaining an indifferent way about myself.
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"Most people would say otherwise." Brittany replies in a matter a fact tone. She openly gives me a once over, making it slow and analytical.
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"It's true." Malachi agrees, leaning towards the side get closer to me and still sporting that pleased grin. He stands straight up again. "I must say; this is the first time I've ever been okay with your presence. This will make for an interesting weekend."
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Maverick's silence doesn't go unnoticed, neither does the way he's scratching the back of his neck and keeping his focus on the floor.
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Even Malory notices. I'm sure she's very confused about what's going on but can't miss the fact that the vibe is very clearly off.
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Malory intervenes, saying; "The weekend will go great as long as everyone is minding their manners." She hints at Brittany, giving her a warning glance before letting her calming smile return to the group. "Now if you'll excuse us, Brittany; Malachi and Maverick have business to attend to." She waves her hands in a circle in front of her. "You all can finish this up later."
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Let's not do that.
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Maverick, who still had yet to meet Brittany's eye, didn't notice her lingering gaze before disappearing down a hallway.
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"Can you breathe again?" Malachi jokes, chuckling at Maverick who has finally lifted his guilty head up.
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"Only slightly." Maverick jokes back, making it clear that me standing here is still adding to the weight on his shoulders.
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"I don't know what drama you two have stirred up..." Malory begins. "But I highly suggest you don't let it interfere with Travis's plans. You know how Brittany can get." She says the last words in a harsh whisper.
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Malachi puts a hand on his chest. "Oh, I could never take credit for such work, Malory. This was all Maverick's doing." He gives Maverick's arm a slap and then uses his index finger to point at Malory. "Tell her all about it."
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"I-"
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Maverick is interrupted by Malachi. "Fine. If you won't tell her, I will." He states. "So Maverick has been fucking Bri-"
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"Shut the fuck up!" Maverick hisses harshly at the same time that Malory is saying; "That's unnecessary, really."
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It's obvious what Malachi was about to say. Mental images of Maverick and Brittany together run through my head. Conversations about her replay in my head, reminding me that what's going on between them isn't nothing. Maverick has been having feelings for Brittany.
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The only thing missing between the two is a label...
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Unlike Maverick and I who are already labeled as best friends.
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Brittany is steps ahead. She's already got me beat.
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Malory must have put two and two together, realizing that I'm the reason Brittany and Maverick's relationship is such a big deal. She reaches between the two men, taking my hand as she instructs, "Come with me. I'll show you to your room."
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I'm happy to get away from Maverick. The more I think about the unwanted situation, the more jealousy arises that I was trying to keep at bay.
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He's already slept with the girl plenty of times, goes on secret little hangouts. I can just imagine him staying the night with her when he's not at my place or his.
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Has he gone to see her since we kissed?! And why kiss me in the first place if he's already fucking someone else?!
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It makes me wonder if I really matter that little to Maverick, if he doesn't take whatever we have seriously. Is it all in my head? Is it one sided? He has no problem screwing her whenever he wants but I can barely get a lick of attention after one kiss?! What am I supposed to think?
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"I added a few things to the room so you feel more comfortable. A record player and some books." She gives a heart warming look as we reach the top of the staircase. "I heard you struggle with anxiety. Being in new places with strangers probably doesn't help." She gives a short laugh, keeping the tone light.
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I return her look with a soft smile as I follow along side her down the dimly lit hall. "Did Maverick tell you?"
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"Oh, honey, no." She laughs more genuinely. "Malachi did." She clarifies in a tone as if I should've known that already. "He really looks out for you."
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My immediate reaction is to scoff, arching an eyebrow as we turn down another hall.
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Malachi is the reason my life is a big fucking question mark...even more so than before...
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Instead of saying what I'm thinking, I go with ; "Yeah, I seriously doubt that."
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"It's true." She defends her statement. "You know...Malachi doesn't put himself around anyone by choice but Maverick? You're the only other person I've seen him be around in over ten years." She tells me as we stop at a dark brown door.
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Malory doesn't know the only reason for that was to get me to join whatever they call this. So either way, I would still be someone he has to be around.
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"I think Malachi feels obligated to me because I'm friends with Maverick." I tell her in the nicest way possible.
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She laughs as she opens the door, stepping inside the large room. "Oh, you must not know Malachi as well as I thought you did." She swings open the door further, stepping to the side so I can enter. "Malachi is obligated to no one. No one but Travis that is."
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My eyes flicker over at her before taking in the massive bed with maroon bedsheets. There's a chandelier in the bedroom, what the hell?
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"Malachi is one of the most ruthless men I've ever seen." She then adds emphasis when saying, "And I have seen many come and go."
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Malory moves swiftly to the window, drawing the curtains back. "If you knew Malachi the way we do, you'd know him instructing us on what would make you comfortable is a massive change in character." She raises the blinds, adding more sunlight. "He's just prideful and doesn't want to express it to you." She tuts, waving a hand.
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Most of her words go in one ear and out the other, partly because I'm in awe at what they call a bedroom and partly because it all sounds ridiculous to me. Believing Malachi is anything other than a manipulative serial killer would be naive.
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"And don't let Maverick get to you." She turns away from the window, pointing at me. "He's just a boy..." she shrugs sheepishly. "He's has no idea what he's doing. I've never seen someone so contradicting and unsure." She gives a laugh.
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I let out a puff of breath, agreeing with her. "He doesn't know what he wants."
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"You're right." She nods. "Neither of them a good people, Lilliana...but they do have a caring spot in their hearts and if one finds they have place there...they'd do anything to make them happy. I have a feeling you'll learn a good bit about Malachi and Maverick this weekend."
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I don't know if I need to.
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"Anyway..." she laughs lightly and starts for the door. "Make yourself comfortable. If you need anything at all, come find me. Or there's a call box on the wall right here." She points to the wall next to the door. "Someone will be up to get you shortly for your meeting with Travis."
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I give a nod and the best smile I can. "Thank you, Malory."
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"Anytime at all, Lilliana." She replies before closing the door with a soft click behind her.
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