Lies We Tell

12 : Operation Nope

A sense of uncertainty washed over Zahra, and she was wary as she replied cautiously, "What kind of operation?"

Priya leaned in conspiratorially. "Doesn't it seem a little odd to you how quickly Hope and Noah got so serious? I mean, they're tight like that." She crossed her fingers.

"They've found what they wanted already," Rahim argued quietly. "So what?"

Bobby frowned. "I find it kind of suspicious, too. They lay it on so thick, it's almost like a performance. Zahra, thoughts?"

Zahra was hesitant to answer. She knew, somehow, that this would be spun to reflect her badly regardless of what she said. "No comment."

Priya tugged on Zahra's arm. "Please."

Knowing her friend wouldn't drop it until she was satisfied, Zahra sighed and looked around the lawn to where Hope and Noah were stretched out in the sun, all tangled up in each other. "They have moved pretty fast," she said finally, "but maybe it's working well for them that way."

"Obviously they're happy," Priya agreed with a nod, "or else they wouldn't still be together." She dropped her voice, leaning in more. Her expression screamed I've got a plan. "But what if they could be happier with other people?"

Now Zahra really felt uneasy. "Priya-"

"Hear me out," her friend interrupted. "I think we should test them, see if they're actually for real."

"I think that's just asking for trouble," Zahra admitted honestly.

Priya remained unflinching. "Someone needs to try to turn Noah's head. Lottie won't do it because of girl code, and you know all Marisol will do is run her mouth to Hope, so that leaves just you and me." She lifted her eyebrows. "Will you do it?"

Zahra glanced over at Rahim. "You're okay with this?"

He shrugged, clearly uncomfortable. "It's just a test, right?"

Priya ran her hand across his cheek, smiling softly. "Of course, babes. I'm only looking at you." She leaned in and kissed him gently.

"Think of it this way," Bobby chimed in. "We can really get under Hope's skin."

Zahra frowned. "I still don't see how that's a good idea." That, and she was also thinking of Lucas. They were nowhere near exclusive or at all serious, but she didn't want to ruin her chances with him over one lousy experiment. Shooting Priya an apologetic smile, she turned her down. "Sorry, babes."

Priya pouted but didn't argue. "Don't worry about it, hun. I'll just have to see what kind of damage I can do on my own. Just don't tell anyone about this, yeah?"

Zahra nodded. Bobby raised his fist and began chanting, first low but eventually gaining volume. "Operation Nope! Operation Nope! Nope! Nope! Nope!"

"Bobby."

<><><><><>

Hope was mad.

Zahra didn't know the details of what happened, but apparently the power couple of the Villa had had their first big lover's spat. Hope had stormed off to the roof terrace, and Noah had disappeared somewhere else in the Villa.

Priya had also disappeared.

Zahra kept her distance from it all, spending her day mostly with Lottie and Gary, until she finally retreated into the Villa to use the bathroom. On her way back out, she caught sight of a light on in the living room and, unthinkingly, poked her head around the corner.