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That has to be it. Because I’m always aware of Leann when she’s around. I’m always careful around her. But students talk.

I don’t think I’ve been too obvious.

But apparently, whatever I’ve done has been enough to garner suspicion.

Staying out of the way works for me today, but there’s still tension with every stomp and huff and look from Leann.

I’m not the only one to earn her ire, either. Sofia takes the brunt of it, but the other students are shooting her looks and rolling their eyes at her behavior, her general attitude.

They were more open with her when she was just self-centered and high-energy. Now, no one seems to want to give her any leniency.

Ryan meanders my way during one of the breaks in shooting. “Is there any way to kick that chick out of the club? She’s annoying as fuck.”

I shake my head at him. “Sorry. Not unless she does something more than having a bad attitude.”

Ryan groans. “No one wants her here, though. I don’t know why she’s sticking around.”

He’s right. She doesn’t seem to want to be here any more than the other students want her here. I have a bad feeling that I know why.

Worry roots deeper.

I leave during a break to grab lunch for the club. Hopefully, my absence will help defuse some of the strain on the group.

But when I return, I see Leann and Sofia talking low, too near each other. Too separate from the rest of the group.

Sofia is taller, towering over Leann with her hands on her hips.

Leann is red in the face, her hands balled into fists like she might throw a punch.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I hastily set the boxes and bags on a nearby table and start toward them, but Collin steps in my way, shaking his head. He looks serious, and I know Sofia can handle herself. She’s the one in charge.

I’ll probably muck it up if I get involved, but my instincts scream to intervene. Taking a deep breath, I stay back with the other students, all of whom are standing there silently, looking at their phones, giving the scene their backs, trying to let Sofia take care of the problem.

How many of them have talked to her about Leann?

Is her inability to do anything formal about it why Ryan came to me today?

Sofia is trying to keep the volume down. They’re already making enough of a scene, and she’s trying to minimize it.

Leann hisses something under her breath, her cheeks so red and her eyes glowing with fury.

I can’t hear it, but Sofia’s response is clear enough for me to catch.

“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, Leann.”

Well, fuck.

24

SOFIA

Fuck. I’m late.

I’m late. I’m late. I’m late.

And I’m running for Cedric’s office. Literally running. I don’t run. Not unless it’s a life or death situation.