Payn

d the victim, the innocent little lamb, made my stomach churn. She was a master manipulator, and

, "this house actually has a pretty state-of-the-art

d, and she looked at Gonzalo, a flicker of panic

what are you talking about?

's peace of mind, you know? It's good to be aware of your surroundings. Especially in a new pl

styled "wellness influencer" composure finally crack

, Amy is just being... Amy. She means well." He turned to me, his voice str

e. The message was clear. Any "unpredic

ve rooms. I'll just sleep on the floor between both doors, okay? That way,

c clap. "Brilliant, Gon

her breath, a reluctant agree

entee'. I heard him tossing and turning for a long time that night. I didn't sleep much either. My mind was racing,

my bedroom window, mocking the chill that s

he called, his voice m

mbled, pulling m

sleeping on the floor. "Morning, Captain. Could you... make us so

, the air still uncomfortably warm despite the early hour. I made

smelling faintly of expensive perfume. She glanced at

e too loud, "oatmeal. I'm not rea

her. "It's plain oatmeal. With a little honey. What kind of breakfast are

ep red. "I... I just meant, I prefer lighter, fresher

t was it, rural Idaho? I distinctly remember you telling me you grew up on canned peaches and inst

ped, her soft voice gone. "You're a

ing facts. And speaking of small, isn't it interesting how people who c

zalo practically leaped to answer it. He retur

heer. "I ordered you some avocado toast and a green juice.

triumphant smirk. "Oh, Gonzalo, you're

pensive, freshly made food. "See, Am

lanned ski trip to Aspen. She held up a flimsy, brightly co

ked, twirling in front of him. "It's

t looks a little thin. Are you sure it'l

me a side-eye. "It's all about the aesthetic, Amy

nowing fully well she'd inevitably 'get cold'. This was another one of her games. I deci

isted on riding shotgun. "Oh, I get so carsick in the ba

you don't mind, do you? Kloe needs to b

her face. "And Gonzalo's front seat is always just

I got into the back seat, buckling up. My gaze lingered on their reflect