Rancorous

Chapter 13

PRESENT

Brevin

After talking to my uncle over the phone about sealing the architectural deal, I work on my negotiation notes. As soon as Mr. Oneil had responded to my email, I informed my uncle of how the plan was in full throttle. The businessman had been impressed with my work and wanted to discuss specifics as soon as he had the time.

I have to finish these notes soon to send them to my uncle as he so kindly wants to keep me in check.

After half an hour, I head downstairs for a drink. Opening the fridge, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Fishing it out, I unlock it to find a notification of someone at the door.

Viewing the security camera on my phone, it's Daya. I send her a quick text to head on into the kitchen.

"You know, it'd probably be a good idea to start decorating your huge house today for the party tomorrow. It's going to take a while."  She goes for the fridge as soon as she arrives and pulls out a small container of blueberries.

I chug my water. "Reth's on that." I steal some berries from her.

"So, did you need to talk to me or something. We could've texted or talked over the phone." She drops some blueberries in her mouth. "This better be good. I drove thirty minutes to get here."

I chuckle dryly. She's slightly more tolerable when we aren't on school grounds because she unveils her flirtatious act. But only slightly. "Well, that depends on how interesting your story will be." I lean against the counter.

She raises a sharp ginger brow. "My story?"

I narrowe my eyes. "Why do you hate Coval?"

Daya rolls her eyes and sets the small blue fruits on the counter. "Listen, you don't like her either."

"Never said I did."

"Okay, then why are you confronting me?" She crosses her arms defensively.

I run a hand through my hair. "I'm not. I simply want to know why you like to push her buttons."

Putting her hands on her slim waist, she purses her pale pink lips. "I feel like there's a catch."

Tilting my head to the side, I shrug a shoulder. "Then you'd be wise."

She smirks, appearing to take her chances. "Alright big guy. What do you want to know?" Daya picks up her berries again and munches on them.

"Everything." I tuck my tongue against the inside of my cheek. "I'd also appreciate it if you didn't call me that."

"Okay, big guy."

I lift a brow, unamused.

Her smile grows wider. Then, she drops her head, gazing down at the counter.

"I can't believe I'm about to tell you this." She blows out a breath and runs a hand through her red hair.

"Let's go back in time, I think this was around Kindergarten. This may be hard to believe, but I had a tough time making friends. I had no confidence or social skills. Yet, Herlina friended me. She friended a lot of people without even trying. But, that's just who she is, she so effortlessly allures other people." She rolls her eyes. I don't disagree, people naturally gravitate toward her when she walks in a room.

It isn't about her beauty, although she'd always had it in my eyes. It's this inviting, friendly aura she holds around her. It reels you in, without you even knowing. Like a moth to a flame.

"Now, here comes little Brevin in the picture. Around first grade, things changed. Herlina completely cut any ties with me. She stopped talking to me and it was like we were never friends to begin with." Daya presses her lips. "I mean, I understood where she was coming from in a way. I so badly wanted to fit in, I made fun of you just like everyone else. Herlina didn't appreciate it, so she ended our friendship."